The Humane Society Yukon has another new president and is putting out a public plea for help.

Hoby Irwin moved up the ranks from vice-president to president late last month when then-president Seann Springford stepped down.

Springford had been elected in December 2012 during a court-ordered annual general meeting amid significant controversy for the organization.

He said Thursday he quit for personal reasons which had nothing to do with the 14-year-old Mae Bachur Animal Shelter.

That means Irwin, who took on the role of vice-president at the December meeting, moved into the role of president.

On Thursday, he said he will see the position through until the expected special AGM in April. At that point, it's anticipated the society will be back in good standing with the Yukon government.

Serving in the role of president and working to get the society, which operates the shelter, back on track takes up about four evenings a week and another half-day on weekends.

All the financial information the new board could obtain is now with accountants, who are auditing what financial records could be found.

"We're all suffering from this lack of information,” he said.

Until the shelter is in good standing, it cannot host certain fund-raisers which require a licence – bingos, silent auctions, raffles and so on.

Those fund-raisers have been a major source of operating dollars for the society, with bingo alone bringing in $100,000 each year.

The Yukon government handed over almost $40,000 in funding that had been withheld initially.

In January, the Department of Community Services decided the society had begun to move in the right direction to provide the funding.

That money was gone within the day, as the oldest bills owing were paid off first, Irwin noted.

"We're treading water very rapidly,” he said.

He is confident that with time and effort, that will be turned around, and the society's charitable status regained.

Both he and shelter administrator Amanda Farrell said facility staff are grateful for any donations that come in.

It's those contributions which are keeping the shelter going day-to-day, with most of the money going to wages for the seven staffers (three full-time, three part-time and one casual).

Donations, it was stressed, aren't going to the legal fees for the two court cases involving the shelter, as those are covered through insurance.

Estimating the cost of running the shelter from between $25,000 to $30,000 each month for the 20 animals living there now, Farrell said any help is appreciated – whether it's cash, supplies or a household adopting a new pet.

Those wanting to provide cash for a particular cause such as a spay or neuter can also specify where they want their money to go, and it will be directed there.

As Farrell noted, there are still many bills owing for veterinarians' services, heating oil and so on, in addition to day-to-day expenses like staff wages.

”We'd love some help,” she said.

The society suggested those wanting to contribute can donate directly to the society, visit The Feed Store and donate to the shelter account there for future supplies, become a society member for $20, or bring in Canadian Tire money and Extra Food receipts.

Shelter boosters can also consider taking out a corporate sponsorship, adopt an animal or host a fund-raiser.

See commentary.