Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter

 

 

             Many Lansing residents are familiar with the Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS). CAHS is a local non-profit whose primary mission is to encourage the proper treatment of companion animals, such as cats and dogs, through educating the public, helping orphaned animals find a forever home,  providing for spay and neutering, and leading through good example. However, much of the public may be less familiar with the great work Ingham County Animal Control (ICAC) has done. While the organizations are similar there are some key distinctions to make. The ICAC is a tax-funded county entity that is responsible for all animals in Ingham County, Mich. They are required to take in all companion animals, no matter their condition. In addition to adopting and fostering the animals, they have enforcement officers who deal directly with stray animals and animal cruelty cases on a daily basis.

 

            From horses to dogs, ICAC deals with the good, the bad and the ugly. Recently, two dogs were found tied to a tree left to die close to Hewes Lake DNR Reserve near Dansville. Unfortunately the dogs were not found in time to save them and were already badly decomposed. It was then ICAC’s responsibility to report the situation to authorities to make sure who ever committed this terrible act was held responsible. The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) and ICAC teamed up to offer a reward for information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible. They are still looking for answers.

 

            Despite their differences, CAHS and ICAC share common goals and often work together to achieve those goals. Last year, the ICAC got a tip about an animal hoarder. In total 1 dog and 38 cats were found. Of course, ICAC did not have the capability to take in all of the cats. At that point, MHS took in 15 cats and CAHS took 5 of the cats. The homeowner was able to clean up the mess and keep 2 cats and the dog. All other cats were adopted and placed in good homes. A success story at its best.

 

            Both CAHS and ICAC do important work for the mid-Michigan area and its residents. While their missions remain the same, their organizations are fundamentally quite different. But this doesn’t mean they cannot work together for the betterment of local animals in need. Stories such as these are positive proof of the great work these organizations do.  

 

 

                                                                              - Written by MSU student, Ally Caldwell in partnership with Hubbell Connections 

                                                                                       (MSU's nationally-affiliated, student-run public relations agency)