The Butler County Humane Society is facing possible closure, due to rising utility costs and a lack of donations.

"We probably have enough funds to get us through the next two weeks," said board President Cindy Dimmick, "but I don't even want to think about what will happen if we don't get enough money to pay our bills. We're desperate."

The 100-year-old shelter, which has had a no-kill policy for the past four years, has stopped accepting animals. If donations aren't forthcoming, the Connoquenessing Township facility may be forced to shut down next month.

According to Dimmick, Triangle Pet Control Services of McKees Rocks, which euthanizes animals after 48 hours, would be the only other shelter to take up the slack.

"I have to worry about what I have in-house, and there are a lot of little eyes looking at me," she added. "It's very hard."

The nonprofit society currently houses 56 dogs, 17 cats and more than 40 animals held in foster situations.

In an effort to save on payroll costs, Ginney Duffey voluntarily stepped down as the organization's executive director, although she continues to volunteer her time and money.

"I will always keep my commitment to the animals," she said. "I will always be a board member and volunteer, and I will continue to financially support the shelter with donations. That will never change."

Six other employees were laid off for the same reason, and Dimmick said four of them have stayed on as volunteers.

With the recent opening of the donated 3,883-square-foot Helen Spaide Aldig Adoption Center, the shelter has been able to double its capacity. However, additional maintenance and utility costs of the new building have been a major burden.

"We got [the new] facility, but we didn't get money [for operations]," Duffey said. "We're providing these services in a vacuum. We're a private facility, and we rely on the financial support of people who care about animals."