🚨 Urgent: Avoyelles Animal Welfare Society Closing Dec. 15! 🐾

After serving Avoyelles Parish and surrounding communities for more than 13 years, the Avoyelles Animal Welfare Society (AAWS) in Cottonport has announced it will permanently close its doors effective Dec. 15.

The organization, located at 1170 Prison Road, stated that it is no longer accepting new animals and is in urgent need of emergency placement for the remaining animals currently in its care. According to the notice, four dogs require immediate placement before the closure date. Any rescue groups or individuals willing to assist are asked to contact the organization as soon as possible.

The decision comes after years of ongoing challenges, including:

• A shortage of volunteers
• Limited sustainable funding
• Lack of local government support
• Rising operational costs

The statement also noted longstanding public confusion regarding the organization’s role, clarifying that AAWS is not an animal control agency but has assisted law enforcement in emergency situations.

“This underscores the continued need for an officially supported animal control structure within Avoyelles Parish,” the notice reads, emphasizing the importance of enforcing local animal welfare laws.

AAWS expressed its gratitude to the residents of Avoyelles Parish, volunteers, veterinary partners, and rescue networks who have contributed their time and resources over the years.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the residents of Avoyelles Parish and surrounding communities for more than 13 years of support,” the group stated.

The organization also reminded residents to:

• Spay and neuter their pets
• Practice responsible ownership
• Report suspected abuse or neglect

The notice further stressed that abandoning animals at the facility is illegal. After Dec. 15, no animals or personnel will remain on-site, marking the end of an era for the parish’s only animal welfare organization.

For those wishing to help with placement or support the remaining animals, the Avoyelles Animal Welfare Society urges immediate contact before operations officially cease.

To help, message AAWS Facebook page.