Shelter Manager Clai Martin has been approached numerous times on the weather conditions. Currently, we are experiencing the heat of summer. This upcoming week temperatures will range in the mid nineties. According to the NG AWS administrative rules for animal shelters, dogs should not be in temperatures above 85 degrees.

Another issue Clai Martin needs to consider is why he does embrace volunteer adoption programs at Rowan County Animal Shelter. He needs to get in touch with numerous animal control facilities within the state to learn more about the wonderful adoption programs they have started.

Why would Clai Martin want to keep killing lovable dogs and cats? Last year, and for the last decade nothing changes with the kill rate at this shelter. Something is terribly wrong.

Click on this link:
http://www.rowancountync.gov/GOVERNMENT/Departments/AnimalShelter/AdoptMe.aspx

This page NEVER has any pictures of dogs or cats available. Wonder why?

I have also seen the conditions at the animal control. It's so sad. How can anyone with a heart allow these conditions to continue. If you pretend it doen't happen then you are as guilty as the ones allowing the abuse.

I sent an email to Clai Martin and Leonard Wood asking to volunteer at RCAC. Their
reply, "we don't have a volunteer program down here." Makes me wonder.

Clai Martin is worthless and useless...he doesn't even like animals!! I have known him for years and he is the worse thing these animals could ask for. He won't work with any of us rescues to help or volunteer there at all. He has killed animals that were to be pulled and adopted also. we have had numberous puppy mills busted and he would NOT work with us to get them into rescues. Lenorad is just as bad to try to work with. I am from the China Grove area and ashamed that the Rowan County has let it get this bad. Please do something!!!! Flood your House of Rep. PLEASEEEEEE with letters to get this fixed for the animals sake.

My feelings exactly. I have had the same experiences. I have personally had 3 dogs and
1 cat they knew I wanted to adopt, euthanized, and in the gas chamber. The cat was so sick,
it was a violation of the law to kill her in the gas chamber. And that's not all. Does that sound
like a staff that loves animals as they claim. I DON'T THINK SO!! Thanks for the votes and the
comments.

You know, it seems that the counties in NC are only capable of hiring scum of the earth to take care of these poor animals in the shelters. They are paid very well and more benefits than most people that work a full time job in retail, law enforcement, fast food rest., and a few other industries.Makes me wonder why Perdue doesn't get off of her duff and put a stop to all of this crap. I will say this much though, the man that runs the AC shelter in Raeford, NC, has more compassion than any other AC person I have ever met. He is responsible for me being able to adopt 2 beautiful huskies just last week from his facility. He went all out to make sure that my new babies were veted, spayed and neutered, and got their rabies shots taken care of before they were transported to Rocky Mountain for us to pick up. I hope Karma comes to pay a visit to these people real soon.

I am curious as to why this is tolerated.....no advisory board....transparency.....it is simply a kill facility and I would like to know why this is best for the taxpayers.....$$$$....a little trickle down compassion would elevate all....we raised the money for a dog that was seized, told she would be held over wk end....she was killed immediately. we were lied to....persistence ...finally told she was gassed...foster family had been found, money raised and a permenant home found.....i want to know why this is financially preferred....other counties are making admirable changes.....i am ashamed of the complacency of citizens as well....faithful friends seems to be a feel good diversion.....i am sorry the $$ is not used to enforce laws in place, educate and teach compassion....perhaps it says much about the community that supports clai martin.....it would be interesting to follow the $$$$.

Don't forget, VOTE TO FIX!

It is a disgrace that this facility has a place for the animals to be more comfortable and they don't do it - obviously the person running the facility enjoys hurting animals. The Department responsible needs to step up and DO THE RIGHT THING.

What will each of you do? We can complain here, chastize and criticize. Time to roll our sleeves up and demand meetings with the county leaders. We elect them, and they serve us.

Your neighbors are abusing animals, and asking YOU to pay for them when they dump them in the shelter YOU PAY FOR.

ACT NOT REACT.

