From Teresa Turner -
tturner5@columbus.rr.com
The Ohio Humane Education Association (OHEA) has been
laying the groundwork for our statewide network, "Protecting Ohio's
Companion Animals" (P.O.C.A.). This network is unique in design and will
require that we have volunteers in all 88 counties to help clean up Ohio
for the dogs and cats. Every year nearly 200,000 dogs and cats are
killed in Ohio. It is long past the time to put an end to this tragedy.
The structure and activities of the network will be to:
1) reduce the number of animals going into shelters, 2) assist in
getting animals out of shelters, and 3) put an end to inhumane practices
in the sheltering and killing of unwanted animals. These aims place
heavy emphasis on educating individuals and communities on the
importance of spaying and neutering and responsible companion animal
care.
We are looking for dedicated individuals to serve as
volunteer county coordinators. Although many counties have coordinators,
most do not. Many counties would benefit from a team approach and
volunteers are needed throughout the state. Our first step involves
information gathering on what is going on in each county (many counties
are still very inhumane the animals simply don't have a chance). From
this information the needs will be assessed and a county web page
created for what will be the most comprehensive Ohio companion animal
web site. Next, we will be distributing printed materials and
establishing lines of communication with key people in each county.
Will this strategy work? Yes. Action is already being
taken and animals being helped.
This past weekend we went into a southern county after
our county coordinator gathered documentation and photographs on the
shooting and box gassing of dogs. We videotaped graphic evidence and
then approached a county commissioner requesting that the shooting and
gassing stop immediately or the media would be contacted. We were
promised that orders would be given to the dog warden to stop
immediately. A meeting is being arranged with the county commissioners
to help this county change the way it deals with stray and unwanted
dogs.
Progress is measured in lives saved. Many of us make a
difference everyday, one animal at a time. Together we can help
thousands. Consider being part of this effort to educate and bring about
change in Ohio.
For the Animals,
Teresa Turner
State Coordinator
OHEA Director
P.O. Box 546
Grove City, Ohio 43123
614-875-1810
http://www.ohiohumaneeducation.org
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