I am going to climb on my soap box for a moment. Bear with me.... Recently there was a video going around about Big Spring Animal Control and then anyone that tried to explain what happened to the chickens and defended Animal Control - we were dismissed because we are rescue folks and we HAVE to defend them or we arent allowed to pull from the shelter..we defend them because we know them. I am the first to admit - I knew nothing about rescue (AC officers; spay/neuter importance) until about 1 month into actually getting my hands dirty. I, too, was ignorant and held a prejudice toward AC - AND I always knew you were suppose to spay and neuter to be responsible but I dont think I got it until I had to look at picture after picture into the eyes of the dogs I knew I could not save. Then, I got it. I also realized I had approached the wrong people with my ignorant prejudice; that should have been directed at the people who dump their animals and backyard breed - fueling the problem. I am open minded enough to learn and accountable enough to admit my misconceptions. If I defend any Animal Control worker it is because I have grown so much as a person doing this rescue and they deserve a lot more respect than they get - its not because I fear they wont allow me to pull animals. I have seen so much BS over this video and so many other silly things that I can only think that we fear what we dont understand - Animal Control; Gay Couples & most recently tattoos! Lordy! These men and women that work at the shelter are extremely understaffed. The City itself is going through so many growing pains. Everyone says tax dollars on big oil - there is no state income tax and that tax goes Federal; possibly a sliver to the county. City Services are supported through PROPERTY TAXES. Last I heard - they were about $700/YEAR; TEN times less than what I have in Austin. It is a hard job to fill - it is for the most part an ungratifying and thankless job. Then to top it off - everyone blames you for having to be the bad guy to clean up the mess of irresponsible pet owners. There are so many changes that need to take place - I dont know where to start but citizens have to step up and help. (most have and it has been an amazing journey to see the awareness spread)....not trying to talk down or dismiss ANYONE who has helped in the rescue efforts - I just wish people could show that crew out there some love and support. I guarantee you - they have gone home and cried and carry a heavy enough weight without ugly words thrown at them. They do love the animals and they try their hardest to get them out the front door rather than the back.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 22:44:16 +0000
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