Effective protection
Published: Thu, Oct. 23, 2008 12:30AM
Modified Thu, Oct. 23, 2008 06:07AM
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closeAn Oct. 14 People's Forum letter-writer suggested that Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler failed to protect animal welfare because of an unresolved issue concerning methods of euthanasia. As director of the Randolph County Health Department, I am familiar with changes that have taken place since the department was given responsibility for licensing shelters.
In 2006, the department's Animal Welfare Section began regular inspections of all shelters in the state. Inspectors are professional and serious about animal care and safety. They make unannounced visits and post results of visits on their Web site. The department was the primary force behind rescue of 150 animals in an unapproved shelter in Hendersonville. It also assisted Randolph County in a situation where dogs were being rescued but were fraudulently being sold for profit by the operator.
The issue of humane euthanasia is a complex one. But shelter animals are living in better conditions because of the work of the department. Counties are spending money to upgrade and add staff to meet the licensure rules. Troxler has not failed to protect animals in shelters. Nothing could be further from the truth.
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MiMi Cooper, Franklinville
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