Pros and Cons on the Humane Society

Re “Humane Society Under Fire Over Power, Secrecy” (Nov. 7):

I wish to thank Nick Green for bringing the concerns of a varied group of citizens and members of the Ventura County Humane Society to the attention of the public.

I would like to clarify that my involvement was at the request of a diverse group of my constituents. They asked that I meet with the board of the Humane Society to discuss their concerns. As an elected official, this is something I am frequently asked to do and a job I take very seriously.

As a longtime supporter of the Humane Society, it saddens me that the administration views us as a group trying to destroy them. The opening sentence of our mission statement, which I read to the Humane Society board, clearly states that “We are before you as people concerned with the welfare of animals and as supporters of the Humane Society. We represent many members of the community and hope that we will be allowed to help create a more open, user-friendly and out-reaching organization.”

The key points in our mission statement are as follows: “More can be done to improve the well-being of animals entrusted to your care; ways can be found to improve and expand animal adoption programs; a dramatic increase in the number of animals spayed and neutered can be achieved without the expense of an architecturally designed clinic; an isolation area needs to be created and more comprehensive veterinary care provided; a much more expanded and more vigorous volunteer corps should be welcomed, organized and trained; the philosophy of the Humane Society governing euthanasia should be more clearly defined; community relations can be improved and better communication with the public established by a more friendly attitude on the part of all personnel.”

In addition, our group submitted the names of five qualified persons to be considered for appointment to the Humane Society board. Copies of our mission statement can be obtained by writing the PAL Project, P.O. Box 1207, Ojai, CA 93024.

SUZA FRANCINA

City councilwoman

Ojai

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I would like to make it clear to all residents of Ventura County that the Humane Society does not make up the rules along the way. Humane officers uphold penal code laws of California.

If one were to look into public records on cases filed with the district attorney’s office, one would find a different story than the one portrayed in your articles.

Our first job is to educate. We do not run around just storming people’s property. Many attempts are made to get compliance from animal owners before more drastic measures are taken.

Very few cases are even taken to the district attorney’s office. In Ventura County, humane officers investigate between 500 and 700 cases of animal abuse, neglect and abandonment per year. Out of these reports, four to six cases per year are taken to a deputy district attorney for review. After reviewing the cases, the district attorney’s office decides whether or not to file a case.

We have to follow the same criteria as any police officer when obtaining a warrant or submitting a case for review. We have no say as to whether or not a case gets filed.

Some claim the humane officers are overzealous. Only the worst animal abuse cases are filed. It is a shame that in our society child and animal abuse are so common.

Humane officers are run through a gamut of training that is accredited by Police Officers Standards of Training and the California State Humane Assn. They ride with a badged officer for almost six months before going into the field by themselves. I think this is why so many agencies depend on our officers; they know we are professionals.

Oh, there are some who do not like what our officers do, but then some of them have had complaints made against them. It seems every time you do your job, someone has to complain.

The claim of SWAT-type raids are ludicrous. If a large number of animals must be impounded, then it takes many people helping. Other agencies are called in if other laws are seen being broken. Humane officers take an oath like all police officers, agreeing to uphold the laws of the state.

A year ago the laws were stiffened as to how a humane officer can operate. Although our officers have never carried guns and do not intend to, we were glad to see these laws toughened up. It keeps bad officers out of the animal protection field.

As far as all this talk of humane officers running around with no control, this is simply not true. Our district attorney’s office has supplied our officers with an investigation protocol manual. We seek advice from our own attorneys as well as relying on other sources, rather than running out half-cocked on any case.

If you had used some unbiased fact-finding techniques for our side of the story, you would have reported it as such.

JEFF HOFFMAN

Senior officer,

Ventura County Humane Society

Ojai

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This was a really good article--imagine a nonprofit with police powers that answers to no one. Who can change bylaws, have secret meetings, have lots of money at their disposal and be arrogant with total job security? Where can I get a job like this?

Why is it that when you ask questions about them you are branded a radical? If they are nonprofit, don’t you and I have the right to have information on them?

Once again The Times has taken the time to look into something that may not be on the up and up--that’s why I subscribe to you!

JEAN-MARIE WEBSTER

Santa Monica

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In reference to the “article” on the Humane Society of Ventura County written by Nick Green: This is the sort of muckraking, accusation slinging, character assassination I would expect to see in the supermarket tabloids. It is devoid of truth, common sense, and decency. What ever happened to writing about the truth? If I wanted to read fiction, I’d buy a novel. If I wanted to read the kind of fiction penned by Mr. Green, I’d buy the supermarket tabloids, not a newspaper.

MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER

Ventura

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As a volunteer who only works approximately two hours per month for the Humane Society, I can attest to the dedication and determination of the volunteers of the Humane Society. Some of the volunteers put in 40-plus hours per week.

The Pet Assisted Therapy Program consists of volunteers who bring their pets, or selected animals currently residing at the Humane Society, to nursing homes, developmentally disabled facilities and, for years, to Camarillo State Hospital. The patients at these facilities look forward to seeing the volunteers and their animals. Many of these patients are nonresponsive to other people, but when a friendly dog rests its head on their lap, the great bond between people and animals can be seen.

