Southwest Arkansas Paws (SWA PAWS) is a new organization in Nashville that came together after concerned citizens learned that more than 82 percent of the dogs and cats that came through the local animal control service had been euthanized during 2024.
Nashville Animal Control serves Nashville and five other cities including Washington, Murfreesboro, Mineral Springs, Dierks and Prescott.
Though not affiliated with Nashville Animal Control, SWA PAWS is working closely with Animal Control Officer Seborn Gregory and Nashville Mayor Larry Dunaway to make a difference for these homeless and unwanted animals.
The group’s 20+ members want to encourage people to “adopt rather than shop” for their next pet.
The group started with a Facebook page with pictures and descriptions of the animals available for adoption at Nashville Animal Control. The page has more than 1,200 followers now, though it only started a little over a month ago.
SWA PAWS is currently working to obtain a 501(c) (3) nonprofit status for tax-deductible donations.
The organization has been sponsoring adoptions at the Nashville service for two pets a month. SWA PAWS will pay the spay and neuter fee so that those who adopt will only have to pay a $20 adoption fee. During July, SWA PAWS is sponsoring all adult animals who are adopted.
One of the goals of SWA PAWS is to sponsor a low-cost spay and neuter clinic in the near future. Spaying and neutering pets is key to avoid overpopulation of unwanted animals. The ultimate goal is to one day have a no-kill shelter in Nashville, but the group is taking this process one step at a time.
SWA PAWS had been overwhelmed with the generosity of people in the community. A large fundraiser is planned for October, and the public will be invited.
SWA PAWS T-shirts will be available soon for $25.
Persons interested in supporting SWA PAWS with a donation may send donations to:
SWA PAWS
1007 North 15th St.
Nashville, AR 71852
