Township and non-profit group are parting ways

SPARTA — No resolution is in sight between Sparta Township and Room for One More, the not-for-profit operator of the animal shelter. The township gave Room for One More a June 30 deadline to vacate the shelter. Township Manager Henry Underhill said the public and private entities agreed three years ago that the township pound could be operated as a no-kill shelter by Room for One More. Previously, it was operated by the township’s animal control officer. Underhill said Room for One More was not living up to certain aspects of the agreement, including not leaving space for Sparta animal control pickups and not maintaining the shelter as specified in the agreement. In order to vacate the shelter by June 30, Room for One More is attempting to place the animals currently housed there. Approximately 10 dogs and 50 cats are still in need of shelter. Once the township takes back the shelter, Underhill said, the municipality must operate it in accordance with state law, which includes imposing time limits for animals to be kept. Room for One More is hoping to find a new facility to continue to operate as a no-kill shelter. Shelter hours are expanded and adoption events scheduled for each weekend through the month of June. According to a press release issued by Room for One More, foster homes will be sought for those pets not finding permanent homes. “Fostering an animal requires providing food and shelter (Room For One More pays any unexpected medical costs) until the organization finds a new facility. At that time, Room For One More will take the foster animals back in to their care while waiting for permanent homes.” Room for One More is also seeking financial support for moving expenses and what may be greater operating costs. The shelter was represented at Newton Day, on Spring Street with several cats up for adoption and publicizing their next event, a car wash and pet adoption day on Saturday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Newton-Sparta Road shelter. A later fundraiser is being sponsored by the Holiday Inn Express in Newton, according to Joann Ciancitto, director of sales. The hotel is sponsoring a 1950’s sock hop on August 18 at the hotel. The theme will be the musical, “Grease.” Barry Pearl who played “Doody” in the movie version and Jocko of Sha Na Na and the Grease Party Band will perform. Ciancitto is looking for sponsors and prizes. (Margaret Witt contributed research to this article.)