I agree with you 100%. I've been acting, I'm asking for others to join in. Join the cause on
Facebook for Animal Welfare in Rowan County. We're trying to get organized and do just
that. You're right, and we could sure use you. Thanks!!

we must all attend the next meeting to support the few that have attended....Brenda, please post the next meeting....i am now able to attend, it is my understanding that the need for an advisory board was negated at last meeting, is this correct. I am in a wheelchair but now able to independently travel, will bring others...i do encourage asking the help of No Kill Nation and other counties that are making progress....we do have a right as taxpayers to raise a voice....i do believe that the citizens are as reponsible as those that so poorly serve....i would like to believe that if folks realized they may respond...i do acknowledge that most are struggling just to deal with most fundamental responsiblities of daily life...but this has gone on for decades, as change occurs around us i would like to believe that rowan county can also...Clai Martin needs to go.

Doodlebug you are absolutly right it's going to take all of us to get them to make changes. Brenda has been working by herself on these issues for at least two years. She can't do it by herself. The animals need better care and more concern. It's horrible. the way they are treated. I help Brenda when she needs me but she's the doer. Karen Blaney

I will certainly post the meeting schedule, and everything else I know. A great big thanks to
each and every one that has expressed concerned and is willing to help!!!!!

Brenda Kirby

Will be looking forward to that!

Now, I'm told, the animals have access to the inside run by 2:00pm each day. By that time,
the ones on the office side of animal control have spent several hours in high temperatures with no shade. I was at AC this past Wednesday and took the temperature of the cement floor in the runs, 11:10 am. It was 100.3 degrees, and I showed it to the staff. The facility is built in such a way that this would be very easy to fix. Why is it being ignored.

Why does RCAC not post animals on PetFinder or some similar outside source. Where's the
compassion they claim to have for the animals. Compassion means doing everything possible
to get animals adopted, not make excuses and throw them in the gas chamber. Volunteers have
offered to do it for them. A discussion at the August 9 BOH meeting was encouraging, but that
didn't last long. A sub-committee was suppose to meet and discuss ways to increase adoptions,
hasn't happened yet, and won't happen until September 29. What are they waiting on, don't they
realize how many animals are being killed that could have been saved? Check out the Animal
Shelter website, click on Adopt Me. There's nothing there, not one single dog or cat. It's time the
actions of animal control measure up to the claims they make. Compassion & caring are not
adjectives I would use to describe RCAC, not yet. From requiring the animals to be exposed to excessive heat & cold, to doing nothing to increase adoptions, in turn reducing the numbers
euthanized. There is definitely a need for CHANGE IN OPERATING PROCEDURES!

A discussion at the August 9, 2011 BOH seemed promising. Well the sub-committee met on September 20, 2011, and will submit their recommendation at the next regular BOH meeting on October 11, 2011,
6:30pm at the Rowan County Health Dept. It seems they are still relying on Faithful Friends to pull
animals from AC, but they have limits too. And besides, a FF Board member attended the August 9 BOH
meeting with a letter, clearly explaining their intentions, and I quote, "We are happy to meet with you now but believe that our actual joing participation, if at all, may be several years down the road. We would encourage RAC to actively maintain a current website on which pets are listed for adoption." The reason for not using volunteers is outdated, and volunteers have offered to run the website for adoptions. Maybe the BOH just doesn't understand how important it is. More adoptions would mean DECREASED EUTHANASIA. I will try to post the letter and the minutes from the Sub-Committee meeting/Adoption Issue, so you can see for yourself. Attend the next BOH meeting, October 11, 2011,
at the Rowan County Health Dept. Show support for changes that need to happen, the animals need a voice. We need to work on getting rid of the GAS Chamber too.

To resolve the chaos, each of us must take responsibility for ourselves instead of succumbing to national codependent behavior. It is only when we get off the Merri-go round named "denial" of how we treat our neighbor, our family members, our community, which includes animals, will we evolve as a human species. We are still very primitive. Be an Earthkeeper.

To resolve the chaos, each of us must take responsibility for ourselves instead of succumbing to national codependent behavior. It is only when we get off the Merri-go round named "denial" of how we treat our neighbor, our family members, our community, which includes animals, will we evolve as a human species. We are still very primitive. Be an Earthkeeper.

