Franklin Co. Humane Society preparing for possible flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ)-With more rain on the way tomorrow, some people in Franklin County are worried about the county’s most vulnerable animals.

Over the weekend, when rain poured into the humane society, volunteers, the jailer, the sewer department, and emergency management helped clean up.

“They all stepped in and were great and they have been. They always have been,” Sam Marcus, the Board President, said.

Marcus says flooding in the almost 50-year-old building isn’t new. A heavy rain makes water pour through the door. Ground water problems mean it also comes up through drainage grates inside.

“This is like the teacup that’s full. You know, one more drop and it’s going to run over some place,” Tom Russell, Frankfort Franklin County EMA Director, said.

Russell says this month the county has seen almost twice the normal amount of rain.

“Our poor public works guys and county road department and state guys, they have been working non-stop,” Russell said.

He thought a sump pump would keep flooding at bay, but Saturday’s rain overwhelmed it. With more in the forecast, he hopes sand bags will help the shelter stay dry.

“Everybody’s an animal lover to some degree. It’s just one of those things that come with the job,” Russell said.

While thankful for that help from Russell and others, the humane society plans to move out of the flood plane in the next few years. It already has new land and plans for a building.

Marcus says he knows the community will help raise funds just like it helps clean up flooding.