Animal Welfare League defining role in community

SUBJECT :        HSV SHELTER OPERATIONS

Almost two years ago, POA Management asked the AWL to sign a Memo Of Understanding (MOU) specifying duties and responsibilities at our Village shelter.  Unless you work at the shelter or attend our general meetings, you probably are not aware of these negotiations.  There is no current MOU in place between both organizations. A past MOU was voided by both organizations in June 2010, when it was proven to be inadequate by both parties. The purpose of this message is to update you on the position of the AWL Board of Directors (AWLBOD).

First, some background:

 The POA Board of Directors (POABOD) is responsible for setting policies in the Village. The POA Management and staff is responsible for carrying out those policies and by design have no other choice but to follow POABOD policies. Today’s POABOD  policies (see attached) reflect an Animal Control (intake) business model. They are primarily designed in the interests of Public Safety and nuisance control and make no provisions for programs beyond an Animal Control business model. The POA occupies one half of the shelter building and operates the intake side of the shelter. The AWL agrees that Animal Control is a necessary function and totally supports the need for public safety in the Village. We provide volunteers to Animal Control , equipment and helped pay for the building expansion.  The AWL provides for all of the food on both sides of the shelter and covers almost all of the veterinarian expenses .  

The AWL believes that although Animal Control is necessary, if left to operate by itself, does not provide incoming animals with a second chance at life.  Our 898 individual members and other community supporters have made it clear that Village residents want something more than an Animal Control program. Animal Control is what you witness in rural communities with little resource or volunteers.  Progressive communities around us have adopted an Animal Services business model which includes Animal Control but also reflects a much more expanded vision. The AWL volunteers log thousands of volunteer hours per year in pursuit of our objectives.

The AWL occupies the second half of the shelter building and provides the following services :

Adoptions

Foster Programs

Spay/Neuter Clinics

Fund Raising

Community Education Programs

Community Animal Program (which include a Trap/Neuter/Release program)

Emergency Animal Care

We staff the village shelter six days a week with volunteers and raised and spent over $110,000 in 2011 to fund these animal-related services.

Because of our separate mission and operating principles, there are times when our philosophies do not agree. The MOU is looked at by many as a tool to "bridge the gap"  between differing philosophies. The AWLBOD believes that, based upon past experience,  it is actions not words that make a difference. The AWL’s approach to a new MOU is one of synergy blending in the needs and desires of both organizations only to make them stronger together than if separate entities.  POA management currently looks upon the MOU as a landlord/tenant relationship with separate goals and objectives. The POA’s management approach is "business as usual" which will again place the AWL in a contention system that history has proven ineffective.  It was the reason that our past MOU was voided by both parties. Currently, POA management is withholding needed animal related services unless we sign their agreement on their terms. Animal needs and services should not be used as bargaining chips by the POA.  Some examples of our concerns include:

Animals coming into our shelter are not treated for fleas and ticks upon arrival. This exposes all animals in the shelter to disease and parasites.

There are no vaccination protocols established for incoming animals.

The AWL has done everything not to make this a public issue that may confuse those not close to the subject matter.  The AWL Board has communicated with the POABOD in writing and via telephone on numerous occasions in an attempt to have the POA Board mitigate the MOU discussions. We have offered potential solutions and alternatives. The POABOD however, has deferred all negotiations back to POA Management.  The POABOD will only intervene in policy matters and has chosen not to intervene when operational issues are the subject.

Therefore on 7/11/2012, in a public session, the AWLBOD requested that the POABOD change POA Policy Guide, Chapter Three, Article Five to include:

1. Active attempts will be taken to locate the owner of companion animals that arrive at the detention shelter and return the animal to its owner.

2. POA staff will work to find suitable adopters for as many as possible adoptable companion animals that arrive at the detention shelter. In addition, they will work with qualified organizations with similar intentions.

3. Agree to follow the basic guidelines and principles of the Humane Society of the United States.

4. Amend Paragraph F to include preventive medical care of the animals in the detention shelter.

 The AWL does not believe that the POA would incur any major expenditures by changing the current POA policy with the current level of   AWL involvement and assistance. We chose the policy change route and the public pleas because it is needed and the only way to engage the POABOD.   We await and expect the POABOD’s reply to our residents’ request.

 Hot Springs Village should not be known for their indifference to companion animals. It is not reflective of our overall Village spirit and certainly would not be attractive to future residents. Our policies should be progressive. If we do not have the resources to improve operations immediately, we should at least  have a  plan and a vision to do so when timing is better suited.   Communities around us and across the globe take pride in their animal rescue efforts and use them as an amenity in their community. We should do the same.

What can you do? Feel free to offer your support to the AWL and to let your elected POA BOD representatives know how you feel. You can contact the AWL at HSVSHELTER@gmail.com.

Based upon your response and receipt of the POABOD’s response to our recommended policy changes, we will hold community meetings, etc. to clarify any issues. We have made it clear to all that the AWL will continue doing all that we are currently doing and have NO intention of abandoning the shelter or withdrawing services in any way. Our goal is only to improve operations and create a shelter that is reflective of our community. We will be at the shelter as usual and in the community making a difference in the lives of animals and their human companions.

Your support of animal programs and of the AWL is unmatched. We are extremely proud of our record and our vision and THANK you wholeheartedly for showing your concern. We will update you on the progress in this matter.

AWL Board of Directors

Jerry Jamrich, President