RISON - Rison Paws For A Cause, an all-volunteer animal rescue group based in Rison, has announced it has addressed some issues brought up on social media by a former volunteer, and the group plans to continue its effort to rescue animals.
The group said in a statement given to the Herald that rescuing animals off the streets, improving their health and finding them homes has been the goal of Rison Paws For A Cause since the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization was formed in 2019.
In recent weeks, concerns regarding the rescue were circulated on social media from a former volunteer and members of the community. Some of the posts dealt with the conditions at the shelter, located in a city-owned kennel on Well Road in Rison.
Editor's Note: When asked to discuss concerns regarding the rescue and ADH reports for this article in The Herald, the former volunteer declined to comment.
Terry Paul, Environmental Health Branch Chief with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), said he has visited the rescue to review any possible sanitary concerns. He said the rescue organizers are “cooperating and trying their best,” noting they have followed all guidelines given.
ADH Public Health Information Officer Danyelle McNeill confirmed all concerns brought to the attention of the state’s public health veterinarian have been addressed and were also referred to the Department of Agriculture’s Veterinarian Medicine Licensing Board.
McNeill said ADH provided the Paws For A Cause with basic information on best practices, including nationally recognized guidelines for standards of care in animal shelters.
ADH also coordinated with the Arkansas State Animal Control Association, though Rison Paws For A Cause is not an animal control agency. They have provided resources for animal care in rescue settings.
Rison Paws For A Cause has worked to improve the city-owned kennel since it began usi...
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