By JOE RIDENOUR

Am I the only person that is fed up with the ongoing problems at the animal shelter? This fiasco has been highly publicized since late last year and the problems actually go back more than a decade. Yet, they still persist. A high-ranking member of the current administration told me that he tries not to pay attention to articles in the newspaper and the commentary by the public. Let’s hope that he, along with the rest of the administration, takes the time to read this.

Of the challenges the shelter faces, most have not been addressed by the current administration and shelter leadership. Consider the following issues:

1. The facility itself — The current building was built nearly a decade ago and it is nowhere near large enough to handle the number of animals being taken in. The shelter’s Web site states it receives between 5,000 and 7,000 animals every year yet the facility is only able to hold approximately 100 animals in the permanent kennels. It doesn’t take a genius to realize that the facility cannot properly house this number of animals in an appropriate manner.

2. Management — Rather than putting individuals in charge who have no knowledge of animal welfare, the administration must find leadership in someone with a passion for the well-being of the animals in their care. Someone is needed who has the business sense to oversee all facets of the organization and can provide both a short-term and long-term vision for the shelter. Without this, the same problems will continue to take place as no real progress is made.

3. Government/Politics — Too many inefficiencies exist due to the multiple levels of oversight. This bureaucracy is very evident when you consider the current oversight of the shelter: (1) the Mayor’s office, (2) the Public Safety Board, (3) the non-binding Animal Control Commission, (4) the shelter director, and (5) others who manage the daily operations within the shelter. Is it too much to ask that the Animal Control Commission be given the authority to serve like a board of directors and the director be held accountable like a CEO? It’s time that the shelter stop operating like an inefficient arm of government.

4. Structured Programs — If you have not spent any time at the shelter, you would be shocked to see the lack of structure in virtually every aspect of its operation. If you have spent time there, you’re most likely not surprised by the continued problems. There is no business plan or marketing plan. There is also no formal foster or volunteer program. There is no spay/neuter program. There is no cost analysis of the care required for the animals that are kept in the shelter. There is no community education or involvement program. What is there is complete and total dysfunction in the daily operations.

5. Community Education and Enforcement — Without a doubt, this is the biggest challenge that the shelter faces. Stray and “unwanted” animals are simply unacceptable. In most cases, bad pet owners (not bad pets) are the problem. While eliminating irresponsible pet ownership is probably not possible, significant improvements can certainly be made. More emphasis needs to be placed on both the education and enforcement within the community.

6. Funding — In order for the shelter to be operated in the best way possible, additional funding is needed. This can be done in a variety of ways including increased funds in the city’s budget, private donations, corporate sponsorships, and various fundraising events. While most agree that the shelter needs to make significant improvements, there are limitations to what can be done given the current funds provided.

I, like many in the community, am outraged by the city’s continued failed efforts to improve the animal shelter. I tried to give the administration the benefit of the doubt but I now realize that they are simply incompetent when it comes to this issue. I commend many of those serving on the Animal Control Commission, those working at the shelter, and those that volunteer. However, their efforts can only go so far. Until the administration puts the appropriate leadership in place, brace yourself for more of the same problems at the animal shelter.

Joe Ridenour is a resident of Anderson.