The land hasn’t been acquired and building isn’t under construction yet, but the beginnings of the Butler County Humane Society’s Second Chance Shelter are already underway.

BCHS president Herbert Morton announced at society’s June meeting a $7,500 grant proposal to the Daniels Foundation had been approved. The monies will be used to purchase durable equipment and goods that can be utilized now and moved in the future to a fixed location that will be Second Chance Shelter, says BCHS president Herbert Morton.

“This money will be used for things like fencing, dog houses, stackable cat cages, portable buildings where animals can be quarantined,” Morton said.

Kandys Killough’s Second Chance Rescue, formerly known as Pet Nanny Rescue, has already been incorporated into the BCHS’s operations. Killough provides foster care,   including medical care, to homeless animals, rescues strays and provides transportation for pets being spayed and neutered.

“We are getting valuable experience through operating as if we already have a shelter now that we have Second Chance Rescue on board,” Morton said.

Approximately $25,000 has been raised so far towards establishment of the Second Chance Shelter, which will be a no-kill facility and a separate entity from the city shelter. Animals at the Greenville Animal Shelter that are healthy and adoptable but who do not find homes during their time at the city shelter, will be considered as candidates for the Second Chance Shelter and for animal rescue groups around the country.

“We realize we can’t save every animal. But we want to give as many as is feasible a ‘second chance’ at a happy home,” Morton said.

The BCHS will operate the Second Chance facility while continuing to support the needs for the day-to-day operations of the Greenville Animal Shelter.

While the BCHS has looked into purchasing an existing building and renovating it, Morton said the greater likelihood would be getting someone to build a facility to the humane society’s specifications and then paying rent to the builder.

“This would not require so much capital outlay. Of course, we would still need to raise funds to pay rent and the other expenses of running the shelter,” he said.

The BCHS continues to provide low- and no-cost spaying and neutering for low-income pet owners. These efforts alone cost the BCHS nearly $1,000 in May, Morton said.

‘We have to continue to be vigilant in raising funds in order to do everything we want to do for the animals in Butler County,” he said. “Every little bit members of the community can do to support our efforts is truly appreciated. And we are always looking for more members. There are no dues and you don’t even have to live in Butler County. You just have to love animals.”

The next meeting of the Butler County Humane Society is set for 1 p.m., July 13 at Old Mexico.