Best for the community
Dear Editor:
The Morgan Messenger March 21 article about the county’s animal control service’s housing options, it states that commissioners “Dugan and Close have both expressed a love of animals.”
Considering their reluctance to remedy the horribly inhumane conditions at the current animal control facility, it seems that they are just being politicians and saying whatever sounds good. Or perhaps “love of animals” does not mean what they think it means. Anyone who would not embrace the opportunity offered by the Humane Society of Morgan County in order to relieve suffering at the current kennel does not have a love of animals. Commissioners, actions speak louder than words and the voters are watching.
Ever since the county commission ended the contract in which animal control services were provided by the
humane society, the job has not been done properly. As I recall, a commissioner said “we can do it cheaper.”
Sure, it’s costing less, but the job is not being done and the public is not being served. Those commissioners are history. Current commissioners can rectify the situation. As it is now, animal control is underfunded and understaffed. Increased funding and personnel must happen regardless of where animals are housed.
Accepting the Humane Society’s ingenious and generous offer need not be a permanent fix. But it can be a quick improvement. Getting animals out of the current facility, which was apparently fashioned after a Turkish prison with not enough space, no cleanable surfaces and no ventilation, is top priority. Not only is it best for the animals, it is best for the community. The way we treat non-humans reflects directly on us. The tourist industry is important to Morgan County. I can tell you from personal experience with visitors who have pets that they are very concerned about how animals are treated here.
Increased costs can be offset by enforcing current regulations, raising the ultra-low registration fees for pets, and creating and enforcing ordinances to control the cat and dog population problem. No doubt other ideas will surface.
Details of the lease can be worked out. Other options for the future can still be considered. Get the animals out of that hell hole and into proper facilities. Now!
Jane Doyle
Berkeley Springs