To resolve the chaos, each of us must take responsibility for ourselves instead of succumbing to national codependent behavior. It is only when we get off the Merri-go round named "denial" of how we treat our neighbor, our family members, our community, which includes animals, will we evolve as a human species. We are still very primitive. Be an Earthkeeper.

I want know if this problem is fixed until colder weather. I will be observing conditions and checking temperatures. I will also see if the animals are allowed to go inside the indoor/outdoor runs. Until then, I would like to leave this SeeClickFix OPEN.
I also have a problem with the way AC staff decides which animals are killed in the gas chamber of are humanely euthanized by lethal injection. Just recently they handled a hoarding case, very poorly I might ad. By trapping and use of the choke pole. Then AC staff decides if an animal is sick or near death, determining which ones are humanely euthanizsd. Needless to say, most were killed in the gas chamber. With upper respiratory infection, matted eyes or no eyes, runny nose and open sores. Does the gas chamber sound like the humane way for these animals to be killed. No Vet, not even the county vet checked them. No adoption attempts. Catch & kill, that's the way it was. RCAC doesn't even post their adoptable animals on a PetFinder site, nor do they manage their own adoption site. Adoptable animals are being killed every day. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEM? WHERE IS THE COMPASSION THEY OFTEN SPEAK OF?

I want know if this problem is fixed until colder weather. I will be observing conditions and checking temperatures. I will also see if the animals are allowed to go inside the indoor/outdoor runs. Until then, I would like to leave this SeeClickFix OPEN.
I also have a problem with the way AC staff decides which animals are killed in the gas chamber of are humanely euthanized by lethal injection. Just recently they handled a hoarding case, very poorly I might ad. By trapping and use of the choke pole. Then AC staff decides if an animal is sick or near death, determining which ones are humanely euthanizsd. Needless to say, most were killed in the gas chamber. With upper respiratory infection, matted eyes or no eyes, runny nose and open sores. Does the gas chamber sound like the humane way for these animals to be killed. No Vet, not even the county vet checked them. No adoption attempts. Catch & kill, that's the way it was. RCAC doesn't even post their adoptable animals on a PetFinder site, nor do they manage their own adoption site. Adoptable animals are being killed every day. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEM? WHERE IS THE COMPASSION THEY OFTEN SPEAK OF?

The problem isn't fixed yet. Animals are still shut out in temperatures too cold, too low allowed by the AWA. Floors were wet as if they had just been washed. No resting surfaces for the animals on the cold/hot cement. No animals are being posted anywhere for adoption. Almost forgot, AC does place 1 cat and 1 dog in the Salisbury Post on Sunday. AC could do more. Faithful Friends has been chosen as the rescue to be allowed to pull animals and the adotion fee will be waived. More animals would be adopted if AC would allow other rescues to help. Isn't that what it's all about? Saving their lives and getting them to a loving, caring home. It seems they had rather kill them than put forth an effort to get them adopted. I hear short staff, or budget. Have you seen the elaborate entrance installed at AC lately. In my opinion, the money could have been spent in a better way, like on something for the animals.

Form a volunteer group to meet with each commissioner separately and together. Bring photos and pictures of animal shelters in North Carolina that have teamed up with the community. A good example is Wake County Animal Shelter Volunteer Program. Go on their web page and print out their community events, volunteer guidelines to become a volunteer, waiver of liability form, petfinder site, and every bit of data on their site. Contact their paid volunteer coordinator.

If Rowan County says they have no money for a volunteer coordinator and program, then lets take a look at the sale of money from selling dead cats. Ask the county manager to create a shelter fund to be used specifically to purchase items for the shelter and animals. Get a petition going that requests the county hire a volunteer coordinator. Rowan County has an 80% euthanasia rate. The taxpayers need to be addressed. Find out which zip codes in Rowan County are producing the most animals. Wake County did a study like this. Go door to door in those communities with a volunteer team to discuss the problems of pet overpopulation. Provide leaflets with information where people can get low cost spay neuter. Bring a list of places you want this information posted in the county. Meet with local veterinarians one at a time with your team members. You cannot do it alone. Together we can change animal control operations to reflect the mindset of the twenty first century. The clock of compassion is set at an early hour in Rowan County. It will take the work of many to move it forward.