The Humane Society’s Educational Program volunteers bring animals to children in the school system and teach children to respect all forms of animal life. The public still needs to be educated about the need to spay and neuter their pets, and the Humane Society continues to provide this education and service to the community.

MARIAN GIBNEY

Camarillo

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Good for you for exposing a charity that gathers money from people countywide and yet may not be delivering what it promises.

For years I have heard stories about this organization and yet did not realize the extent of their arrogance and self-importance. What is important is the animals and their eventual fate--which appears to be death.

After your article, I called them and they indicated that they had an 18% placement rate, and that to them was very good. I also asked for a copy of their bylaws--they outright refused. They said this was a private organization and they did not have to answer to the public. It seems to me that all nonprofits must answer to someone.

Also, why is the district attorney allowing cats to be incarcerated for 2 1/2 years without a trial--what’s the matter with Michael Bradbury? Has it occurred to him to spend our tax dollars on something more meaningful?

Once again, thank you for your research and your interest. But please ask the district attorney why they don’t settle this case. Why allow the cats to be locked up for years while people’s egos are involved?

JULIA BRUCE

Ventura

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I find it ludicrous that Mr. Daniel Borochoff et al can draw what he considers a valid conclusion about the financial operation of the Humane Society without even speaking to the person who is charged with responsibility for reporting the month-to-month cash flow: me, Richard Abbott, board member, treasurer and investment portfolio manager.

As to this “awash in cash,” would you suggest, Mr. Borochoff, that we liquidate all of our assets, which we would certainly have to do if no donations came in? That would be tantamount to killing the cow because she’s only producing one quart of milk every day, and you want steak.

Are you aware too, sir, that we run a $20,000 to $30,000 deficit every month? How so?

Well, sir, we can’t tell someone reporting abused, neglected, starving animals, horses in particular, that our budget for investigations and impounds (costly, sir) has been spent; call back next month. It’s animals, living creatures we’re talking about, sir, not hard goods that can be set on a shelf until funds arrive.

The Humane Society shelter operates on the hope that this month’s deficit will be offset by next month’s donations. Sadly, that has not been happening.

For someone in your position, Mr. Borochoff, I find you pathetically naive.

And to lawyer Henry Rossbacher: You, sir, could make a more honorable living and render a greater service to mankind by chasing ambulances.

RICHARD G. ABBOTT

Ventura

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Your article gives a large amount of press to two controversial enforcement activities and the thoughts of a small group who feel they have been wronged by the Humane Society.

A better story would have told:

How the trust of the Humane Society is to provide shelter for abandoned and abused animals. They are doing that and are doing a good job of it. I know this because two members of my family have been volunteers for nine years and I get weekly updates.

How the largest challenge faced by the Humane Society is our human society in which many do not respect the rights of animals. Some think it is OK to abuse or disown a pet whenever they feel inconvenienced. In an effort to change this attitude, members, and in particular the president of the local Humane Society, spend time each week visiting our local schools and presenting humane education classes.

How the entire amount of Humane Society funds are earmarked for a new surgery center and covering the operating expenses. Societies that rely entirely on contributions for support must fund their construction projects without the help of bank loans. The Humane Society has been saving for several years to gain the needed funds. During that time the humane programs have continued. The needed surgery center will allow more spays and neuters to be done on site.

How the Humane Society goal for many years has been to reach the day when the number of animals taken into the shelter equals the number of animals adopted. The Humane Society policy of only adopting animals that have been spayed or neutered is having a positive effect on accomplishing this goal.

How pet therapy is an ongoing Humane Society program where dogs and cats are taken to senior centers, hospitals and homes for the handicapped. Sharing time with the animals has a therapeutic effect on the participants.

How most of the members of the Humane Society board of directors are longtime volunteers who have donated countless hours working toward making the shelter what it is--a well-run, safe haven for animals in need.

PAUL MOONEY

Ventura

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The article “A Haven for Horses” (Nov. 3) about the unfortunate financial problems of the H.O.R.S.E. Sanctuary for abandoned and abused horses contains a very important message.

A small group of people have recently criticized, very vocally, the Humane Society of Ventura County. Among their criticisms is the fact that the Humane Society maintains assets in various stocks and mutual funds and essentially exists on the interest that they generate along with donations from members.

This is sound financial planning that has taken years of hard work by the board. If the principle is spent, it is gone; and in these financial times, donations are at an all-time low. The Humane Society of Ventura County does not receive any tax dollars.

In the article about the sad plight of the H.O.R.S.E. Sanctuary, Kathy Jenks, director of Ventura County Animal Regulation, states that she has witnessed many animal rescue groups come and go over the years. “They start out with good intentions,” she states, “but haven’t planned it out and they have no idea what this is going to cost.”

It is because of the sound financial planning of the Humane Society of Ventura County that they have been in existence, serving the needy animals of our county, since 1932 and will continue to provide care for needy animals for many years to come.

SUSAN LOUGHMAN

Ventura