Pine Bluff Animal Control and the Jefferson County Humane Society are working jointly on improving pet adoption procedures and enhancing the city’s animal shelter, officials said.
Humane society and city officials met Monday to discuss issues after a Jan. 3 posting on the humane society’s Facebook page asserted that there were various problems with shelter personnel and conditions.
Alderman Bill Brumett read the posting aloud to Animal Control Interim Director Ted Davis during the Jan. 3 city council meeting.
No one has taken credit for the posting, which was removed from the humane society’s page by late Jan. 3.
Davis said his meeting with humane society President Tana Pointer and other representatives of her group was “very amicable” and he’s “looking forward” to teaming with the organization to better shelter operations.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“We made some recommendations, primarily on how we can work together on animal welfare and adoption,” Davis said Thursday. “We discussed having (humane society) use our facilities to help with their adoption efforts, and we’re getting their input and advice on our new shelter.”
Pointer said she and Davis had had “a great conversation” prior to the Facebook matter and she is “completely tickled to death” about the Jan. 9 meeting.
“As far as I’m concerned, the proof is in the pudding,” she told a reporter Friday. “I want to wait and see what changes will be made with animal control, and I would like for you to call me in a few months so I can give you an update.”
Pointer said she and Davis share a common foe in their animal welfare efforts.
“It’s accountability of pet owners,” she believes. “First, dog and cat owners need to have their pets spayed or neutered, which could go a long way in eliminating the misery of strays and unwanted dogs at the pound.
“And people need to become responsible before they become pet owners. Too many kittens and puppies that are so cute and cuddly when some people first see and adopt them are simply tossed aside and left to fend for themselves when matters of actual pet care arise,” she said. “We’ve got to stop that cycle.”
Pointer said that the humane society longs for a time when there will be a waiting list to adopt pets here, noting that such a development would result from a successful spay and neutering campaign. She stressed that her agency is willing to help in that effort.
“We know that a number of people don’t spay or neuter their pets because of affordability efforts,” she said. “We have some money set aside to help with those expenses. People can call 870-543-0059 for more information.”