(Batesville, IN) – Batesville City Council approved a $60-thousand Belterra Fund request from People Assisting Animals in Need (PAAIN) on Monday night.
PAAIN President Judy Behlmer told council they want to improve and expand animal control efforts within the city limits.
These include the purchase of two more indoor/outdoor dog runs, heating and air conditioning, hot water, a sink with a drain, and a washer/dryer hookup to clean animal bedding and towels.
Behlmer says these are needed because they’ve seen an uptick the past three to four years in the number of animals held at the city animal control facility.
“I don’t feel like this is an off the wall request because this has been going on for while. I initially will tell you as a co-founder of the organization, I’ve lived in Batesville all my life. My eyes are open,” Behlmer said. “We have an animal problem in this area. There’s a lot of strays and abandoned animals. We are trying to do the best we can with probably six active volunteers in our organization.’
Council voted 3-0 in favor of the request. Two council members were not present for Monday night’s session.
PAAIN has served the Batesville community for the past 24 years in finding forever homes and rescuing stray or abandoned dogs and cats.