Sorry for the delay in responding to your concerns. I can only point out that our facility has passed every State inspection, at least during the 3+ years that I've been here. We run our facility within State requirements, and similar to every Animal Shelter that I've managed over the past 30 years. We'll continue to look into every complaint. Thanks, Gary L. Page, County Manager

Mr. Page, as you can see, animal advocates are concerned about Rowan County Animal Control bonding with the North Carolina citizens interested in adopting and pulling their unwanted and abandoned companion animals. We appreciate your good will to voice your thoughts here.

In 2011, Rowan Animal Shelter killed 3113 dogs and many more cats. Each animal that was killed had a life. Each animal deserved the best opportunity to be adopted. You stated that Rowan passes state REQUIRED inspections.

We, the animal advocates expect more "than what is required," when it comes to our companion animals. We expect community, team work, and the chance work together with shelter employees in a viable county driven and guided volunteer program. Will you extend us a hand and make that happen in Rowan County?

Mr. Page, as you can see, animal advocates are concerned about Rowan County Animal Control bonding with the North Carolina citizens interested in adopting and pulling their unwanted and abandoned companion animals. We appreciate your good will to voice your thoughts here.

In 2011, Rowan Animal Shelter killed 3113 dogs and many more cats. Each animal that was killed had a life. Each animal deserved the best opportunity to be adopted. You stated that Rowan passes state REQUIRED inspections.

We, the animal advocates expect more "than what is required," when it comes to our companion animals. We expect community, team work, and the chance work together with shelter employees in a viable county driven and guided volunteer program. Will you extend us a hand and make that happen in Rowan County?

Mr. Page, as you can see, animal advocates are concerned about Rowan County Animal Control bonding with the North Carolina citizens interested in adopting and pulling their unwanted and abandoned companion animals. We appreciate your good will to voice your thoughts here.

In 2011, Rowan Animal Shelter killed 3113 dogs and many more cats. Each animal that was killed had a life. Each animal deserved the best opportunity to be adopted. You stated that Rowan passes state REQUIRED inspections.

We, the animal advocates expect more "than what is required," when it comes to our companion animals. We expect community, team work, and the chance work together with shelter employees in a viable county driven and guided volunteer program. Will you extend us a hand and make that happen in Rowan County?

I have personally been to the Rowan County Animal Shelter and have found their facilities to not only be clean, but have also found them to be very accommodating to the customers as well as the animals. I was treated very well while I was there. I was shown the dogs and allowed to take out several and play with them in a fenced in area filled with toys. It was great to be able to interact with the animals when trying to find the right temperament dog for my home. Perhaps those concerned should be putting their own energy into helping to inform the community about the importance of spaying and neutering. Let's not waste our passion and energy for the animals by bad mouthing the staff, that is not at all constructive. You should BE the change you wish to see in the world because only kindness reaps kindness AND treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are.

Who is bad mouthing the staff? Who is angry at me Olivia Swink? There is no one to discredit. The issue is this: Let us start a volunteer program at the shelter - a country driven volunteer program with rules and regs for the volunteers to include a waiver of liability.

Let us lower the euthanasia rate via spay neuter in Rowan County. Many NC shelters do not let animals leave the shelter before being spayed and neutered. Rockets go to the moon. The internet offers us the technology to create streamline seamless communication. We are living in the year 2012.

I am delighted to hear that the staff is cordial, and Ms. Swink experienced a pleasurable event at Rowan County Animal Shelter. What you expressed about your visit is positive; alas you and I are not the victims: we will go home from the shelter and have our dinner, continue our lives. The high kill rate at Rowan County Animal Shelter must be addressed. Don't you agree?

You appear angry. Your statement: "You should be the change you wish to see in the world...."

Ms. Swink, let us not bring this down to a personal level. This is not the issue - what I do or you do to make the world a better place.

