Many things are going on that make me want to start pounding away on the keyboard. However, this week, let’s take the “life and death” issue.
Unless you have been out of town since early this year, you should already know that we are experiencing a crisis at the new county animal shelter. This is not just a problem for the animals, but it’s affecting our entire community. The situation is exceedingly dire.
Killing dogs and cats
Hundreds of people have contacted me about the new $3.2 million animal shelter in Peachtree City. The situation is so bad that if half of what I am being told is accurate, major changes are required.
Complaints about the new animal shelter’s design, reportedly done by someone with no previous experience in this field, and the numerous infrastructure malfunctions inside the facility have been pouring in.
Dysfunction within the staff and poor operation of the facility are also reported.
The county government has taken a few steps, hiring a new director, but the situation remains largely unchanged.
I have been told repeatedly that the county officials come across as hard-headed, egotistical, rude, and unwilling to accept professional guidance. We are left wondering how they can cling to the “my way or the highway” attitude with things in such disarray.
Yes, something needs to be done about the shelter and the county government needs to be more helpful, but let’s address the most urgent need now.
The height of the misery is that the dogs and cats inside the shelter are now paying the ultimate price for all the dysfunction and turmoil. One animal after another is in line to be euthanized because the poorly designed facility cannot handle what were normal loads in the past.
It’s now up to us
Many of the private non-profit shelters are full. The pool of available foster families is drying up.
IF YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT BRINGING THE LOVE AND LOYALTY OF A DOG OR CAT INTO YOUR FAMILY HOME, NOW IS THE TIME.
The expression “do or die” has never been more appropriate.
If you need assistance selecting a pet for your family, we have knowledgeable people who would gladly help. Email me at stevebrownptc@gmail.com. We would also be willing to help you introduce your new dog to the Peachtree City Dog Park for exercise and socialization.
What you need to know
First of all, if you Google the Fayette County Animal Shelter, you might get the old shelter address (just another problem). The new shelter is located at 1131 Highway 74 South, Peachtree City, Georgia 30269. The phone number for the shelter is 770-631-7210.
The shelter’s operating hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Adoptions are available seven days a week. For animals that are altered and vaccinated (and no longer on stray-hold) can be adopted on the same day.
You must fill out an application and review what animal would suit your living situation.
If you have animals at home, we highly recommend you bring any in-home dogs up for a meet and greet unless you feel confident you can keep them separate until you know they will get along.
Unaltered animals can be adopted and reserved with the fee paid, but they cannot go home until the shelter has had them spayed or neutered.
Here are your potential new family members
COMING SOON — Photos of every older dog needing a home! There are also puppies available.
Thankful for adopters and volunteers
As a long-time dog owner, I can tell you that humans are always better off with an animal in their lives.
Thank you in advance for saving one of these dogs and cats.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the volunteers who exercise the animals at the shelter daily, foster a dog awaiting adoption, or solicit funds and services on behalf of the animals.
The going has gotten really tough, so let’s all get going.
[Brown is a former mayor of Peachtree City and served two terms on the Fayette County Board of Commissioners. You can read all his columns by clicking on his photo below.]
