Lassen Humane Society extends membership deadline through September, holds annual meeting/election Nov. 13

If you’re an animal lover, you might want to consider joining the Lassen Humane Society. The LHS has extended its annual membership drive through the end of September.

According to the LHS, “All monies we receive go into supporting the animals of Lassen County. Whatever you can contribute will be greatly appreciated more than you will know.”

The society provides funding for the spay and neutering of Lassen County animals through the Combined Dog/Cat Spay/Neuter Assistance Program. In 2023, the society provided more than 1,100 spays and neuters due to the increased support given to the Feral cats Community and the adding of a Dog Spay/Neuter Program in 2022.

Membership level options

• Individual $10.
• Family $25.
• Sustaining $100.
• Sponsor $250.
• Life $500.

Membership and donations can be mailed to Lassen Humane Society, PO Box 1575, Susanville CA 96130 (checks please, no cash). Click here to pay with PayPal.

Rick Grentzer, LHS secretary, said the society is asking the community for its support. He said he became involved because someone asked to him to join, so he wanted to extend a similar invitation to members of the community.

Volunteers
He also said the organization is asking for volunteers and many people say, “Well nobody asked me, so that’s why I never volunteer.” Grentzer is asking the community to volunteer to help with events.

History
According to its website, the Lassen Humane Society was formed in 1985 by a handful of dedicated volunteers who engaged in the challenge of advocacy for Lassen County animals. Since then, much progress has been made, but challenges remain and the efforts continue. LHS sometimes receives funding from grants which we write ourselves; however, they are unreliable and hard to get. Our more consistent funding comes from annual fundraisers, memberships and donations. We receive no federal, state or local funding. All monies we raise or receive go right back into our Lassen County communities.

LHS board meetings are open to the public and are regularly scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month, at 5:15 p.m. at 707 Nevada St., Susanville inside the Board of Supervisor’s Boardroom.

This year’s LHS officers include Ken Bunch, president, Bre Glass, vice president, Rick Grentzer, secretary, Laura Dennis, treasurer and directors Brandy Wilder and Chris Todd.

Spay and neuter subsidy program
According to the LHS, the program has spayed or neutered 753 animals so far this year. In July, the LHS treated 124 animals (55 cats, including two out the area, nine feral cats and two shelter cats as well as 46 dogs, including two shelter dogs and 10 emergencies).

According to the LHS, “As we look forward to 2025 there are a great many new opportunities open to our organization.  In addition to reestablishing our traditional fundraising events, we obtained for Lassen County a grant from UC Davis Veterinary School especially for DC-SNAP (DogCat-SpayNeuter Assistance Program). We are facing a pivotal time and need dedicated members to participate.”

The 2024 annual election meeting — with voting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. — will be held Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the Lassen County Board of Supervisors Chamber, 707 Nevada St., Susanville, to elect the board leadership that will undertake setting the goals and direction for the Humane Society. As always, every member in good standing — one who has paid their dues for the 2024-2025 year (dues year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025) — has the opportunity to vote in the election. A general membership meeting will be held at 6 pm. Following the election.

Want to be a board member?
Members in good standing may apply for a seat on the Board, if interested. Send your request to LassenHumaneSociety@yahoo.com for consideration. Nominations close Oct. 1, 2024.

Lassen Humane Society meetings  are open to the public at 5:15 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month in the Supervisors Chambers.

For more information, call the LHS at (530) 257-4555 or click here to go to the LHS website.