July 24, 2002 Henry County Announcements PART ONE

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In some ways this has been the easiest bit of writing I have ever done because it's so close to my heart; in other ways, this has been the hardiest bit of writing I have ever done--for the very same reason. Kindly remember, I am not a public official, I am a citizen, and I am writing as such.

Upfront, I will say that, yes, I am appalled by the circumstances by which Henry County (and to be correct: Trimble, Gallatin, and numerous other counties throughout the state) manages the dog population. It is disgraceful, shameful, nauseating, and a slew of other descriptives expressing disgust. I am a pet owner, animal lover, and former zoo docent. It is in my nature to love, appreciate, and cherish the creatures of this earth. I am also a realist, with strong pragmatic leanings, that tries to remember her heart.

I have received many emails about this issue and so many have poured out their hearts and shared their pet stories. I will share mine with you before I "hit the hard ball."

I am blessed (truly) with two wonderful dogs that had been abandoned--thoughtlessly discarded and likely abused--that we rescued off the street.

"Little Girl Dana" is a corgi, chow, akita, shepherd and/or "something" mix, spayed, and a real cuddler. She trusts me to put my fingers in her mouth, clean her eyes, and trusts me in all things but one--she is terrified of plates, pans, and dishes. This is apparently the result of some abuse before she came into our lives years ago. Despite all the care, love and trust she is permanently scarred by the experience.

We meant to find her a good home. We did, but not the one we expected <smile, wink>. "Little Girl" is what we called her, mistakenly thinking that if she was "nameless" we'd not grow attached. Well, you guessed right if you understand that she comes to either "Little Girl" or "Dana" or "Little Girl Dana." One potential adopter rejected her because her paws "looked too big." Dana, is in fact short/smaller than our other dog, with a chubby corgi body. Paw size is not a reliable evaluation of adult height. Even if it were, I wish I had said to this person--"so, if your child at birth was 21 inches in length would you have rejected him/her based on that?"

"Little Girl Dana"

Dana, came to us very young and with an immature bladder. Someone less understanding and patient would probably have "sent her a-packin'." With growth and patient training Dana was "house-broken." She has since, never soiled in the house. She wins the hearts of all our guests with her sweet and timid demeanor.

"Lexington" is a beagle and we refer to him as our Angel Dog. Lexington has the exceptional ability to detect when my husband's glucose level plummets; he alerts him and devotedly guards him (further evidence that people that discard dogs have no concept of their astounding abilities and worth.) His protective and "guardianship" instincts are natural. But once he gets the "O.K." he's a "face-hugger." (The kids call him the "3D Beagle.") Lex has one tiny problem: he can't resist the temptation of a rabbit, squirrel, cat, etc. We can help him mange that though, with a fenced area and leash walks.

Lex and Dana are our furry children; they are family. Woe to the person that harms our family.

There is a great deal of finger-pointing and resentment (to state it mildly) regarding the "dog problem." First impulse, for many, is to punish the people responsible, and there are some "easy-targets" for that anger. While I'll grant that many would feel some "satisfaction" from punishing the actions, that is only a temporary and emotional relief, and ultimately lacks wisdom. We are, by Latin name, homo-sapiens...loosely translated "wise man"...shouldn't we be true to our name?

I am not schooled in law, but I can read and I can research. I urge you to do the same; knowledge is an ingredient of wisdom.

Fact: There is no state law that requires that the only method of euthanizing excess animals by lethal injection. The only laws regarding this method relate to if you do use legal injection you must be certified by the state Veterinary Medical Association.

Fact: The Dog Warden/Animal Control officer is required to full fill his duties as directed. He'd be breaking the law (as they exist) to resist.

Fact: To interfere with the Dog Warden, Sheriff, etc. in the execution of their duties is breaking another law.

The Animal Control officer has legal protection to do his job. That's not to say that he is without responsibility, but by law, Mr. Chisholm has not violated "the public trust." Loath him, you may; but take vengeance and you violate the law--plus, it's not a very enlightened way to behave.

To be fair to the County Judge Executive, and the Magistrates, they must also honor a public trust--that is to protect the populace from destruction of property and endangerment by dangerous animals...ALL dangerous animals. Unmanaged animals are a threat to public health and safety as well as property.

With respect to property and the plight of farmers, roaming dogs account for a good deal of destruction of livestock. I cannot tell you how many of the chickens on our farm have been taken by roaming dogs (individual or in packs, many wearing collars), but losses from dogs GREATLY outnumber losses from wildlife predation.

Dogs attack livestock, pets, and people. Nothing should interfere with a farmer's or pet owner's right in defense of their animals or in defense of human life to use a weapon (responsibly) to dissuade (frighten-off) or halt (kill) an attacking animal. We must be realistic in acknowledging that despite our best efforts these situations will occur, and will continue to some degree. I can think of one other circumstance where I could not have a grievance with an animal being put down by use of a fire arm: a roadway or other accident where an animal is mortally injured and is suffering. In that case, the only practical and timely manner to relieve the suffering might be a "merciful" bullet when alternatives are unavailable or cause delay. I would call that an emergency and act of desperation. Would it be horrible? Of course it would! All anyone can do is respond in the best way at the moment.

Using a fire arm on animals in a "shelter" is not a mercy, it's an execution. Still, there are circumstance in shelters that present few options but a termination of life--serious health problems, un-recoverable injuries, not enough space and other things I can't even imagine. First we should hope that this crisis never occurs...but you know, practically, it's going to happen. Then we should hope that those in charge exercise good judgment, and compassion and put an animal to sleep without trauma, violence, or cruelty.

Regarding the current method of "animal control" it has been stated repeatedly and by many individuals: "it's always been done like this."

