Letters to the editor: March 7, 2007

Editor:

Why spend more money on additional consultant reports when common sense should be enough? Reports have indicated the necessity to build a new animal shelter for years while the current shelter continues to deteriorate. Take a look at some of the facts: Although one consultant report indicated the definite need for a new shelter eons ago the county did nothing except waste money on a second report which was useless.

It seems most things run by the government take three times longer to accomplish with much more time and money wasted on numerous reports. (Medicare Plan D is a great example of how well the government does not do!) MONEY and LAND are needed for a new shelter, NOT another study!

On the other hand, Haven has continued to upgrade and improve animal services; has built a state-of-the art clinic; has adequate land available to build a new shelter; has two certified or appointed animal cruelty investigators on staff; and is a non-profit agency with a long record of good fund-raising abilities. Much of what Haven has accomplished has been through their fund-raising events and supporter donations.

What did county staff do when the woman in Igo had numerous starving dogs? They cited the woman and told her to shoot the dogs. Is this proper, adequate or humane animal control? If it hadn’t been for an animal welfare league stepping in to feed and rescue the dogs they would have continued their slow deaths from starvation.

Unlike Bill and Maudie Gregory, many cattle people in the area support Haven Humane in their effort to combine animal services. And perhaps I am under the wrong impression, but I thought an animal shelter was mainly for temporary housing of small animals like dogs and cats.

To add insult to injury, Ms. Faubion wants a license for another puppy mill in Shasta County. (Some of her dogs have already had to be rescued and we don’t currently have adequate space for dogs that need shelter.) Take a look at the number of pets for sale every day in the Pets and Supplies section of the Record Searchlight — some of the same ads run for weeks or months. Does it look like we need another puppy mill or even a legitimate breeding kennel in the area? Supervisors, City Council members, and members of the “blue ribbon citizens committee” should talk to people at Another Chance Animal Welfare League, Haven Humane, Pets without Partners, and Raining Cats and Dogs to name a few, to become aware of the horrible conditions and situations they deal with every day and the number of animals that have to be euthanized because of lack of adequate shelter facilities.

Let’s forget about politics and additional consultant reports and consider what is best for the animals — that is the need for adequate facilities NOW and at the most reasonable cost!

Carol Willard

Redding

Dear Community Supporter:

We would like to thank all of those who attended the 19th annual Anderson Union High School District SACS (School and Community Solidarity) dinner/ dance. The event took place at the Shasta District Fairgrounds on February 17. A capacity crowd joined in the revelry which included much good food, dancing, and entertainment. The dinner/dance provides an excellent opportunity for school and community to connect in a positive and fun-filled social setting.

Several participants were fortunate enough to win one of the great prizes donated by generous businesses, or purchased by the SACS dance committee. Due to the generosity of local merchants, Win-River, area golf courses, and Redding Distributing, the total value for items given away was around $3,500.

This momentous event continues to be a favorite place to make new friends and renew old friendships. Kathy Pfrimmer and her assistants from Kent’s Meats provided the excellent meal, prompting many complimentary comments from those in attendance. Everyone appeared to get all that they wanted to eat.

The DJ, Awesome Austin, made a conscientious effort to satisfy the needs and desires of every age group by constantly changing the tempo and selection of music. Enthusiastic participation by those present kept the dance floor fully occupied all night. Energetic involvement in the Macarena, “YMCA,” by the Village People and the traditional “Chicken Dance” provided both fun and entertainment.

Overall, the dance was a huge success. It was well after midnight when the final stragglers were convinced to say their goodbyes until next year.

It is a pleasure to observe so many in the community having a good time. The dinner/dance is for fun and social interaction only. It is not a fundraiser and it is not designed to promote a particular cause. Instead, it provides an opportunity to give something worthwhile back to a very supportive community.

The date for the 2008 dinner/dance will be February l6. We hope to count on you again for continued support of this worthwhile activity. See you next year.

Thank you again for your participation and support.

Sincerely,

Bob Reid, Director

SACS Dinner Dance