I made my calls, faxed my letters and sent e-mails.  I spoke to State Level
Officials only to be told that they have no jurisdiction over these type of
complaints.  Believe it or not, these problems must be handled at the
Township and County level.  That translates to me sending my reports and
complaints to this woman's friends.  State level officials are aware of her
and she makes sure she toes the line in regards to licensing and vaccines,
but they have no control over conditions or cruelty complaints.
 
The only hope I have been given is to write to the Senator in support of
State Dog Wardens being allowed to investigate cruelty and condition
complaints.  There are 3 levels of government, State, County and Township.
The 'shelter' in question is well known by three different state animal
control officials to be a collector.  They admit she is overwhelmed, but
she keeps the animals vaccinated and licensed and that is all that is
required.
 
I have registered complaints with DOH, the SPCA Cruelty Officer, State
Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement and Animal Health.  State Bureau has no
jurisdiction, the DOH and SPCA are friends with her.  Animal Health will
follow-up with the SPCA, gee thanks!  Other County SPCAs have no authority
to come into another county, regardless of circumstances.  State Animal
Control Officers can lose their jobs if they intervene.  The local State
Dog Warden suggested I not go public with this, it would not make a
difference and this whole sector is extremely politically driven, I would
only make problems for myself.
 
I'm not sure what else to do.  I've exhausted every suggestion and piece of
advice I've received.  The only thing good anyone has told me is that the
animals are well fed and get proper medical attention.  I'm not one to give
up a fight, but I have no clue what else to do.
 
She has been cast out of the ferret rescue community in this area, but she
still has first pick of any fuzz coming in through the SPCA.  Most of this
happened long before I stumbled into the situation, but I still want every
shelter to be aware of this problem with this woman.
 
Does it help any for this woman to know someone has made complaints?  I
think she has just kinda laughed it off knowing that she is almost
untouchable.  Hate to say I'm giving up the fight, but I wonder if I could
not do more good by putting all this time and energy into other resources?
I just sent an e-mail to the another rescue offering help or my empty cage
for foster care whenever I'm needed.
 
I try to convince myself that all this has been worth it because at least
those 3 ferrets I took out are now in wonderful homes.  Guess that reward
does not help much, I am sitting here crying as I type this, knowing that
there are some wonderful ferrets in there that will never know the love
and playtime that a real home can offer.  Yes, they may get food and water,
but is that all that is needed for a happy life?  How would any of us feel
living in a room receiving only food and water, and just passing attention?
I have only 8 ferrets and 2 cats to care for and there are nights that I
stay up a little later because I'm feeling guilty that I had other stuff to
get done and not everyone received much attention or belly rubs.
 
Anyway, I could go on, but I think I've put enough time into this task.
From the start I had little hopes of succeeding, but at least I can stop
wondering if anyone would do anything about it!
 
Please give all your fuzzies an extra belly rub or hug tonight or if you
are considering another fuzzy, find a shelter in your area and bring home
someone who really needs a home.
 
Jen and Gang
[Posted in FML issue 2553]