The White County Board meeting on Wednesday night was a testament to the community’s unwavering passion for animal welfare. The packed courtroom was a clear indication that the majority of those in attendance were there for one reason: to advocate for the dogs of White County, who can’t defend themselves.
During the July monthly board meeting, Ken Usery made controversial comments about a particular breed, specifically pitbulls, that some felt were discriminatory. These comments, which were perceived as not helping to alleviate the overcrowding at the pound, sparked a heated discussion. Secretary for Pets at Risk of White County, JC Tinsley, prepared a speech outlining the importance of the White County pound, but how it has been an afterthought for years in the eyes of the White County board members.
“There’s a lack of empathy and understanding, and that is sorely missing. The pound is an afterthought, and that is unacceptable. As far as I can tell, you don’t provide any real training for Animal Control, you don’t keep basic common sense paperwork, nor is there any evidence of effort on that front.”
Pets at Risk members encouraged the board members to head up a committee so they can work together to not only update the facility, which it desperately needs, but also to create and update a policy/handbook for the Animal Control, and to start the process of allowing volunteers to help out with the dogs at the pound.
Animals deserve respect and love, just like humans, and that starts with treating each breed equally. Chairwoman of the White County board, Cassie Pigg, shared her same concerns with not only the comments from last month, but also for the creation of a working group to start taking the pound and Animal Control into a more positive and vital role.
“I think that we need to come together to make sure that it’s in the best interest of the animals, the County, and anybody that’s walking by out there. I just wanted everybody to understand that it’s not as simple as just signing a waiver and going and walking a dog. We need to make sure there are proper training, proper protocols, all of those things.”
Pigg also emphasized the importance of the community coming together to help get the ball rolling, with grants and ideas. Carmi resident Amy Balding suggested that the board reach out to surrounding counties to see how they were able to raise the money and what they are doing to better the lives and health of the dogs at their pounds.
Before the board could get underway with possibly approving the Animal Control volunteering idea in their meeting, Ken Usery was addressed publicly to make an apology statement for the comments he made about pitbulls. An apology did not happen; instead, he defended his position based on facts he found on Google.
During the meeting portion of the night, the board unanimously approved to create a “working group” consisting of White County board members and Pets at Risk to help move the Animal Control process forward with facility upgrades, funding, proper training, policy handbook, and waivers for volunteers. With board member David South adding, “It’s time to revamp White County Animal Control.”