NOTE: This is a copy of a letter written to County Commissioners.
It was with much anguish I learned of negative vote support for the current Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals contract at the animal shelter. I understand your vote was NO. If it is possible, please support your position via a short letter to me. Please be point specific on each item you are in contention with.
NOTE: This letter was written on April 17. As of May 8, Mr. McCann said that he had received only one reply— from Commissioner George Neugent.
I have no ties to any special interest group. I work in a retail business in Key West. I do have little animal canisters for my customers to place any change they might want to give to the animal aid groups. And I do support the adopt-a-pet ad in the Citizen newspaper.
I will state that the problems which the last group had, were terrible. The current group is so much more caring and professional. Cages are clean. There is a program of "social training" of the animals so they can become adoptable. Spay clinics have flourished at no charge. One can pay a voluntary sum if they are willing, but no one will ask for money. Animals are no longer just given away to whoever walks in. I strongly agree with the policy of adoptive review before placement. An animal should be placed in a good loving home. A home which can afford to medically keep a pet healthy.
Do we remember the dog dropped off because the elderly couple could not afford medical treatment? A home which will not abuse an animal. Do we remember the dog castration case recently?
Running the shelter is really a no-win situation for the director and staff. To have to make life and death decisions is gut wrenching! Seeing auto-injured animals, who are so scared, being brought in is so sorrowful.
The group now running the shelter is doing the job. Finances are tight but they are managing. They need more help: what about "community service" for youthful offenders? Maybe the animals can teach misguided youths love, respect and responsibility.
I do not agree with you, Mayor McCoy, with regards to splitting the responsibility for the animal shelter up into two groups. That is dollar wasteful— one program only, no duplicity in spending PLEASE.
In this last statement, I assure you I am serious: I ask each of you to spend at least one full day actually working at the shelter. Walk in their shoes. Feel the emotions of the full day. Have actual contact with the animals and the surroundings. Play the game; know the score and the rules, because you will be asked to make the call.
I certainly hope, not for me or yourself, but for the animals who cannot speak, that You decide from actual hands on knowledge.
Honestly, I do not write letters at all, let alone one such as this. However, I do not want politics involved when it comes to what is good for the animals.