HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0022.011 2004-2006 Bethea, Skip
From: Jennifer Wheat [wheat@hawaii.edu]
Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 2:39 PM Apr:- Gf . ZS' ~1~
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us ~ Y'"
Cc: pbinder@hawaii.edu %~.>+~.._-~l2ll u S
Subject: Communication 22.1, Bill#4, Draft 2 ~
Aloha, I am writing in support of a proposed animal control bill requiring
more owner accountability and higher fines for repeated violations. Over
the eleven years that I have lived in this county, I have witnessed a
variety of thoughtless behaviors on the part of animal owners who have no
consideration for their animals or for their human neighbors. On some
nights I have been unable to sleep due to the howling of dogs whose owners
have left them confined in small spaces for extended lengths of
time--sometimes for 3 or 4 days at a time. When I called the police, they
said that they would be unable to do anything unless the owner was present.
Owners did not respond to messages left asking them to make suitable
arrangements for their dogs to prevent the constant howling.
While I do understand that law enforcement officers are already
over-extended and may not be trained to deal with animal control, the
persistence of this problem underscores a need for more resources devoted
to this matter, especially as more lots are developed and the island
becomes more densely populated.
People need to know that their homes will provide the safety and rest that
they need in order to function effectively. This law may also afford
greater protection to animals who are out of control because their own
basic needs are being ignored, or because their owners are negligently
allowing them to run at large, putting them at risk from people who are
frustrated by their behavior. Just this weekend one of my neighbor's dogs
showed up with an arrow stuck in her thigh. While I have no way of knowing
whether this was some kind of perverse prank or aproperty-owner's way of
trying to keep the animal out of his garbage can, I do know that an
innocent animal suffered. It is important that we have laws which protect
both the animal and the human populations, and that these laws be enforced.
Communication 22.1, Bill#4, draft 2 seems to offer a way to address these
issues. I am asking that you support this measure.
Mahalo, Jennifer C Wheat
Jennifer Wheat
Associate Professor of English
UH-Hilo
200 W Kawili St
Hilo, HI 96720
office:808-974-7488
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