Each companion animal had a life to live, enjoy, however meager or small or dim someone thought it might be. It is up to us, to work together to bring the government of Rowan County together with the citizens. We want a volunteer program - an opportunity to save the lives of 6000 being killed each year at Rowan County Shelter.

I am aware that large numbers have little effect on the public nowadays. After all, we deal in the trillions with debt. We have become numb to hearing and seeing large numbers. Each number was a life. Each number had a heart, lungs, took an in breath and out breath. America evolves.

You and I are here discussing this issue. What can we do, Ms. Swink, to get a volunteer program going in Rowan County? There is no winner. No loser. We are here together to work interdependently. We are not islands separated by the name of our county, state, or country.

You appear concerned with "politeness" when death is in your face? My face? Politeness is the isue or a volunteer program. Perhaps you can take the lead on this.

My response regarding politeness was directed at Vanessa who speaks of "scum of the earth", Starla Renee who refers to people as "worthless and useless", Karen Cantwell who actually seems to think "the person running the facility enjoys hurting animals" and various others. This really seems like a circular way of thought and the message they send only hurts the cause.

How can you solve problems within the government, such as a high euthanasia rate when the community that sustains it has not been dealt with?

If Rowan County won't accept a volunteer program why not work to inform the public yourself? Why not create some informational flyers stating the reason for spaying and neutering with additional information regarding low cost clinics and pass them out yourselves? Perhaps speak to veterinarians about lowering the fees they charge or having their own low cost clinic to help people be able to afford the operation. If you feel like your hitting a brick wall why not try an alternate method? We can't keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect different results.

The dog in the photo was killed on December 2, 2010. I contacted Rowan County Manager Gary Page asking why the dog was still shown on Rowan County Petfinder in January, February, and March of 2011. One year ago, Gary Page and Clai Martin stated they were "short of staff," and that is why no animals were posted on Petfinder. Today, I went back to look and see if the dog was still posted on Rowan County Petfinder. This dead dog is still posted on Petfinder in the year 2012. There are still no animals posted on Rowan County Petfinder other than this dead dog. This is terrible.

Please read the adoption page and shelter policy page below. Note that Rowan County Animal Shelter will not take deposits on impounded animals. We need to find out why?

I have been to many shelters in North Carolina that "welcome" deposits on impounded animals. Many shelters also take additional deposits from numerous people on the same impounded animal in case the first deposit falls through. By not allowing deposits, it appears the shelter is not working together with the public for the benefit of saving the lives of our unwanted and abandoned pets. Read policy quoted below:

"Our adoptions operate on a first come, first serve basis. Therefore we do not accept down-payments towards an animal nor will we hold an animal for an individual." "The $70 adoption fee is the same for the general public as well as a rescue organization."

http://www.rowancountync.gov/GOVERNMENT/Departments/AnimalShelter/Adoptions.aspx
http://www.rowancountync.gov/GOVERNMENT/Departments/AnimalShelter/Policies.aspx

What rescue organization can afford to pay $70 adoption fees?

In 2010, Rowan County took in 6713 cats and dogs. They killed 5,563 animals. They have not applied for state spay neuter funding. Since 2001 annual report data, the numbers of animals impounded and euthanized at Rowan County have pretty much remained the same.

There are many citizens in Rowan County that do want a Citizen Animal Advisory Committee and a volunteer program at the shelter. It appears to me, that Rowan leadership is condoning high euthanasia rates by their very act of omission. They are refusing to team up with citizens to get animals adopted.

http://www.ncstatefair.org/2011/competitions/webgraphic/HH028/1785_MICHAELWRIGHTHH028/about.htm


Statement on Rowan County Animal Shelter Page:

"Over the past five years our department has worked hard and earned the respect from law enforcement agencies, court officials, county representatives and the general public. Professional knowledge, education and training; updated equipment, official uniforms, improved vehicles and a new facility have all contributed to a more proficient Animal Control system to help serve Rowan county citizens. The perception of an Animal Control Officer has changed dramatically over the years. We have gotten away from the public's misconception of the "dog catcher" riding around looking for strays and picking on poor innocent dogs. The catcher stigma is gone and we are now recognized as Animal Control Officers."

