MANSFIELD — As schools dismiss classes for the summer, it’s common for families to adopt new dogs into their homes. 

The Richland County Humane Society takes in dogs who have suffered from cruelty, neglect and abandonment, said Missy Houghton, director and agent for the shelter.

“A lot of what we see are not outright acts of cruelty and abuse,” Houghton said. “It’s more neglect. People put their dogs outside without a dog house or without water, food of good quality or they (families) move away and they leave them. 

“General neglect or abandonment, that’s what we see a lot of.”

Because the animal care facility is a no-kill shelter, the dogs stay with the shelter until they get adopted.

The Humane Society has 24 cages and use the Mansfield Correctional institution for help when there is an influx of K9s. 

What's the impact of our reporting?

The Community Development Section is dedicated to reporting on the intersection of the private sector and public funding, economic development efforts, and community engagement. We want to know what impact our reporting is having. Please complete this short survey.

"*" indicates required fields

Have you done any of the following as a result of a community development story published by Richland Source?*
Please select all that apply.
If you made a decision or took action, which of the following apply?*
Please select all that apply.
What is the primary emotion this story triggered?*

If so, please provide your name and contact email in the box below. We will only contact you about this project.

Community investment made this reporting happen. Independent, local news in Shelby and Northern Richland County is brought to you in part by the generous support of Phillips Tube Group, R.S. Hanline, ArcelorMittal, Lloyd Rebar, Hess Industries, and Shelby Printing.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *