FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2006

GREENVILLE, N.C. – The Pitt County Humane Society will officially change its name to the

Humane Society of Eastern North Carolina at a name change and ribbon cutting ceremony on

Saturday, April 1.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Humane Society facility, 3520 Tupper Drive in

Greenville. In addition to the ribbon cutting, participants can tour the facility, meet the pets

currently up for adoption and take part in a sailboat raffle.

“Changing our name to the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina represents a great opportunity

for us,” said Suzan Molloy, Humane Society president. “Our Humane Society has been around

since the 1920s and we have always taken in and adopted out animals from across eastern North

Carolina. By changing our name to reflect the work we do, we will be able to branch out from

Pitt County and work with other animal rescue groups across eastern North Carolina to host fun

events and activities like the Canine Crawl and continue to educate the public about our over pet-

population.”

While the name change does allow for some additional fundraising opportunities, it will not

change the fundamental vision, mission and values of the organization.

The Humane Society of Eastern Carolina’s (HSEC) mission is to serve as a safe haven for

homeless and neglected pets and to act as a resource to the community. By educating the public

about issues pertaining to animals, the organization works toward the elimination of over

breeding of dogs and cats, and teaches people how to be more responsible pet owners. At the

same time, the organization facilitates adoption of pets to good homes to allow more unwanted

animals to find a temporary home with PCHS.

HSEC is a non-profit organization, relying totally on private funding. “Over 100 animals are

housed at the Humane Society at any given time,” said Molloy. “The majority of our animals are

dogs and cats, but we have cared for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, birds and even pot

bellied pigs. We are a sanctuary and our goal is to provide the best possible life for each animal

until they find a home forever.”

On average in the United States, 20 percent of dog and cat owners get their pets from shelters

each year. The HSEC has a goal of adopting out 60 animals each month, which is a total of over

700 animals every year right here in eastern North Carolina. To make this happen, over 200

volunteers work with the HSEC each year and the HSEC hosts several fundraising events.

For 2006, upcoming fundraising activities include a wine tasting, sailboat regatta, book and yard

sale, dog washes, martini tasting, masquerade ball and more. Funding from these events will go

toward a new cat house and puppy house; kennels and cages; electrical, air conditioning, septic

and roof repairs; a new office and product store; and other Humane Society operating costs.

While HSEC does have a small staff, the organization is always looking for volunteers to do

several tasks to better the lives of their animals. “If you are a dog or cat lover, we can always use

your help,” said Molloy. “Some volunteer activities include being a dog and cat pal, Fido’s

Friend obedience trainer, off-site adoption volunteer, fundraiser, animal transporter, foster parent,

office worker, general maintenance volunteer and many other opportunities.”

For more information on the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina, to become a volunteer or to

become an official member, contact HSEC at 252-413-7247, via email at HSEC@Earthlink.net

or on the Web at www.HSECarolina.org.