(KNZA)--Five public meetings are set this week in Doniphan County to discuss the possibility of starting an animal shelter/rescue in the county.

Trina Earl of rural Bendena is one of the organizers of the meetings. Earl told The Kansas Chief the county needs a place to take lost and abandoned animals where they can be cared for and adopted out.

Currently there is no animal shelter or rescue in Doniphan County so good samaritans have either been caring for stray animals themselves or taking them to shelters in neighboring communities.

Organizers emphasize that the idea of starting a shelter/rescue in the county is in its very early stages.

The meetings are scheduled for this ( Monday ) evening at the Elwood Library; Tuesday evening at the Wathena Community Building; Wednesday evening at the Troy 4-H Fairgrounds Building; Thursday evening at the Highland Wellness Center and Friday evening at the Bendena Lutheran Church. All the meetings will begin at 6:30.

Interested residents are invited to attend one of the meetings. Residents are also welcome to bring donations such as dog food, cat food, and old blankets to any of the meetings.

For more information, you can contact Earl by email at [email protected] or by phone at 913-370-3297.