In recent months several animal shelters around the state had to very quickly reduce the number of animals housed.  In each case, they notified the public of the desperate situation and promoted adoption.  And in every case, the public responded and the animals were provided new homes.

Instead of publicizing the problem and encouraging adoption as other shelters do to reduce numbers, Lumpkin County quietly and without the knowledge of the public euthanized more than 100 animals within a matter of days.

According to the now unemployed former shelter director, Valerie Dombrowski, County Manager Stan Kelley never wanted the number of euthanized animals made public.  Yet, he ordered the shelter population reduced and these animals to be euthanized.

It seems to me Lumpkin County Commissioners have turned over policy decisions to the county manager that are not in his job description.

I can appreciate the fact that commissioners enjoy dumping controversial matters onto the county manager.  It is a smooth move if the public lets them get away with it.

Reality is, the purpose of a multi-member commission is to provide public oversight of policy decisions.  Decisions about the capacity and/or size of the animal shelter should not be made behind closed doors by a county manager.

A new mission statement for the shelter is needed since the one for our shelter on http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/lumpkincountypaws.html no longer seems applicable.  Commissioners need to hear what residents of this county want the mission of our shelter to be.

When an animal is picked up by county authorities or brought in as a stray, how long should it be held before being put up for adoption or euthanized?  At the present time it is held for five days.  Is that long enough?  A three day wait is being considered.  What if you are on vacation and your pet gets away from the person keeping it?  After three to five days, you can lose all rights to your pet.

Would the public support expanding kennel space at the shelter if it was done by volunteers and their contributions?  At the present time, county policy allows no expansion.  Do the commissioners support this policy?  Do they know what’s going on at the shelter?  Do they care?

Ultimately, county policies are determined by you, the voter.  Speak up, demand a voice in decision making, or reconcile yourself to being just another sheep in the flock.

About PAWS Humane Society
The Pet Adoption and Welfare Society (PAWS), Inc. strives to improve the quality of life for pets and people in the Lumpkin County area by assisting the Lumpkin County Animal Shelter in reuniting lost pets with their owners, caring for and finding homes for stray and abandoned dogs and cats, promoting the advantages of spayed and neutered pets and educating the public on proper care and handling of animals thus reducing both the number of injuries to people and the incidents of cruelty to animals. PAWS assists the Lumpkin County Animal Shelter in the care and humane treatment of all animals brought to the shelter. Our goal is to find homes for all adoptable dogs and cats.

Anyone looking for a pet can find information and see pictures of pets available for adoption from the Lumpkin County Animal Shelter on this website.  Click on the dog picture. Information about even more animals is available at http://www.petfinder.com/index.html or at http://www.petango.com/lumpkincountyshelter

Only some 20 to 25% of the animals that come into our shelter are adopted.  Others are transferred to other shelters, reclaimed by their owners or euthanized.  Education about spay/neuter is the only way we will be able to reduce the numbers of unwanted pets.

Advantages of protecting your pets by spay/neuter

Spay and neuter are safe and painless operations when done by a licensed veterinarian.  PAWS and the Lumpkin County Animal Shelter can provide information on veterinarians that perform the procedure at reduced rates.  If you need help, call 706-867-7297.

Spaying virtually eliminates the development of breast or uterine cancer in female pets.  Males that are neutered avoid the dangers encountered by roaming as well as development of health issues.

Responsible pet ownership means ensuring your pet is not part of the uncontrolled breeding that results in more than 6 million dogs and cats being euthanized each year in our Nation’s shelters.

Education efforts

PAWS volunteers are available to present information about responsible pet ownership in schools or for any group.  To arrange a presentation, call 706-867-7297.

Students and others learn about animals and  the shelter when they volunteer.  There are many ways to help including  playing with cats and walking the dogs.  Time spent in the shelter is a great benefit to both the volunteers and the animals.

Later this month, a Girl Scout Troup will visit the shelter.  This will be a great learning experience for them.  We’re looking forward to it and we hope they are.

Our fundraisers:

• PAWS t-shirts can be purchased for $15.00.

• Walk for Daniel’s Feet –Saturday March 27, 2010

You and your dog will have an opportunity to help raise money for PAWS.  Registration begins at 10:30 in the parking lot of Dahlonega Methodist Church (across from the Smith House).  The walk will be through and around the Square from 11:00 12:00.  Free food at the end.

Walkers who have raised a minimum $25 donation will receive a Daniel’s Feet t-shirt.

For more information:  Mike McCormack, 706-864-4149, pastermccormack@hotmail.com

Join PAWS:

One of the best ways to directly help the animals is by joining PAWS Humane Society.  Our dues and donations provide support for the county shelter.  Dues are:  adult $25, student $10, family $35, supporting $50, patron, $100, golden $500.

PAWS is a 501 (c ) (3).  All gifts and donations are tax deductible.  Please make checks payable to PAWS Humane Society and mail to 130 Dogwood Court, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533.