WAUSAU, Wis (WSAU) The Marathon County Humane Society says it ran a deficit of $93,000 last year. They're asking the county board for an additional $168,000 this year. The county will consider the funding request on February 11.

Counties have the power to raise pet licensing fees. Currently the county collects $4.50 for stayed and neutered animals and $9.50 for unaltered pets. The humane society says it needs more of that money. The county was planning on giving the group about $40,000 less than it requested.

The humane society took in 1,400 stray dogs and cats, and has been dipping into its cash reserves to cover its financial shortfall.