By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who is unable to feed or care for animals to seek help from the sheriff’s office.

Polk County Animal Control officer Michael Herman says anyone in need should first contact him at the sheriff’s office at 828-894-3001.

Herman started a fund eight years ago called “Pounds for Paws,” a fund specifically to pay for the feed of any kind of animal.

The Foothills Humane Society also provides dog and cat food for area animals in need.

Another organization, called the Foothills Equine Rescue Association (FERA) provides feed and hay for farm animals.

Herman said with funding through Pounds for Paws, he has helped people feed their chickens, as well as dogs and cats and has gotten feed and hay for various farm animals through FERA.

Anyone wanting to donate feed or money to Pounds for Paws can do so by dropping it off at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, located at 40 Ward St., Columbus.