BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. — Everything Bonner Animal Rescue does is volunteer-based. Almost everything they have is because someone donated it. Because of this, they're able to take in 400 animals annually.
Over the past eight years, the group has taken in 3,200 animals. And while the group itself will remain active, it will close the doors to its Forest Avenue shelter on Dec. 31. If the city doesn't act soon, volunteers like board member Janet Crouch are worried about what will happen to all the other animals who need homes.
"It is a passion,” Crouch said. “We were sprung out of a need. All the animals that were coming out of impound were euthanized, and we would scramble as individuals to try to find homes for them, put them in our own homes temporarily until we can get them adopted out.”
They take in the animals who are held in the Bonner Springs Animal Control facility. Due to a lack of volunteers, the group will no longer be able to operate out of its shelter.
"If we’re not here as a back up or a safety net, then we’re not sure what this is going to do,” Crouch said. “So it is an urgent situation.”
Crouch urges the city to establish a permanent city shelter as soon as possible. The group wants to transfer their operations to the city and work together. But no matter what happens, Bonner Animal Rescue still will foster, microchip and care for as many animals as possible — just not under one roof.
"Bonner Rescue is not going anywhere,” Crouch said. “We’re going to be here for the animals and for the community and I think the community will continue to support us. I don’t see that going away.”
Bonner Animal Rescue also provides their services to Leavenworth, Edwardsville and DeSoto.
The city did not make anyone available to speak with 41 Action News.
