Council addresses animal shelter issues

RITZVILLE – In a recent letter to the mayor and City Council, seven residents expressed concerns over conditions at the city-owned animal pound.

The letter cited Title 5 of the Revised Code of Washington about "Prevention of Cruelty to Animals."

The letter was signed by Melody Bartlett, Melinda Benzel, Peggy Crossler, Leslie Greenwalt, Stacy Jones, Mikki Kison and Briana Larse.

In the opinion of the residents, the pound did not meet regulatory standards.

The letter acknowledged "the (Ritzville) facility is not meant to be a long term hold" and "our law enforcement officers work hard to find a foster (home) or transfer the animal to a shelter as soon as possible."

However, the letter went on to describe certain unmet needs for cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance; proper ventilation and air quality; and a designated animal control officer.

Residents asked whether the pound's interior could be painted to brighten and/or improve lighting.

The letter concluded, "We feel these (remediation efforts) are attainable without major expense and can be accomplished quickly."

Attached to the letter were photographs documenting the residents; observations.

At the council's Dec. 20 meeting, resident Jessica Quinn followed up on these concerns.

She asked how the council plans to address emergency pet services, especially during the recent spate of severe weather.

Police Chief Dave McCormick outlined efforts to mitigate the problems.

He noted his department has ordered pet supplies and animal beds, and said the city will supply materials to volunteers willing to paint the shelter.

Research performed by McCormick from January through the fourth week of November, showed the Police department received 87 animal calls.

Those calls resulted in four dogs being placed in the pound for an average of 30 minutes each before being released to owners.

He noted that no animal was housed at the pound for over an hour during the 11-month period.

McCormick reemphasized that the city's pound should be considered a temporary shelter, noting that the site's cinder-block construction precludes longer stays.

He also said the city cannot maintain the facility at pet-friendly temperatures during the coldest winter months or summer hot spells.