A Humane Society of Washington Co. Failure – A Chorus of Meows and Barks for Justice
In today’s society more and more people are getting involved with their local animal shelters and rescue groups. No longer is a shelter a place where we only go to adopt, but it’s a place where we donate money and supplies, we volunteer, we use social networking to advertise shelter animals, and we foster both in real time and virtually. As animal lovers we follow our favorite rescue groups, local humane societies, and organizations like Peta and the ASPCA on Facebook and Twitter. Furmoms and dads all over the world sign petitions online and e-mail politicians and organizations pushing for animal rights, cruelty prevention, and harsher punishments for cruelty against domestic animals and wildlife. With these changes a greater sense of right and wrong has been discovered and the expectations that we have of our local humane societies and governments have changed. In today’s society our pets have a voice, both strong and far reaching. This voice cannot be quieted, but it grows louder when we are seeking justice for a wrong that has occurred.
My fur family lives in the small town of Sharpsburg, MD which is part of Washington County. The Humane Society of Washington County (hswcmd.org) is our local shelter and animal control provider. Over the past few months my neighbors and I have come to realize that although the HSWC gladly accepts our donations and public funding, they do not wish to protect our animals from violence. When my tuxedo cat Socks was attacked by a vicious pit bull I did what any animal lover would do, I called the Humane Society of Washington County. I was reeling from emotions of anger and fear as I left my baby in the hands of my veterinarian, praying that my Socks would survive. As I waited several hours for the animal control officer to arrive I kept thinking about the dog that had brutally attacked Socks and how the HSWC would handle the attack. I knew where the dog lived and the name of the dog owner, I was prepared for justice to be dealt. Quickly I realized that Socks didn’t matter, my voice didn’t matter, at least not to the HSWC. I found out that Socks was not the first victim, not even the first victim of that week, he was the second victim of the week, soon to be one of many, the only survivor.
Socks did survive and he’s healing. Socks will never be the same and there is some permanent damage, but he still sleeps on my pillow and wakens me in the middle of the night howling. Socks was lucky, unlike all of the others. As of today there have been at least three cats, a large black labrador retriever, and several rabbits killed and mutilated. In addition to the violence against our pets, we have been cornered and threatened ourselves by these dogs. These attacks began in December and continue to occur. The owner has been fined and one of the dogs has been deemed vicious, but yet they still roam free as we bury our furbabies. The victims have received no justice, the parents no answers, and now we live in fear that our human children will be next.
As a community we have joined voices and are seeking justice for those that cannot speak for themselves. We will hold the Humane Society of Washington County accountable for their failure to protect our pets and provide them with the justice that they so richly deserve. The Humane Society of Washington County has defined their mission on their website http://hswcmd.org/about.shtml as:
Our Mission:
The Humane Society of Washington County exists to improve the quality of life for all animals. Through education, legislation, action and leadership, we strive to eliminate overpopulation and to foster an environment of respect, responsibility and compassion.
The Humane Society of Washington County exists to improve the quality of life for all animals. Through education, legislation, action and leadership, we strive to eliminate overpopulation and to foster an environment of respect, responsibility and compassion.
Our Vision:
The Humane Society of Washington County’s vision is to be the area’s leading resource for animal related issues. Through strong community partnerships, we enhance and protect the lives of all animals by advocating responsible, compassionate relationships between people and animals while providing shelter, humane education, spay/neuter
programs and adoptions.
The Humane Society of Washington County’s vision is to be the area’s leading resource for animal related issues. Through strong community partnerships, we enhance and protect the lives of all animals by advocating responsible, compassionate relationships between people and animals while providing shelter, humane education, spay/neuter
programs and adoptions.
I am sorry to say that you have failed miserably Humane Society of Washington County because you have done neither, but you will remember your mission. It is our goal and determination that the Humane Society of Washington County be reminded that they are responsible for the welfare of all animals in their jurisdiction and that yes, you do have to answer to us.