Humane Society to Again Pick Up South Whitehall Strays

The Lehigh County Humane Society is once again picking up South Whitehall's stray dogs and cats.

Township commissioners this month voted unanimously to return to the Humane Society for animal control services, just to contract with the Sanctuary at Haafsville in Upper Macungie.

Manager Jon Hammer would not specify why the township would no longer use the Sanctuary, saying only that the Humane Society would best serve the township's needs. Before choosing not to renew its contract with the Humane Society in 2011, the township had relied on that organization for animal control services for 19 years.  

At the time of the switch, township officials did not give a reason for leaving the Humane Society, though the Sanctuary's fees were to be considerably lower. (The Sanctuary's fees were to be capped at $3,900 each year.) However, the Sanctuary was not yet state-certified at the time and strays had to first be housed in Berks County for 48 hours.

Under the new contract, which was pro-rated, the township will pay the Lehigh County Humane Society $9,280 for its services this year. Services include 24-hour emergency pickup for sick or injured stray animals, boarding, veterinary care and animal placement.