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Press Release 3/18/04

HUMANE SOCIETY & HEART OF THE VALLEY MERGE

Today, the dogs and cats of Gallatin Valley have something to celebrate. The memberships of the Humane Society of Gallatin Valley and Heart of the Valley Animal Center have voted to join forces. The new organization will be called Heart of the Valley Humane Society. Jane Lerner, former President of HSGV and President of the new organization, commented that: “This merger combines two vital organizations, both dedicated to being the leader in providing pet owner support and homeless animal care for the citizens of Gallatin County and the surrounding region.”

“There is a great need in the Gallatin Valley for a new shelter to properly take care of the animals we all love,” said Bert Hopeman, past Chairman of the Board of Heart of the Valley and Vice President of the new group. Prior to the merger of the two organizations, Heart of the Valley had raised over $1 million for a new facility. The new organization’s goal will be to raise at least $2 million more by the end of this year for the new animal center.

The Humane Society of Gallatin Valley has operated an animal shelter in Bozeman for over 30 years. This facility is out of date and in disrepair and cannot be modernized due to its location on an old landfill. The location for the new facility has not been finalized and several options are under consideration.

The two organizations began discussions last summer about possibly merging their efforts. After several meetings, it was apparent the two groups shared the same goals. Discussions through the fall and winter arrived on a merger plan that combines the philosophies and policies of the two entities. The merger is one of equals with both groups having the same number of positions on the new board of directors. Each organization considered the merger plan at separate board meetings on March 2, 2004, and each approved the plan unanimously.

The boards believe that the combination of these two organizations will provide the synergy to accomplish their mutual goals. HOVHS hopes to break ground on a new facility in the near future. HOVHS will continue to run the existing shelter at 2125 North Rouse in order to find a home for every adoptable animal. In addition, HOVHS will provide education programs, spay neuter assistance, bereavement support, and other services to pet owners in the area.

Dave Pauli, Northern Rockies Regional Director of The Humane Society of the United States, has called the merger of the two organizations “truly historic . . . from which all the human and non-human residents of your larger community will benefit.” He went on to say that “the animals of Bozeman, Gallatin Valley and the surrounding area are the BIG WINNERS in efforts to consolidate, improve and energize the efficient provision of animal protection and humane services!”