I was at the Kent County Administration Building recently. There was a woman wandering the lower level asking for help with her dying cat, which she wanted euthanized. She had been to the Kent County SPCA, but they sent her to Kent County Levy Court. So she came to the administration building and was getting very upset that no one could help her.
The KCSPCA obviously made this referral out of spite, because there are no laws that the state or counties are responsible for animal welfare. You may feel that it should be a governmental service – then petition your legislators. But euthanasia for a sick animal has nothing to do with dog control or even feral/stray cat issues; KCLC is not an animal welfare agency and does not have a veterinarian or access to the drugs necessary for euthanasia.
And unfortunately for the woman they sent to the KC Administration Building, the KCSPCA announced they would no longer take owner-surrendered animals for euthanasia (blaming it on the "crazy people" - but never mentioning the AG's review of their euthanasia records or the NCC audit).
A frequent comment I hear is that I "don't care about the animals" because I don't support the KCSPCA leadership, policies and actions. But does sending a woman with a dying cat to the office building of an agency with no veterinarian services demonstrate care for animals? Especially a dying animal brought to them for release. No one at the shelter had the good sense or compassion to refer her to a veterinarian?
The KCSPCA leadership has made it clear at their board meetings that they will provide low-cost animal welfare services to the counties they have "relationships" with (i.e., contracts for dog control). They charge more for Kent County residents.
In my opinion, this all calls into question their commitment to their original and current mission statement regarding animal welfare.
Catherine Samardza
Hartly
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