Edmonson County PAWS Holds Successful Fundraiser, Working To Bring Animal Shelter To EC

Construction workers purchase baked goods from PAWS members Tammy Alexander and Sandy Rigdon.

Darren Doyle, story and photos
Edmonson County's first organized humane society, Edmonson County PAWS, held a benefit bake sale and fundraiser Saturday at the Bank of Edmonson County. Members sold cupcakes, cookies, and other goodies along with customized key chains to help the new organization as they begin the quest to bring a new animal shelter to the county.

Vice President Scott Lindsey said the group is currently working on completing the documentation for their non-profit status. He said an out-of-town attorney has volunteered services to aid in the legal organization for the group.

"There's quite a bit of red tape and paperwork, but we said from the start that we want to do everything right," Lindsey said. "The ultimate goal is to be able to build and operate our very own county-run animal shelter and we feel that a local humane society would be best fit to see that."

Scott Lindsey speaks with David Webb as Sandy Rigdon, Eric Roscoe, and Susan Donoghue man the booth.

PAWS members at the August 6, 2016 fundraiser.

Eric Roscoe, the county's new Animal Control Officer, was also on hand to help out. The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has been busy laying the groundwork for the new position, getting a vehicle and equipment prepared. Sheriff Shane Doyle said the feedback from the hiring of Officer Roscoe has been very positive.

"The reaction from the public (on the hire) has been outstanding so far," Doyle said. "We said it before and we'll say it again, we feel great about Officer Roscoe and what he'll bring to our county. He's taking some volunteer training right now and we hope to have him begin his duties within a couple weeks."

PAWS VP Lindsey said the group is taking things one step at a time and hope to have their non-profit documents completed within the next 60 days, which will allow people to contribute in easier ways.

"We're all dog lovers and animal lovers trying to do the right thing," he said.

Over $900 was raised at Saturday's event.

You can visit their website at edmonsoncountypaws.org and their Facebook Page by clicking here.