I would like to know what methods of inquiry Rowan County Animal Control is using to survey the general public about the lack of photos on Petfinder, lack of a county driven volunteer program, and a euthanasia rate of 80%?

I was delighted to read about the House Select Committee on Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals 2004 that I went down to the General Assembly archives and learned that Shelter Manager Clai Martin was a member of that astute committee; yet there seems to be no bonding with the public, advertising of shelter animals on television, or in news ads about Rowan County Animals. Correct me if I have wrong information. It appears that nothing is being done to get the animals adopted. It is vital that the county leadership join hands with the citizenry on this matter - not just what is REQUIRED TO DO.

I was also surprised to read the following statement on the Rowan County Animal Control main web page:

"Our Animal Control Officers use equipment such as catch poles, cat grabbers, snake tongs, mace, and a 120,000 volt stun baton."

How about a statement about how Rowan County Animal Control is "working together with the public" to get animals adopted? Is it important for the public to know what sort of equipment Rowan County Animal Control uses?

Education is the key. It works both ways. We are fortunate to be educating Rowan leadership right here in this comment box about what is MORE THAN REQUIRED. The clock of compassion is in the early hour in Rowan County when it comes to unwanted and abandoned pets. We must act!

Without dialogue, without a Citizen Animal Advisory Committee nothing will change. Why did Rowan leadership dismiss the idea of such a committee last year. It takes team work to evolve.

The dog in the photo was killed on December 2, 2010. I contacted Rowan County Manager Gary Page asking why the dog was still shown on Rowan County Petfinder in January, February, and March of 2011. One year ago, Gary Page and Clai Martin stated they were "short of staff," and that is why no animals were posted on Petfinder. Today, I went back to look and see if the dog was still posted on Rowan County Petfinder. This dead dog is still posted on Petfinder in the year 2012. There are still no animals posted on Rowan County Petfinder other than this dead dog. This is terrible.

Please read the adoption page and shelter policy page below. Note that Rowan County Animal Shelter will not take deposits on impounded animals. We need to find out why?

I have been to many shelters in North Carolina that "welcome" deposits on impounded animals. Many shelters also take additional deposits from numerous people on the same impounded animal in case the first deposit falls through. By not allowing deposits, it appears the shelter is not working together with the public for the benefit of saving the lives of our unwanted and abandoned pets. Read policy quoted below:

"Our adoptions operate on a first come, first serve basis. Therefore we do not accept down-payments towards an animal nor will we hold an animal for an individual." "The $70 adoption fee is the same for the general public as well as a rescue organization."

http://www.rowancountync.gov/GOVERNMENT/Departments/AnimalShelter/Adoptions.aspx
http://www.rowancountync.gov/GOVERNMENT/Departments/AnimalShelter/Policies.aspx

What rescue organization can afford to pay $70 adoption fees?

In 2010, Rowan County took in 6713 cats and dogs. They killed 5,563 animals. They have not applied for state spay neuter funding. Since 2001 annual report data, the numbers of animals impounded and euthanized at Rowan County have pretty much remained the same.

There are many citizens in Rowan County that do want a Citizen Animal Advisory Committee and a volunteer program at the shelter. It appears to me, that Rowan leadership is condoning high euthanasia rates by their very act of omission. They are refusing to team up with citizens to get animals adopted.

http://www.ncstatefair.org/2011/competitions/webgraphic/HH028/1785_MICHAELWRIGHTHH028/about.htm


Statement on Rowan County Animal Shelter Page:

"Over the past five years our department has worked hard and earned the respect from law enforcement agencies, court officials, county representatives and the general public. Professional knowledge, education and training; updated equipment, official uniforms, improved vehicles and a new facility have all contributed to a more proficient Animal Control system to help serve Rowan county citizens. The perception of an Animal Control Officer has changed dramatically over the years. We have gotten away from the public's misconception of the "dog catcher" riding around looking for strays and picking on poor innocent dogs. The catcher stigma is gone and we are now recognized as Animal Control Officers."

