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Letter to the editor - July 11 - Gretchen Stewart
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Editor:
Last Wednesday, the Ledger featured two nice adoptable shelter dogs that had neared the end of their time at the shelter. Unfortunately, no one had the opportunity to adopt either of these animals. They were killed early Tuesday morning. This killing was in spite of the fact that the shelter had five empty kennels. It happened without the written shelter protocol requiring a 24 hour notice to go to local rescues before dogs are killed. It happened even though the Animal Control Officer in charge of so-called euthanasia was off duty until Wednesday. It happened in the face of an arranged transfer of both dogs to a rescue that was scheduled for Wednesday.
Many people in the area believe that Lamar has a “no kill” shelter. Obviously, this belief is in error. Evidently, there is at least one city employee who would rather kill dogs than care for them, as this is not the first time that this person has gone out of his way to needlessly kill the animals in his charge.
I would urge all Lamar dog owners to be careful with their pets. Anyone whose dog is missing should go to the shelter and see if the dog is there. Oftentimes, the paperwork misidentifies a dog’s breed, color, and even gender, so a simple phone call won’t do, and if a dog ends up at the shelter, its days could well be numbered even if someone else wants to adopt it.
I would urge Lamar citizens who believe that animal issues are unimportant to at least question why a city employee is still on the city pay roll after repeatedly violating job protocols. At the very least, taxpayer money is being misused.
Gretchen Stewart
Lamar
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Posted by sickofthistown on July 14, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i am one of those who thought that our dog kennal was a "no kill". this sickens me. why advertise these dogs and then kill them???? i got my dog from there and i am glad i did. he has a good life and is very well taken care of. i agree with ms. stewart, get out there and look for your missing dog and if you can SAVE one.
Posted by DREAM2B on July 16, 2008 at 1:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GREAT LETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE ONLY REASON THIS SHELTER HAS HAD A SERIOUS DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ANIMALS "KILLED" IS BECAUSE OF THE RESCUE GROUPS AND VOLUNTEERS IN THIS COMMUNITY. THE POLICE CHIEF SHOULD TAKE ACTION ON THIS INDIVIDUAL, HE HAS GOTTEN AWAY WITH THIS FOR WAY TO MANY YEARS. BUT, PLEASE DONT GET ME WRONG, THERE ARE HONEST AND TRUSTWORTHY CITY EMPLOYEES WHO SINCERELY CARE ABOUT THE ANIMAL WELFARE IN THIS COMMUNITY. KNOWING THAT THEY TO ARE OUTRAGED, BUT CAN NOT EXPRESS IT. POLICE CHIEF, PLEASE END THE YEARS OF FURSTRATION THIS COMMUNITY HAS HAD WITH THIS INDIVIDUAL.
Posted by winchester on July 17, 2008 at 4:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd like to kick back, kill things, and collect a great paycheck as well, while my employees go out and get me more things to kill.
I'm a hunter, but this story makes me nautious. Pets are companions not made for the deep freeze. Poor fellas.
The Chief is new to the supervision of an animal control unit, so don't be too harsh on him. I'm sure that your comments will be retrieved and questions will be asked. Possibly dealt with as you see fit?
Posted by socialite on July 21, 2008 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Being here my entire life, Lamar has never been a "no kill" shelter(In this time period). Animals have been euthanized here for 40+ years. That being said, I know it is sad, but if people were more responsible with their pets it wouldn't come to this and we wouldn't need rescues and volunteers that let dogs deficate all over town in peoples yards without cleaning up after them.( Sorry, that was the responsibility word,again). Parents aren't teaching their kids, so why should they bother with a pet? Lamar is also being over run by cats, but I don't see anyone crying about that.
I guess my point is this- until we start showing responsibilty for our actions in everyday life, how can we expect it on others? No matter what the job title is, how much they make, or the color of their eyes. We all have to take responsibility for ourselves, our families, our pets, and our community.
Posted by winchester on July 22, 2008 at 1:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I will say that our Animal Control Officers do a great job at collection and response. Maybe, we should focus on Socialites comments, plus a potential adoption campaign that works, with some radio or television marketing?
As for the cats... they make great targets for a bottle rocket or the BB gun.
Posted by tristar12 on July 28, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As for the cats... they make great targets for a bottle rocket or the BB gun.
Hmmm. Both of which are illegal. A potential sheriff candidate with no regard for the law. Progressive indeed!
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