For thought: In the 18th and 19th centuries deaf children were often institutionalized with the mentally ill. For centuries, in this country (with regret) Negroes were considered sub-human and treated as property. It is true, it is a fact--BUT IT DOESN'T MAKE IT "RIGHT."

We have come so far in some attitudes, enlightened to a "better way," but in many places we are still practicing "old ways."

It's hard to change attitudes that are ingrained for generations. Perhaps one "better way" is rather than just attempting to de-program what has been, is to concentrate on teaching our youth.

In any time in history have we ever had better proof that dogs serve man? Dogs are guide animals for the blind and hearing assistance for the deaf, dogs are bomb, drug, and cadaver sniffers, dogs assist the wheel-chair-bound. Some amazing dogs have proven they can detect seizures, blood sugar levels, and even cancer, dogs are used in nursing homes and refuge type institutions to calm and lower the blood-pressure of people, and "connect" with the emotionally and mentally "handicapped." Dogs help us hunt, they guard the house and family and alert us to all kinds of danger. We are still researching and learning all the many attributes of dogs that are a benefit to mankind but for ages, even non-working dogs have provided companionship and love. To cause harm to a creature as this is to reject a divine blessing and insult the Creator.

(When you treat your "friends" badly, can you expect them to treat you in kind?)

There has been much talk about the "expense" of using lethal injections vs. "a bullet". That disparity has been challenged. I would like to highlight another "expense" that may have been overlooked--just for thought, not for criticism. Many organizations have expended time and money in promoting this county to attract homebuyers, tourists, and businesses. We'd like to present the best we have to offer. The negative publicity associated with this matter has had a damaging effect. I've heard from people in other states and countries that choose not to visit Henry County, indeed, they choose not to visit this state. I'm sure there are those that would like to discount this as a small segment of people and pass it off as not an impact, or the parties that have written not really having intentions of traveling here anyway. I respond that it can and does make a difference by just a single example. We used to own an RV. In our traveling days we chose to travel by RV because we could take our pets with us instead of boarding them. From experience and observation there are other travelers with the same motives. Would I choose a campground in a place that would be risky for my pets? Collars fail, leashes break, gates can be left ajar...there are a dozen or more ways that a pet can be separated from it's owner. And if that happens I would want to be reasonably assured that I could contact or be contacted by a finder--and if not, I would not want to be tortured by nightmares of my beloved pet being abused or destroyed by sanctioned slaughter. I'd find a different campground.

Other reflections of how we are perceived come right out of the letters I have received: "ignorant hick", "inhuman...people", "just crazy", "villains", "evil and cruel", "shameful," "unreal," "backwards...rednecks."

This impression is inaccurate. There are plenty of Henry Countians that adore dogs and have taken in "refugees", and most of us are just as enraged at what has happened here. But this is what people are thinking and will be thinking for a long time. Our community reputation is damaged, as if that were the only thing to be concerned about?

So...the "expense" exceeds what some people may think. Purely pragmatically, "a bullet" is false economy.

"Lead, follow, or get out of the way!"
(That's one of my all-time favorite quotes.)

In Kentucky (in many counties, at least) we "follow" the "lead" of the state government regarding dog regulations. If you read the legislation, you will find that the state laws do not preclude counties of cities from enacting their own laws governing animal control. But that requires time, effort, and finances (and frankly, many counties would be hard pressed), so we depend on the legislators in Frankfort to set "the standard", excusing ourselves in a "loop-hole." They lead, we follow, and those that can't afford it, get out of the way...right? Um no! We don't have to get out of the way--we CAN LEAD. We have an opportunity to effect changes and be a fine example for others to follow.

Legislation defines acceptable or unacceptable. Can we write/enact legislation and penalties that by example and reprimand raises the behavior? It's possible, if we are committed and understand that it will take time to unlearn old ways. And fines...can't they be used to fund an animal shelter? Why not?

There are volunteers, albeit, not all residents of this county. Their intentions are honorable and they can help. Volunteers need encouragement and leaders. As an old metaphor goes...too many Chiefs and not enough Indians...so to, too many Indians and no Chiefs. As with most things, to be lasting and effective, changes must come from within. Outside help can be supportive, but just as a child grows, we must some day stand on our own.

The solutions? There are plenty of ideas, but what will work? Some of the proposals I've heard: turn it over to another County; turn it over to the Kentucky Humane Society (Shamrock Foundation, Trixie Foundation, etc.), create a Henry County Humane Society. I suspect that you will recognize that two of these proposals "pass-the-buck," and one "takes responsibility." My cynical, realist side expects that "the buck will be passed." My idealist self wishes that the PEOPLE would come together and say: "get out of the way, we choose to lead."

To the people that have expressed the wish to volunteer, I say, "bravo." To those that would like to volunteer but hesitate feeling humbled by time and cost, I say, there is more than one way to help. You can volunteer letters and stamps to Rick Rand, Royce Adams, Steve Henry, Paul Patton, et. al. Volunteer to be a fund raiser. Volunteer a sack of dog food, (I have heard that some people even clip coupons for shelters.) Volunteer to remind neighbors about rabies vaccine clinics (Veterinarians can volunteer too).

Did I hear a "put-up or shut-up"? The Henry County Web is already a volunteer initiative, so.... I volunteer a FREE web page on The Henry County Web for the purpose of reuniting dogs and owners (lost and found), promoting pet adoption, etc. And if the response warrants and volunteers will maintain it I will even volunteer a hosted web site.

I have many more thoughts and feelings. This hasn't been a "short and sweet" writing exercise, and I realizing that I have already run on quite a bit. (Ha!) Having mercy for you readers I will wrap up here.

Personally, I welcome your dog stories, thoughts and feelings. I also encourage you to express your feelings to those in office or those seeking office in November elections. Of course, when writing to the legislators, hopefully you will be more succinct than I have been.