I would like to know what methods of inquiry Rowan County Animal Control is using to survey the general public about the lack of photos on Petfinder, lack of a county driven volunteer program, and a euthanasia rate of 80%?

I was delighted to read about the House Select Committee on Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals 2004 that I went down to the General Assembly archives and learned that Shelter Manager Clai Martin was a member of that astute committee; yet there seems to be no bonding with the public, advertising of shelter animals on television, or in news ads about Rowan County Animals. Correct me if I have wrong information. It appears that nothing is being done to get the animals adopted. It is vital that the county leadership join hands with the citizenry on this matter - not just what is REQUIRED TO DO.

I was also surprised to read the following statement on the Rowan County Animal Control main web page:

"Our Animal Control Officers use equipment such as catch poles, cat grabbers, snake tongs, mace, and a 120,000 volt stun baton."

How about a statement about how Rowan County Animal Control is "working together with the public" to get animals adopted? Is it important for the public to know what sort of equipment Rowan County Animal Control uses?

Education is the key. It works both ways. We are fortunate to be educating Rowan leadership right here in this comment box about what is MORE THAN REQUIRED. The clock of compassion is in the early hour in Rowan County when it comes to unwanted and abandoned pets. We must act!

Without dialogue, without a Citizen Animal Advisory Committee nothing will change. Why did Rowan leadership dismiss the idea of such a committee last year. It takes team work to evolve.

Once again I pose these questions:

"How can you solve problems within the government, such as a high euthanasia rate when the community that sustains it has not been dealt with?

If Rowan County won't accept a volunteer program why not work to inform the public yourself? Why not create some informational flyers stating the reason for spaying and neutering with additional information regarding low cost clinics and pass them out yourselves? Perhaps speak to veterinarians about lowering the fees they charge or having their own low cost clinic to help people be able to afford the operation. If you feel like your hitting a brick wall why not try an alternate method? We can't keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect different results."

Why don't all of the people who want to volunteer actually get together and work to educate the public about spaying and neutering with or without the counties help. You could start saving lives TODAY instead of waiting for someone to make a decision to do something tomorrow.

Hi Olivia,

I am doing the work. This is not about me or you. We are dialoguing tranparently here for the benefit fo all. I live in Durham. Where do you live?

Would you like to work together on a Rowan flyer?

I am working in various counties. I have enjoyed sharing my perspective with you.

Ms. Swink, do you live in Rowan County? If you do, please know that I spent one week on Craigslist asking people from Rowan come forward to help out.

Perhaps you can get a group together, and I will participate. We can call local businesses and churches and expose the cruelty going on in Rowan County. Operating in the dark with the doors closed is easier. Catch and kill, no volunteer program, no petfinder.

Let's roll up our sleeves together, Ms. Swink.

Jane, from my understanding a flyer has already been created and is distributed regularly, a FB page has now been created and petfinder has animals posted everyday which is connected to the county website. The adoptions number are drastically on the rise and progress is being made everyday. Rowan County has an entire community networking these animals right along with the Shelter staff. I'm not sure what else we could ask for other than some decent spay/neuter laws.

This Shelter has heated floors during the winter and the animals are able to come inside where they can access additional heaters after the inside runs are cleaned. During the summer the same is done with fans to keep the animals cool on the inside. Thanks to some amazing people many of the animals now have dogs beds and cat houses.

I have met the workers and have never met more compassionate, caring, empathizing people in my life. So what's next? Let's hope legislation will provide some decent s/n restrictions to the public.

Because let's face reality, the lack of compassion stems from the animal owners who dump their pets daily. That is really where the problem lies... certainly not with the workers who work to save them, feed them and provide what little bit of human comfort they have time for. Geez, let's try not to lose focus of the underlying problem and continue to generate negativity on the few people these animals do have to watching out for them! That's ridiculous and a waste of everyone's time...

What's next? Volunteer program ,better adoption hours, offsite adoption events, foster care for kittens and puppies, TNR for cats, spay/neuter at time of adoption and low-cost spay/neuter options for our community.

