HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0054.011 2000-2002 February 21, 2001
To -Finance Committee
~ lECEIV®'"~
From -Ginger Towle, President & General Manager lone- ay
West Hawaii Humane Society po,,,,__ _?~a/Q~__
Box 2695, Kadua-Kona, Hi 96745 cwrhy cwmdl) P- Fc
329-2051 fax 329-6721
Subject -Animal Control Study
It is an extremely important to have an independent, knowledgeable
humane society agency evaluate our current animal control program.
Even though much information has been generated by the Legislative
Auditors office they have not really addressed the problem and to
excuse a humane society manager for not wanting to assist with
getting a dog out of a dumpster because "they didn't like the owner" is
inexcusable. To excuse her actions because she was a new employee
is totally ridiculous. This is the humane society, you know, it's the
agency that helps animals~~
The report reFlects a lack of knowledge of our police department
operation. To establish a section to assist with animal control would
establish a whole new department, not just a few patrol officers. It
would not be cost effective as well as the training for police officers and
animal control are entirely different. It wouldn't simplify records, as
some owners of dogs left at the shelter would require citations. Money
spent for more, better trained, animal control officers would be more
effective. Also the answering service should be eliminated and the
officer on call should respond to emergencies. I also take exception to
getting an answering machine at Kona shelter during the day which
says they are waiting on another customer please leave a message etc.
Hello there, this is the humane society; someone needs to answer the
phone. There are usually at least 3 people in the office, it seems
someone could answer in event there is a serious problem such as the
one I received early one morrnng when a man informed me he was
going home from work and shoot his neighbors dog. When I talked to
the Hawaii Island Humane Society employee that morning I suggested
that they give the police their m-house private number and I was told
the police could call the emergency number and get the officer on duty! ~
Comm. Na 5 1
File No.
Ret. To: PrerMt~d
Rel;. p~r~ MA ¦
Why doesn't the Executive Director, Grayson Hashita and Kathy, the
Manager of the Kona shelter answer calls in the community? Past
administrators have pitched m and worked in the field as needed. The
contention that Hawau Island Humane Society could best serve the
communities needs because they can transfer people from one shelter
to another hasn't proven to be true.
Why are the shelter hours in Kona 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 4 days a week,
closing at 6:00 p.m. one night, the shelter is closed Sunday and
Monday. Most of the time you cannot find anyone m Waimea. Which
is also closed Sunday and Monday.
Hilo shelter is open 6 days a week, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Their
newsletter stated there were drop-off hours on Sunday.
The Police Department should be the agency to handle the contract,
help tram and handle disbursements to the humane society. However,
they should not be doing animal control. Police should only be there
for backup or a serous situation.
The new cat facility m Hilo leaves much to be desired, it is not well
planned. The old large caged areas m Kona with shelves on the walls
are much better suited for cats.