ANSWERS FROM THE ASSEMBLY

Posted by animalrescue

Posted: November 19, 2008 - 11:04 am

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Well, we have had a little bit of contact back from the Assembly after emailing them letters.

This is the email that I sent them:
My name is Sue Wirth. I am an animal rescuer with Kitty & K-9 Connection and an Animal Advocate.
I'm sure by now you have received several emails on this Animal Cruelty issue of the dog chained out in the backyard with inadequate shelter and care.

Given this situation, it is obvious that sections of Title 17 need to be rewritten. The section 17.10.030 Care and sanitation is too open to interpretation. It needs to be more specific as to weather conditions, dog types, etc. The way it is currently worded is not good enough to help the dogs of our community that freeze to death on the ends of their chains in someones' back yard. Perhaps more specific description would give Animal Control more power to do something about these backyard dogs.

One could say that dogs have been living on the end of a chain out in the villages for years without any problems. But, these dogs were bred for the frigid north weather, and are given plenty of hay and a wood crate to burrow up in. So, what is the differece to be in a shelter to get out of the elements when it is 32 above, or 20 below? It doesn't seem likely that a plastic airline kennel and blanket would be much help at 20 below or even Zero degrees. Most domestic dogs cannot handle our winter weather conditions. Please, lets not go for another winter where we don't have a voice to help these dogs stay alive.

We need your help to improve the Animal Cruelty and Neglect Laws.
Please help make a difference for the neglected animals in Anchorage.
Please don't hesitate to ask any of us for more information or help.
Thank You.

Elvi Gray-Jackson responded with the message that she was forwarding the email I sent to Health & Human Services.

Debbie Ossiander responded with the message that she agreed changes needed to be made to Title 17. She has spoken with the Animal Control Advisory Board about this. (Perhaps we could begin attending the meetings which are held at Anchorage Animal Control on the 4th thursday of the month at 6:00pm.) I did write in my email that I and others would be happy to help with the rewriting. Ossiander was happy to accept out input on the rewrite. They are currently working on Title 21, however long that will take I have no idea, and Title 17 will be next on the list. I will let everyone know more as I can.

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