This place does not want the animals to get out - we have been working to get animals out all week - they make it so hard - they took a pregnant near term mother to be and threw her in the gas chamber - close your eyes and think of the horror this mother and her unborn babies experienced - any animal that is injured is thrown into the gas chamber - what country is this in - so hard to believe this is happening in a shelter in the USA - please people this is animal abuse at its worst but they get away with it because its their job. This place needs to be shut down - stop the massacre of animals in this horrible state - North Carolina!

Oh and something I forgot they throw animals into the outside runs they have no clue if they are spayed/neutered - they have no been snaptested or been cleared of distemper and they are all thrown out there together - to transfer disease to one another - this place is criminal - do not pretend there is a caring staff here - they shove innocent animals into a gas chamber - this is one of the cruelest ways to kill animals - Hitler died along time ago let the gas chambers die with him!

Why is he not being stop or how can we stop him all this poor and Beautiful Babies

Those that act this way toward the animals are destined to come back as the very beings they mistreat. Be advised, AC workers. Make every effort to find them loving homes and to stop the killing. If you don't, expect to return as a homeless animal.

This is horrible, but what is even more horrible is that we still have Gas Chambers in this country , especially in NC .It makes me sick that our politicians are not doing anything against that , it is not right , or humane to do such thing to a animal ....is there nobody out there who can do something against this horror of putting down animals .We live in the "Bible Belt" and this happens here ..... :-(

50 degrees is really not cold, honestly I could go barefoot in shorts and a t-shirt but yes, the dogs and cats deserve much better treatment!

This is totally unacceptable.You people need to let your voices be heard for these poor babies. they cannot speak for theirselves.The people have got to hear you.make them listen for a change.If you have to set up a protest somewhere.

County Commissioners, the Mayor , citizens and those who are all concern of the welfare of the animals in this shelter should plan a meeting and discuss options to IMPROVE the shelter. First, GET RID OF THAT GAS CHAMBER.. It is barbaric and inhumane to use it. A lot of counties in varies of states are getting rid of them. It is time to .. IT IS TIME TO START A TNR PROGRAM, IT IS TIME TO RESPECT THESE POOR INNOCENT ANIMALS THAT PEOPLE THINK DON'T HAVE HEARTS, DON'T HAVE FEELINGS AND DON'T KNOW LOVE. EVERY animal needs a chance to start a new life in a new home with people who will love them until their last days. It is NOT the fault of the animals if they get pregnant. It is the fault of their owners. But these animals are being condemned and murdered. How can you actually justify this? Tiny kittens and tiny puppies come into the world, only to get murdered? They just started life! People are paying their taxes to kill animals.
I am not from your state. I am from Washington State and my state believes that every HEALTHY animal deserves a chance of a new life. We are a NO KILL STATE. Our state believes that if the animal is healthy and adoptable, they stay in the shelter until they are adopted. They don't give them kill dates. If there is an animal that is injured to a point of non-helpable or too aggressive or too sick.. that is the only time they will be put down. That is what is called a "mercy killing". But just to kill an animal for (one of my favorite excuses) lack of space....NO.
This is a helpful link for you to look at: http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/guides/ Please, take the time to look at it. It's very helpful.
I hope that no one is offended for me to put in my two cents. Thank for listening

I am up in Alaska but if they get enough complaints it shouldn't matter where they come from.. thanks for taking the time to get this information out there.

When you go to the Rowan County site it goes straight to petfinder They probably don't want to spend the money to advertise these animals for adoption. Where can I send letters of protest?

Mayor Donald E Bringle@rowancountync.gov , County Manager Carol Athey@rowancountync.gov
Clai Martin@rowancountync.gov. These should help.

Please contact the NC Dept of Agriculture or your Congressman to file complaints. Everyone on the County Board is in Clai Martin's pocket... they will do nothing

This is N.C. and the good ole boy club is in play here - Clai and all his hitler like cohorts who think nothing of murdering these beautiful animals who have more heart and soul than any of them. They are lining their pockets with the blood of these animals - I am sure money and their ignorance play a big part in this. Time to stop this!