Update on Somerset Humane Society as it looks to raise money

In December officials with the Humane Society of Somerset County said they were over capacity and could no longer take in animals.

“We're doing a little bit better,” volunteer board member for the humane society Jennifer Matassa said.

She said the shelter can hold 32 dogs and between 30 and 40 cats at a time. They are around those marks, but not over them right now according to Matassa.

“But it's constant. As soon as we adopt some out, we get in more strays or more neglected animals,” Matassa said. “It's just like the wheel turning constantly animals coming in, in need.

Officials with the shelter said the rise in animals coming through the door is not the only battle they are fighting. They said a yearly budget that they would like to keep around a half a million dollars, but expect to go over, is also an obstacle.

“Our budget goes up every single year and it's a struggle,” Matassa said. “We have to keep coming up with new ways to raise money and look to the generosity of the people of our community.”

Donations are the primary form of funding for the shelter officials said.

On Sunday they hosted their annual “It’s a Purrse Party” event. A raffle for a chance to win some designer purses is included in the event looking to help fund the humane society.

Officials with the shelter said volunteering and adopting animals are ways to help for those that cannot help financially.

For more information on the shelter visit its website.

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfqr2lrdOeZKimXai8rrHRrJytZZiquqK6xGaqqJuZmsG6ecCsZKKsXaG8sLfSZquoZaKWtrSxjKamp52p