Homeless pets have nowhere to go: Kennel crackdown leaves animals in jeopardy

June 18, 2011 • Rescue • by Guest Writer

The Animal Rescue Alliance (TARA), an all-volunteer organization that has saved the lives of countless dogs and cats pulled from high-kill animal shelters in Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, and Independence, is losing the kennel space it rents to board dogs on their way to forever homes.

TARA is mostly foster home based but has leased a building at a boarding facility in order to save more animals. Since 2007, TARA has rescued and adopted out more than 1,000 homeless dogs and cats.

In May, the Missouri Department of Agriculture came out to inspect the property and cited numerous violations. TARA’s landlord refused to fix the problems, and since the kennels will not pass state inspection, TARA must move out this month.

The group is trying to raise $75,000 on its website (www.tarasdream.org) by the end of June to put toward a new facility, but so far has raised only $600. “We’re in a bind,” says TARA board president Virginia Keithley. “Most of our money goes toward dog and cat food, medicine, and fees to pull homeless pets out of area shelters. We have found a building that may work for us, but it will require repairs and remodeling first, which are expensive and time-consuming.”

In the meantime, TARA needs foster homes or adoptions for the 13 boarded dogs before the end of the month. “We have lab mixes, shepherd mixes—all very friendly,” says Keithley. “Any one of them would make a great family dog.” TARA has cut the adoption fees of the boarded dogs in half to $75, which includes spaying or neutering, microchipping, vaccinations, heartworm preventive, and a two-week trial.

To make a tax-deductible donation to help save TARA, visit www.tarasdream.org. You’ll also find more information about the dogs and cats available for adoption, and learn about fostering and other volunteer opportunities.

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