Defending County Humane Society

* I am appalled at your recent stories attempting to discredit the Humane Society of Ventura County. It seems as if there is some sort of vendetta going on.

To address a few of the incorrect accusations: We have hired an architect and plans are drawn for our spay/neuter clinic. Our next step is to obtain permits. We are not “sitting on this money,” but moving ahead. Naturally, this “controversy” dredged up by a small group of new members has put the clinic on hold and caused us to spend thousands of dollars on attorneys instead of the animals.

Next, this group implies that if we altered 24 animals a day instead of 12, the pet overpopulation problem in Ventura County would disappear. How ridiculous! Approximately 10,000 animals are put to sleep in Ventura County each year. Twelve more animals a day wouldn’t make a dent. Most of the animals put to sleep are not puppies, anyway, but dogs a year or two old that “got too big” or have owners who are moving and can’t be bothered to take their pet.

I would encourage people in the community to come visit the shelter and volunteer for the animals, instead of just complaining about the shelter. Our kennel staff is wonderful and spends time with the animals, but volunteers are always welcome and they do make a difference.

Our officers are not running amok arresting people without cause, as described in your article. They are trained at an academy for State Humane Officers and licensed by the state. If someone is cited, it is up to the district attorney to decide whether or not charges are filed, so of course there is oversight. Just because someone who has abused an animal gets off on a technicality, it does not invalidate the whole State Humane Officer program. The police simply have too much to do to respond to every call about a dog being tied in the hot sun with no water. Thank goodness the Humane Officers can.

The Humane Society of Ventura County provides many services--our shelter for homeless animals, humane education in the classroom, visits to nursing homes with animals, officers to call if an animal is being neglected and many more. I am proud to be associated with the Humane Society of Ventura County.

DEBBY MOONEY

Member, Board of Directors,

Humane Society of Ventura County

Ojai