Work together to get things done

Dear Editor:

I've been following the issues surrounding the County maintained Dog Kennel and the Morgan County Humane Society with complete dismay.

Where the dogs are kept should be safe and clean, and they should get some exercise, be well fed, and have their health needs taken care of. Strong efforts should be made to return them to their owners, or adopted out, and if unadoptable for health or temperment reasons, put to sleep. The County cannot afford to hold an unadoptable animal for long periods. This is not their charter, and it is not the way to spend our tax dollars.
If the Humane Society is to get involved again, they need to let the County run its operation under their own guidelines. We all need to keep in mind that the rules used in Montgomery County, Maryland, don't necessarily work for us here in West Virginia. A little flexibility would go a long way.

It seems to me when this was working, the Sheriff supervised the animal control officer and kennel. This allowed for teamwork and backup when it was needed. One person wasn't expected to do it all. And the Humane Society helped with caring for and placing some of the animals. It worked because the groups were willing to overlook their differences.

Public remarks saying those on the other side are terrible people, really poisons the well. We need to get beyond that. It would really be nice to see this resolved in a calm way that shows how we are willing to compromise and work together to get things done.

Jim Hoyt
Great Cacapon