What does everyone think is the responsibility to pets of government?" Our HASS pilot directors discussed this yesterday with a county leader and it's interesting how this conversation is evolving since COVID. Before I tell you what he said, I'm interested in what you think? There are some who believe that govt should only serve as the pound- pick them up, stray hold and RTO and if the community wants more then nonprofits need to do it (and fund it) all. Some believe that the govt should be responsible for no kill, for helping the community and for providing humane housing (etc) whether they do it all in house or outsource to a nonprofit. Where does your opinion fall?
#AccesstoCare
This is an exciting topic. I am in the process of setting up a discussion with our local county leaders. The county currently accepts responsibility for animal welfare.
Whose responsibility is when it comes to animal welfare? It can go either way. It takes a village to take care of God's creatures. Everyone has a responsibility. The issue is money and liability. For example, our county has two small incorporated areas with volunteer fire departments closing, putting animal welfare at the bottom of the list for finances.
I live in a town that happens to also be the county seat. The overpopulation crisis is being left to the citizens within the city but the county has recently stepped up with $1M and another city within the county is matching it to build an animal shelter which is desperately needed but I don't feel is a long term solution to slowing the flow. We have a serious problem with dumped animals, especially large breeds and cats, and both running "at large". Several citizens have stepped up and are doing their best to help with rescues, fosters, rehoming and transit to bigger cities and are called upon by our local law enforcement who don't even cite for non licensed animals let alone over pet limit (3), both of which are city ordinances. But slowing the flow is still not being addressed so I'm establishing a non-profit to offer free S/N/V/C. I've got my list of requirements and working on mission and vision statements, licensing, IRS determination, etc., Funding is of course the biggest challenge.
I met with my 3 district reps, county commissioner and cheif of police regarding a legislative mandatory s/n bill and licensed breeder/ing program and was told the AKC will heavily lobby against anything dealing with restrictions on them, so I should work with them to ensure its palatable for all. I can't get anyone to talk to me about it. Frustrating to say the least. So while that drum plays on in the background, I'm setting up as a pilot program, I hope to slow the flow county wide and hopefully show our city, county and state what a program can do to impact this pet crisis. We created the crisis and we need to find the longterm solution, not open more shelters, IMHO.
I am so thankful my research has brought me to Maddie's Fund, HASS and Community Cats! The work you all have done and do everyday is priceless to me and my endeavor to help the pets, people and slowing the flow.
Happy tails
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