Jennifer Evans, founder of the Henry County Animal Initiative, said her group has helped to spay and neuter more than 500 animals since its inception four years ago.

Still, she said her work is only just beginning. While she is proud of the Initiative’s impact on the problem of animal overpopulation locally, she said there is more to be done due to the county’s growth in recent years.

“I’ve given some residents hope, but we’ve had so many people move into our county that we can’t keep up with the numbers,” she said.

The Animal Initiative held a Pancakes and Pups fundraiser June 10 at Heritage Park in McDonough. The event raised $3,355.25 for the initiative and the Henry County 4-H Dog Club.

“It was a sweet opportunity, joining two organizations together for the kids and the animals,” said Evans, who is also a dog-club leader for the county. “We want to make it an annual spring fundraiser.”

The Initiative and the Dog Club, said Evans, will divide the proceeds to assist low-income families with spay and neuter programs for dogs, as well as trap/neuter/return options for feral cats.

“We provide information and assistance for spay/neuter of resident pets, training for TNR of feral cats, assist with small medical bills when funding is available, along with providing outreach and counseling for pet related issues,” said Evans.
Evans described the Initiative as a “humane education resource,” particularly for low-income families with domestic animals and feral cats.

“There are so many people who just don’t know what to do as far as spay and neuter options and financial assistance,” she said. “The battle is in humane education. I am a firm believer that education is key, and spay/neuter is the answer.”

“That’s why we do the spay-and-neuter in these low income areas, so we can control the pet population in our county,” continued Evans. “I only work in Henry County. I don’t work anywhere else, because I firmly believe we have to clean up our own back yard first.”

Evans said she is grateful for the support the Initiative has received from local residents over the years.

“It’s been fantastic,” she said. “We have many dedicated supporters and around 20 volunteers.”

Evans added that the dog club, which meets monthly, will use its portion of the funds to help with student dues, dinner and supplies for its meetings.

Evans said the Initiative will hold a Feral Fiesta in the fall, focusing on curbing feline overpopulation. A location for the event will be announced at a later date.

Donations for the Animal Initiative may be sent via PayPal, Cash App, Venmo or Zelle. Checks can also be sent to P.O. Box 3535 in McDonough.