There’s never a good time to use incinerator
The Humane Society of Warren County would like to extend an apology to those who were offended by the smoke from our incinerator. Even though this equipment is fairly new, it does not always work properly. It was not designed to handle the number of animals the shelter must incinerate each year.
We would purchase equipment adequate to meet our needs, but unfortunately the $25,000 to do so is in neither the county nor the shelter budget. Any private donations toward this project will be welcomed.
We have been in contact with the EPA and are discussing ways to reduce the level of smoke and particulate emission. Please be patient while this work is under way. As far as times of incineration are concerned, we will work with the neighbors and those using the ball field as much as we can. It seems there are no convenient times for the incinerator to run.
While we hopefully have your attention, let us make a plea to the residents of Warren and surrounding counties.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
No one can imagine how much those of us at the Humane Society would like to see the incinerator shut down permanently. As a matter of fact, we would like for there to be no need for the shelter at all and you can make this a reality by having your pet spayed/neutered.
The shelter does not breed animals.
We are forced to euthanize perfectly adoptable animals when we get in as many 50 per day and have no room or homes for them. Approximately 94 percent of the animals brought to our shelter each year come from Warren County. Until Warren County residents take responsibility for their pets and have them spayed/neutered we will continue to have this problem.
In the period from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002, over 4,500 animals were brought to our shelter. If you think we can work magic and find homes for all these animals, you are sadly mistaken. In that year alone, 4,000 of those animals were euthanized. Only 500 were returned to the owner or adopted out of the shelter.
From all indications, the numbers for this past year will be even higher. Please stop and think how difficult it is to see this happen to helpless animals that deserve to be cared for and would like nothing more than someone to love them and someone they could love in return.
Even if you think you are being responsible by finding homes for your puppies or kittens, you do not know if they will be spayed/neutered or allowed to have unwanted litters. One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in six years. One female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 in seven years.
There are just too many animals and too few homes. The only logical solution to this appalling situation is to have your pet spayed/neutered. It is better for your pet’s own health and behavior patterns and is the only way to prevent the destruction of so many beautiful animals.
If you would like information on the many reasons to spay/neuter your pets, please contact the Humane Society at 473-5720. If you are willing to make a commitment and be responsible for a dog or cat and are looking to adopt, please come to the shelter and let us find just the right pet for you.
Sincerely,
Villa Mitchell
891 Crisp Springs Rd.
McMinnville