Animal lovers in Fairfield County now have an organization to call their own. The recently formed Hoof & Paw Benevolent Society is taking applications for membership and will hold an organizational meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 12 at the Christ Central Community Center, Next to the Fairfield County Museum on Congress Street in Winnsboro.

Formed by Winnsboro animal lovers Elaine Gillespie and Elizabeth Shults, with support of the Animal Mission of the Midlands, the Humane Society, and Pets Inc., the Hoof & Paw Benevolent Society will be a 501(c)3 organization that will work to improve animal welfare in Fairfield county. Plans include fostering rescued cats and dogs, encouraging adoption of pets from the Fairfield County Animal Shelter, preventing and reporting cruelty to animals, educating the public about animal welfare, funding spay/neuter operations and working to improve the lives of animals throughout the county.

“Hoof & Paw members will drive the opportunities to help animals in the shelter and in our community,” Gillespie said. “From running adoption events to fostering rescued animals, and helping abused animals, and holding educational events, there’s just so much that needs to be done.”

For a membership application or for more information about the Hoof & Paw Benevolent Society, call Shults at 803-718-2655. Applications to join the Hoof & Paw Benevolent Society may be picked up at the Fairfield County Adoption Center, 1768 US 321 Business N., Winnsboro, and at The Herald Independent, 127 N. Congress St., Winnsboro.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, applications, information and free spay/neuter vouchers will be available at the Fairfield County Adoption Center booth at Rock Around the Clock festival in Winnsboro. They will also be available at Paws Around the Clock behind the museum from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Visit The Hoof & Paw Benevolent Society on Facebook.