About
A Letter to Members of the Nevis Ark
The Nevis Ark has changed its name to The Friends of the Ark-Nevis Humane Society as of November 20, 2006.
Marie Wilson and Deb Dixon have stepped down after years of dedicated service to Friends of the Arc-begun in 1998.
The new temporary board members are:
Chris Thompson, Diane Hallstrom, Bonnie Berlinghof and Barbara Frazer. We feel strongly that public funds be managed by a voting board and membership roster, therefore we will need to vote at the next membership meeting on a permanent board for Friends of the Ark .
The Nevis Animal Rescue Center was first formed in October of 1998, to “fund and provide medical assistance to injured or sick animals that were strays or belonging to low income citizens”
Although stated in the History of Nevis Animal Rescue Center as being a “full fledged non-profit animal welfare organization”, it has been discovered that no known paperwork exists for non-profit status.
It has also been realized that a portion of Arc’s funding went toward the spaying & neutering and medical care of personal pets or dogs and cats “adopted out” to Expats and Nevisians who do not fall under the “low income” criteria. Arc has financed the euthanasia and disposal of cats from several major hotels on Nevis in the past. We now think a stipend would be appropriate to expect for this service.
It is a common misconception that the Government of Nevis contributes to the ARK Spay & Neuter program and to the ARK medical services performed by Dr. Patricia Bartlette. This is not the case, as the full expense is covered by ARK with funds generated through the generosity of our donors as well as our fundraisers. In the past, it was suggested that a donation be given by the owner of an animal for free procedures done at the Veterinary clinic. Surprisingly, this was most often overlooked by those using the clinic that fall above the low-income range.
We therefore propose:
• To return to the original purpose set forth in 1998; to fund and provide for medical assistance to sick animals or strays on Nevis-that belong to low income citizens. We will continue to care for animals that are homeless adopting them out whenever possible.
• To immediately apply for non-profit status here on Nevis and in the USA. This will allow us to apply for grants abroad and give us duty free concessions.
• To emphasize the importance of a spay/neuter program through education, public awareness and incentives and the continued subsidization of stray animals and those animals belonging to low income individuals.
• To educate and support at every level, the importance of kindness and care of an animal, and to act against animal abuse.
• To support the existing laws against dog fighting, through reporting, education and public awareness.
• To encourage and support home based animal rescue centers.
• We intend to continue with the good works that have been accomplished over the years; our successful Taste of Nevis for example-to be held in March.
• We plan on increasing educational awareness programs, working with each village on Nevis to spay & neuter their animals- as this remains our main focus.
• We plan on working toward increasing the dollars spent on veterinary services for low income families and decreasing dollars spent toward those able to afford services for their own pets.
• We would like to re-institute the payment of yearly membership dues thereby allowing us to better budget our upcoming programs and expenses.
Changes implemented to date by the temporary board:
• Accounting: Our finances are now on Quick Books enabling us to better track our expenses.
• A weekly Ark/Animal column is written in The Leeward Times Newspaper using educational stories, commentaries and the weekly list of animals for adoption. The Leeward Times has kindly donated this space. We hope everyone interested in Ark will support this newspaper.
• An emergency phone number has been set up for animal emergencies to direct people to an ARK volunteer who will advise as to where one can take an injured or sick animal and/or stray. This can be more involved and costly if Dr. Bartlett is not available as it involves a trip to Ross in St Kitts, although phone consultations are available at Ross. The ARK Emergency Number is: 762-HELP (4357) and is available 24 hours daily. We thank Digicel for donating this cell phone, along with limited free time monthly, for the next year.
• Choice Radio 105.3 FM has kindly been announcing adoptions on a weekly basis and has also offered Ark air time on their radio station, all free of charge. Do listen in to Choices!
• Our donation boxes are located in Island Fever & Cafe des Art. Your donations may also be sent to:
Friends of the Ark/Nevis Humane Society
PO Box 350
Charlestown, Nevis
We are always in need of volunteers -even if it is for a short time or on a limited basis. We welcome your ideas and/or suggestions in our effort to ease the lives of our Nevis animals.