MISSION VIEJO : Friends of Animals Group Reorganizes
Former members of the Friends of Mission Viejo Animals have reorganized under a new name and say they will continue working with officials of the local animal shelter.
The volunteer group had clashed for several months with the shelter’s staff over functions such as screening prospective pet owners. The City Council defused the situation in April by disbanding the volunteer group.
“It’s always the animals who suffer when there is a conflict between people,” said Sandi Mahana, former Friends chairwoman who is now president of the newly formed Saddleback Valley Humane Society. “We didn’t want people to choose between us and their affection for animals at the shelter.”
Saddleback Valley Humane Society will educate the public on animal needs, offer a placement service for people who have to give up their pets and arrange pet visits to schools and senior citizen groups, Mahana said.
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