To the editor:
When a few tax dollars become the excuse to compromise a living being, society takes another step backward away from progress and puts its humanity and compassion in jeopardy.
When the majority at the recent Linneus town meeting, attended by about five dozen people, favored a $20,000 tax ($5,000 increase over last year) that is, in essence, a tax to offset a small discount incentive for taxpayers to make early payment; and also fervently favored a $30,000 tax for a small piece of road that most residents won’t ever even travel on, yet decided a $1,784 increase for lost, abandoned companion pets is too much of a burden, there is something fundamentally questionable as to their motive and reasoning.
Most of these same residents also voted to have a taxpayer-funded temporary shelter built on the animal control officer’s private property for the amount of $2,500; an amount challenged outright by yours truly, along with some other rational attendees, and by only one selectman. This shelter is supposed to be used to house pets before being transferred down to Lincoln.
According to Joe, the Animal Control Officer, he will hold the animal for 48 hours; then transport it to Lincoln. He also stated PVHS will hold the animal the mandatory five days. After that, he said, they will contact him if they’re expecting to put the animal down, and he will go back down to Lincoln and bring the animal back to Linneus. Another option — he stated — after bringing the animal back to Linneus was to transfer animals back and forth between Linneus and a temporary shelter Hodgdon is allegedly building as well.
Musical lost pets. And I’m the one being lambasted by some individuals for speaking out …
Anyone who has ever worked in sheltering knows the kind of stress this will put on a disconcerted animal. Anyone with common sense should be able to, as well. Even the friendliest dog could strike out in fear; compound that by continually moving them and you lessen a dog’s adoptability, thereby setting up a recipe for failure. Joe stated Monday night (5/4) that he will not put up with being bitten and scratched and that we all should be aware he will deal with an animal that does that to him immediately. When challenged about that, he simply stated: “You know what I mean.”
Well, I know what it sounds like he means, but he would not elaborate.
I walked away from the Linneus town meeting wondering, as a taxpayer, how someone is going to erect an insulated, ventilated, snow-rated structure with professionally-installed electric service (along with a monthly charge for an active meter), self-sustained heating (as it was stated there would be no caretakers), running water and proper drainage/septic for sanitary reasons, sturdy cages to contain a large dog that will also be constructed to hold a small dog without risk of escape or injury, and cat cages, all on a concrete slab for only $2,500? Food issues came up, but that discussion was refused to be elaborated upon. Liability insurance to protect the town’s interest was something never looked into. And if such unprepared thought went into this venture, how is one supposed to expect lost/abandoned pets and taxpayers will benefit?
I stand by my last letter to which two HHS Board members replied. I respect their tireless dedication to the shelter and the animals in its care. There is not another organization in this entire area that is more dedicated and continually hard-working for its cause — the care and adoption of homeless pets —then the board, staff, volunteers and supporters of the Houlton Humane Society. I know Cindy Folsom was at the Hodgdon meeting; she was sitting right next to me. Yet it was I who stood up and confronted the town. And I did not mock Mr. Griffin’s professionalism. I challenged his audacity. Was I supposed to sit back and be just another mute sheep?
I wasn’t born with a mind, heart and voice to not use them.
The same goes for Linneus. When town officials perceive ‘what’s in my best financial interest’ and get it wrong, I will speak up about it. When defenseless, voiceless companion pets are being used as pawns in the tax/economy excuse game, I will be their voice.
And to be clear, these are my opinions as a citizen, resident and guardian of two former shelter dogs. My opinion and steadfastness should not bias anyone against HHS. I am speaking solely for the companion pets that may become victims of unforeseen circumstances.
And it is my opinion the Houlton Humane Society didn’t “lose Linneus”; the pets of Linneus lost a lifeline.
In closing, I want to state Kate Newman’s letter in last week’s (5/6) paper proves this 10-year-old has more wisdom than many present-day adults and has much to teach her neighbors about common sense, compassion for the world around us, and altruism.
Darlene Kenney
Linneus
