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The West Haven Animal Shelter, through a volunteer group called "Pound Pals", has received numerous donations in recent years including a house and van to care for animals. The city says the law mandates these donations be accounted for. But Animal Control says the city just wants to control what is done with those donations. West Haven Animal Control Officer Judy Rettig says in order to care for the thousands of animals that pass through her shelter every year she needs at least two more full-time staff members. Judy Rettig, West Haven Animal Control: "We need help. I wouldn't ask for it if I didn't need it." Instead of giving her that help, Rettig says the city mandated that the shelter and it's volunteer subsidiary "Pound Pets" report all contributions ranging from this van to food and money. much of the cash donated pays veterinarian bills the city doesn't have the budget for. Rettig: "Do I now have to go to city council to ask permission to save that dog's life? Cause if I start charging the tax payers we're going to need about $100,000 in medical." Rettig says the city would rather see animals killed then pay to care for them, and that the city is considering putting to sleep all abandoned animals after seven days. Mayor Richard Borer says no such mandate has ever been discussed. Mayor Richard Borer, West Haven: "But then when they take that money or those gifts and they give it to a city agency that's when we need to know what costs are being off-set by a private organization. I mean that's just good government to know those things and it's also one of our regulations." Patty Tomaso's family raises thousands of dollars to help the shelter every year. She doesn't want the city council controlling that money. Patty Tomaso, West Haven: "We're not going to do it there's no sense in it why should the city council have their hands in the West Haven shelter's pocket? The Tomaso's are leading a rally next weekend in support of the shelter. ©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT |
Battle Over Animal Shelter Funds