The Douglas County Animal Services Department has announced the x-ray machine purchased with funds donated by the Winn 3 Charitable Trust has arrived. The x-ray machine, delivered in July, allows staff to take digital radiographs of animals in medical need without requiring specialized care at another facility.
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted 5-0 during a Commission meeting in March to approve donated funds of $40,000 from Frank Winn, executor of the Winn 3 Charitable Fund. “We are extremely pleased at the support of our community for the critical care of our animals,” Dr. Romona Jackson Jones, Chairman of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners said. “The Winn 3 Charitable Fund donation speaks volumes of how essential it is for the government and community to collaborate together for the benefit of our animal services.”
“At a time where municipalities all over the nation are facing financial hardships, the Douglas County government truly welcomes community support in reducing the financial burden on the citizens of Douglas County,” said Rick Martin, Douglas County spokesman.
“Through the partnership with the Douglas County Humane Society and the Winn 3 Charitable Trust, we have now set the standard of care in animal sheltering,” Douglas County Kennel Manager Vanessa K. Francikowski said. “We are one of the very few shelters that have a stand-alone medical suite now and we look forward to continuing to set the bar even higher for those in the Animal Services community.”
On average, for one animal to get x-rays outside the facility, beforehand, Douglas County would have spent approximately $250 to have an exam and radiographs taken. “Annually, we would be spending an average of about $20,000 plus on outside veterinary care,” Director of Animal Services Frances McMillan said. “Now that we have our x-ray machine here, it has completedour medical department. We have already seen the cost savings and increase in quality of care, pay off.”
Since Douglas County Animal Services has the x-ray machine, staffers have been able to radiograph injured animals and suspected injured animals, without having to send them out for specialized care.
The charitable grant donation is in memory of Mary Peace Winn, Frank M. Winn and Judge Dan P. Winn.
For more information or media interviews, please contact Rick Martin, Director of Communications & Community Relations.
