All pet owners should be aware of the following: On March 27, 2012, the Attorney General’s Office issued the opinion that the Kent County SPCA is subject to the Freedom of Information Act. This determination is based on law; the KCSPCA receives state money (separate from the contractual fees received from the counties for dog control) and the animal control officers employed by them are given legislative authority for code investigation and enforcement. To date, the KCSPCA has not agreed to comply with FOIA.

All supporters of the KCSPCA should be aware that there are very serious problems at the shelter. The KCSPCA has grown from a small grassroots movement to an organization with two sections (DE Animal Care and Control and the shelter), 3 buildings, approximately 30 employees and a reported income and expenses of over $3 Million. It is no longer a “mom and pop” store. The board needs to respond affirmatively and pro-actively to the Attorney General’s Office and comply with FOIA.

Mismanagement on the part of the board and lack of oversight from the Department of Agriculture in all three counties have led to numerous complaints, law suits, and at least three investigations by state agencies and a professional organization (as noted on the KCSPCA website).

Please let the the KCSPCA, your legislators, and county representatives know that you are in favor of major reform of the KCSPCA, and that they should comply with FOIA.

Carol Furr
Smyrna