Humane Society study sought

Animal control director says review would help `heal public wounds,' bolster shelter's image

Web posted Friday, December 1, 2000

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By Jason B. Smith
Columbia County Bureau

Supporters of the Richmond County Animal Shelter want to spend $8,000 to bring in the Humane Society of the United States to study the way the facility deals with strays.

``We at animal control have the responsibility to the public, the taxpayers and the animals to make animal control the most efficient and effective it can be for the purposes of the best use of taxpayer money and the health of the animals,'' said Sallie Manning, chairwoman of the animal control advisory board.

The group would study several aspects of animal control: adoption procedures, facility accessibility, human and animal traffic flow, animal care and handling, veterinary care and procedures, employee morale, and public perception, Ms. Manning said.

``Not only do they assist in reviewing what we are doing currently, but they provide recommendations regarding improvements,'' she said.

Animal Control Director Bonnie Bragdon said the study could help improve the shelter's beleaguered public image.

``I think that may heal some of the public wounds,'' she said. ``It would be an objective person that would be involved.''

Improving the shelter's image could help improve adoption rates and efficiency at the shelter, supporters say.

``For many years, we have not worked efficiently and have not used our resources effectively,'' Ms. Manning said. ``We are desperate for this money to show us how to do it.''

The Humane Society is offering the county a discounted rate, Ms. Manning said. So far, animal control supporters have not approached Augusta leaders about the study. If the request is approved, it will take the Humane Society about two months to complete the study.

Critics say the money would be better spent elsewhere - maybe on improvements at the shelter.

``A good reputation should be earned ... not bought,'' said Elaine van der Linden, founder of the animal group Molly's Militia. ``I guess (Dr. Bragdon) feels her image is much more important than the life and death situation these innocent animals are in.''

Reach Jason B. Smith at (706) 868-1222, Ext. 115.

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