Animal sanctuary halts operations
KINGMAN – The Help Animals Lives Today (HALT) no-kill sanctuary closed its doors in north Kingman two days before Christmas. The non-profit organization that has saved and placed countless cats and canines since 2008 shut down largely because of economics.
“As many of you know we have been winding down our sanctuary for the past several years due to skyrocketing costs,” a December 23 post on HALT’S Facebook page stated. “Our utility costs, plus vetting and feed has frankly grown exponentially out of our realm.”
HALT volunteer Penelope Townsend said organization founder Lotti Benker has dealt with health issues the past two years and is unable to maintain the pace that drove her for years.
“She’s tough. She’s still tough,” Townsend said of Benker. “She has done an amazing job and I think Mohave County is going to miss HALT.”
Townsend thanked The Golden Valley-based For the Luv of Paws shelter for taking in more than a half dozen cats from Halt. She also expressed gratitude to others for accepting adoptable dogs and for veterinarian Dr. Taylor Williams for being so supportive.
Many of those who’ve adopted animals from HALT offered praise and expressed appreciation on the sanctuary’s FB page.
“Huge words of gratitude, respect thanks to you all, especially Lotti,” a Nancy Currie post stated. “Lily aka Lola, my girl, sends kisses, tail wags and thank you.”
“It’s me Lucee,” reads another post, written in first-person canine. “I was adopted from HALT…You saved my life and many more.”
Townsend said HALT incurred veterinary expenses when 32 puppies required treatment over the summer. She said the organization plans to sell off assets and conduct fundraisers to pay off bills and that donations will be warmly accepted for that purpose.
“Such endless devotion to the animals and great efforts in placing many thousands of pets in happy, new homes,” the Halt closure announcement said. “We would like to thank our many volunteers and helpers who have selflessly given their time and efforts for the benefit of thousands of animals assisted.”
Dave Hawkins
