Stray Dogs and Cats In Jeopardy?
By Bob Steiner
With a 73% adoption rate, the town of Edgewood is presently doing a commendable job in saving the lives of dogs and cats brought in by town animal control staff. While the success of this program is largely due to the diligent efforts of Vicki Murphy and Mike Ring, the fact that the current temporary animal control facility is at a central, easily accessible location has been a contributing factor to the results achieved. Wisely, looking ahead to the time when the town would consolidate most of its functions at the municipal center at the area known as Section 16, the previous town administration recommended that the animal control facility be also located at that site. They recognized the importance of a central location and how it would impact on the number of potential “adoptive parents” visiting the facility.
Unfortunately, our present mayor seems to be uncomfortable with anything associated with the animal shelter or Section 16. He seems reluctant to initiate any action to get any of the projects at the future municipal complex moving. His lack of focus on the property has gotten another local blog to compare the area to the”promised land” in Old Testament biblical times. In that case the Israelis were forced to wander in the desert for many years because they hesitated to enter in when they had the chance. I truly wonder why WE are hesitating! How long will we wander?
While many questions are yet to be answered, last Thursday, the Mayor did finally send an email to many interested parties wherein he acknowledged that sites other than Section 16 were being considered for the facility. While I appreciate his finally owning up to the fact that he is looking at other potential locations, I am frustrated that he seems to be disregarding the planning that others have done regarding Section 16.
I must also concede that I am more concerned about the welfare of the animals than I am about any specific location. What is important is that any site should offer the same visibility and central access that Section 16 would provide. I do feel strongly about keeping euthanasia to a mininum and I think that the center location has a lot to do with this, Remember the old axiom “Out of sight, out of mind”? I find it odd that we own land at Section 16 and having options to purchase additional acreage there at a preferred rate, we are still looking to acquire other property for the center. Perhaps our readers might want to telephone the Mayor (286-4518) and ask him about the reasoning behind this plan ? Support “Animal pro-life”!
4 Responses “Stray Dogs and Cats In Jeopardy?”
Thanks for continuing to fight for what is right. Your zeal is appreciated far more than you know.
I have ceased to understand the mayor’s reasoning on many issues, especially this one. At first I thought he had some unannounced plans for section 16. Now I am just perplexed. Animal Welfare is dear to my heart and I commend Vicky and Mike. The mayor already knows how I feel on this issue. I do have a network of Edgewood friends and I pass the word about what is happening on this front. If there is anything else I can do to support the issue, please let me know.
Ms. Seagrave,
Please keep up the good fight! Contact your friends. have them let Bob Stearley know that there are still some “animal friends” around. While I really don’t think that he is against humane treatment of animals, I do sense some form of hidden agenda at town headquarters. I like to think that the mayor is a good man and when he deems the time appropriate he is going to announce a comprehensive solution to the animal control issue which we will find in line with our desires. Until then, though, I remain confused, like others. I will continue to pursue this subject .” Support Animal-Pro-life’!
Thank-you for your work on this issue Mr. Steiner. I do think the mayor has done some good things for our town, but we need to keep pursuing the animal welfare issues.