13/08/2025
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An Open Letter from the Valley River Humane Society
The Valley River Humane Society (VRHS) has served Cherokee County’s animals and residents for decades with dedication, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to humane care. We value open dialogue with our elected officials and appreciate the role of the Board of Commissioners in determining county funding. However, recent statements made by Commissioner Ben Adams—both in meetings and on social media—have presented partial information or omitted key context. The public deserves the full, accurate picture.
The Six-Month Funding “Deadline” Commissioner Adams has claimed the county did not give VRHS a funding deadline. Yet, in the commissioners’ meeting video (at 11:50), he states that VRHS should be funded “for six months and then we will see how it’s going before funding for the rest of the year.” This is a deadline. It prevents VRHS from responsibly projecting its annual budget and directly impacts how many animals we can help.
Like the county, we must plan for the entire fiscal year. Our intake numbers—and therefore the scope of our services—are tied to our budget. Annual planning is not an “ultimatum”; it is a best practice in nonprofit management.
Serving Cherokee County VRHS is often described as “just another nonprofit asking for money.” That narrative ignores the fact that over 80% of the animals we care for come directly from Cherokee County—a figure we track and report monthly.
For example, in June 2025 alone:
Total intakes: 98 animals
From Cherokee County: 65 intakes + 4 born in care (over 70%)
These numbers are available to the commissioners at any time. We welcome transparency and are happy to share it publicly.
A Remarkably Self-Reliant Organization VRHS operates on an annual budget of approximately $1.25 million. Of that, we are asking the county to commit $250,000—only 20% of our budget. We raise the remaining 80% ourselves through grants, fundraisers, donations, and partnerships.
Rather than being recognized for our ability to raise four-fifths of our budget independently—an achievement most nonprofits could only hope for—VRHS has found itself on the receiving end of criticism that overlooks this extraordinary self-reliance.
Capacity and Adoption Listings: Commissioner Adams has suggested that because our website lists fewer adoptable animals than our shelter houses, we are withholding animals from adoption. The truth is that every single animal must first be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and deemed healthy before being listed. This is not a VRHS policy—it is a legal requirement set by the NC Department of Agriculture and the ASPCA.
Until animals are ready, they cannot be placed for adoption. This ensures healthy adoptions and prevents contributing to overpopulation.
Income, “Investments,” and Transparency: Our so-called “investment income” refers to the occasional bequests left to VRHS in the form of investments, which are liquidated immediately to serve animals. The “rental income” is simply the $12,000 annual lease from a cell tower on our property.
Our financial records are open for review. Spending $9,000–$12,000 on an unnecessary forensic audit would take resources away from the very animals our donors intended to help.
Staffing Realities: Contrary to claims that VRHS employs 41 people, our current staff count is 21, which includes animal care workers, veterinary staff, administrative staff, and thrift store employees—some of whom work below minimum wage to protect their Social Security benefits.
Kennel Access: While Commissioner Adams has expressed frustration that the public cannot freely walk our kennel aisles, this is for safety and animal welfare reasons. Our shelter is not a pet store. Many animals are recovering from trauma or illness; unrestricted access can cause stress, fear, or even aggression. Structured, supervised interactions protect everyone.
Accomplishments in the Past Year Despite limited funding and significant challenges, VRHS has:
Built an on-site surgical suite, reducing costs and improving care.
Constructed a new climate-controlled puppy building.
Replaced non-compliant fencing.
Built specialized kennels for “dangerous animal” holds in coordination with the Sheriff’s Department.
Assisted in rescuing over 100 cats from a hoarding case, ensuring all were spayed or neutered.
Provided storm relief during Hurricane Helene using designated grant funds.
Our Position: The work of VRHS is complex, regulated, and deeply tied to the health of our community’s animals. Criticism without context not only undermines the people who dedicate their lives to this mission, but risks eroding public trust in an organization that is, in fact, highly transparent and exceptionally self-sufficient.
We remain ready to work with our county leaders in a spirit of collaboration. But we will also stand firm in ensuring that facts—not partial narratives—guide our community’s understanding.
Sincerely, Valley River Humane Society
