HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0561.017 2014-2016plp6mm
November 16, 2015 COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
To - Dru Mamo, Council Chair and members of the Hawaii County Council RECEIVED
Time /:3o~ By V_A�
Subject — Hawaii Island Humane Society Euthanasia & Adoptability Rates Date //7/77/,5
From — Ginger Towle. President, West Hawaii Humane Society
First - I want to make it perfectly clear that under Donna Whitaker's management, the services and
programs that are offered here are the best it has ever been!!! Donna works with many local groups and
national animal welfare organizations and has established foster homes. She and her Board are going
above and beyond! Their adoption and spay -neuter programs are second to none!!
Second — When I received the notice of this hearing I was really upset, to say the least, I called Mr.
Paleka's office. He wasn't in and so I talked to a member of his staff.. I asked who requested this
hearing. The girl said it was Mr. Paleka's idea. However, I.feel it was someone with a specific agenda.
I told her that this inquiry offends me also! Why? Because I've been there and done that and I know,
from first hand experience how difficult it can be, as well as extremely heart rendering because of
some of the decisions you have to make. Some people need to work in the shelter and do the job to
completely understand.
WHEN are people going to understand that at such a facility, where you accept any and all animals that
they will always have to euthanize some of them. .
Do you have the faintest idea of how upsetting it is for the staff to have to kill animals whose only
crime is being born? One of the primary causes for this surplus is the simple fact that too many our
residents don't understand the need to spay and neuter.
Because this is such an emotionally difficult job there is tremendous turnover in staff.
It is better than in the 70's and 80's but we still have a long way to go. I have been involved since 1978.
Third - Hawaii Island Humane Society has a contract with the County of Hawaii for Animal Control. I
don't seem to find any requirement or instruction pertaining to adoption programs etc. SO... I wonder
why this is even on the Council agenda? If it's in the contract where?
Fourth —And this is extremely important for everyone to realize and clearly understand that the Hawaii
Island Humane Society is a separate non-profit agency that simply has a contract with the County of
Hawaii. They are not a County agency. Hawaii Island Humane Society has rules and procedures for
working with other agencies. They are professional and anxious to deal with any other group with the
same agenda.
Thank you for listening.
Ginger Towle, President, West Hawaii Humane Society, Box 1208, Kailua, Kona, Hi. 96740 — 329-2051
towleghawaiiantel.net WESTHAWAIIHUMANESOCIETY.ORG
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