Cochrane and Area Humane Society grant reduced

[Catty1]

Somehow in their great wisdom, Town Council has implemented a new program. When Animal Control catches an animal, they will no longer be taken to the Humane Society.

The CAHS asked for another $50,000 over what they had last year, and got $20,000 total. They have had to increase their adoption rates, which is not good during a recession.

Needless to say I have emailed mayor and council. The mayor replied this morning saying the new impoundment system is not so different from that of other municipalities.

My questions to him were 1. How much will the new program cost? That money could be granted to the CAHS. 2. If it isn't broken, why fix it? 3. What is wrong from being 'different' from other municipalities?

True, the town captures account for only a percentage of the pets coming in to the CAHS, but I suspect it is considerable.

I am waiting to see which "private shelter" will accomodate the Town captures for 3 days. No indication as to what will happen on day 4.

Perhaps the CAHS can exercise the right to "pull" any creatures scheduled for euthanization, though it's not clear what will happen on day 4, as I said.

I am NOT happy - and I bet the Town is getting a lot of emails and calls on this! Public outcry has reversed Town decisions before - I hope it changes things this time!

[phesina]

Oh, I'm so sorry. I hate to hear about things like that.

There is a big fight here with our county trying to cut the funding in half for the local Humane Society to take care of county-required animal control. Somebody on the county thinks we should just euthanize more animals.. or let another humane society (which has a HORRIBLE kill rate) take over animal control for Washtenaw County.

I hope something can be done to help the animals in Cochrane. I know times are tough and many worthwhile services are being cut, but I just hate it when the animals are the victims.

[catmandu]

That sadly is so short sighted as they will eventually have to deal with the
Kittens that will be born and the damage that the Hungry Stray Ctas will do to the game population.
This is false economy at best and very cruel to these poor creatures of Our All Loving Lord God Above

[Catty1]

Stray etc animals will still be brought in, Gary - but only to the Animal Control people, as far as I can tell.

I know Charlene Ruttle who is the AC officer in charge. She is a wonderful person, and all the AC staff have worked with the Humane Society for years. I am sure they don't like this much more than anyone. I hope this past cooperation and love for animals will be to the benefit of the animals.

As I may have said, public furor has changed Council's decision in the past. I am praying it does now.