Citizens want shelter on county priority list
By Andrew Bell
Published in News on November 14, 2005 1:51 PM
More than 60 concerned citizens spoke for those who couldn't Sunday evening at a candlelight vigil and petition signing at Herman Park.
The petition demanded the Wayne County Commission rebuild the Wayne County Animal Shelter. The candles were for the animals that have been and are housed at the shelter in what those present said are deplorable conditions.
Speakers at the event expressed their frustration, saying county officials have been neglectful in their duties to provide a humane animal shelter.
"The commissioners knew of the conditions two years ago," Jean Hollowell said. "They paid over $10,000 to send in specialists to make recommendations on the shelter. They found the conditions intolerable and in violation of state law."
To be more humane than current conditions, Mrs. Hollowell said the specialists also suggested animals be euthanized every day. The shelter was originally built to house 50 animals. However, the shelter is forced to house more than 130 animals per week. By euthanizing animals every day, Mrs. Hollowell said the specialists concluded it would be more humane for the animals to be put down than live at the shelter for a week.
Despite these suggestions, she said nothing has been done, and it is time for the community's apathy to end.
"Still, the commissioners do nothing until they are compelled to do something," Mrs. Hollowell said.
Concerned citizens who began the petition process went throughout Goldsboro during the weekend to get as many signatures as possible. On Saturday, Anita Hajjar and friends held an adoption day in the parking lot of Wal-Mart.
While finding potential homes for nine dogs and three cats, Mrs. Hajjar said more than 250 people signed the petition. On Sunday, Mrs. Hajjar, Mrs. Hollowell and Barrett Parker passed out petitions to attendants to spread throughout the county. Mrs. Parker said the goal is to show Wayne County residents and its officials that this is necessary for the future of the county.
"We can show these petitions to county officials to show people do care. We do care that the current building has flooded twice and should be replaced. We do care about the animals. The people of Wayne County do care," Mrs. Parker said.
People who would like to include their signature on the petition are encouraged to call Mrs. Parker at 751-3928 or e-mail her at bparkernc@aol.com.
Residents can also voice their opinions to the Wayne County Animal Control Advisory Committee Wednesday at 7 p.m. The group will meet in the Commissioners Conference Room in the Wayne County Courthouse. Those who would like to attend and be heard by the committee must be placed on the agenda by calling 731-1439.