The Green County Humane Society has begun a discussion about how to deal with overly aggressive animals at its shelter. It did so knowing it would create debate and controversy, which has indeed followed and is certain to continue.
On Monday, GCHS Board President Paul Barrett, in a guest editorial in the Times, urged people with questions, concerns or input regarding an aggressive dog policy to attend this month's meeting. The GCHS meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the second-floor meeting room of the Monroe Public Library.
People should take Barrett up on the offer, particularly those who have been public with their concern about where the aggressive dog policy discussion could lead.
In past years, concerns about GCHS would be aired in personal conversations or publicly in a letter to the editor or a barb in the Saturday Times. But when GCHS' board would have a meeting, public attendance was sparse.
That has changed in recent years, as has the direction GCHS has taken. There has been a greater public interest in what the organization is doing, and GCHS is better for it. Its finances are in better order, there are ongoing efforts to build a new shelter, and the public perception and trust in the organization have improved. All is not perfect, of course, but things are much better for GCHS than a few years ago.
Public input and informed discussions will continue to move GCHS forward. Regarding the aggressive dog policy, there have been assumptions made about the GCHS board's objectives that may or may not be valid. The best way to find out is to attend the meeting, and ask.
On Monday, GCHS Board President Paul Barrett, in a guest editorial in the Times, urged people with questions, concerns or input regarding an aggressive dog policy to attend this month's meeting. The GCHS meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the second-floor meeting room of the Monroe Public Library.
People should take Barrett up on the offer, particularly those who have been public with their concern about where the aggressive dog policy discussion could lead.
In past years, concerns about GCHS would be aired in personal conversations or publicly in a letter to the editor or a barb in the Saturday Times. But when GCHS' board would have a meeting, public attendance was sparse.
That has changed in recent years, as has the direction GCHS has taken. There has been a greater public interest in what the organization is doing, and GCHS is better for it. Its finances are in better order, there are ongoing efforts to build a new shelter, and the public perception and trust in the organization have improved. All is not perfect, of course, but things are much better for GCHS than a few years ago.
Public input and informed discussions will continue to move GCHS forward. Regarding the aggressive dog policy, there have been assumptions made about the GCHS board's objectives that may or may not be valid. The best way to find out is to attend the meeting, and ask.
