The local 'inhumane' society makes some more excuses as to why people's dogs were put down the same day they came in.


Greene County Daily World: Story: GCHS has in-house policy concerning three-day hold

GCHS has in-house policy concerning three-day holdFriday, August 10, 2007By Halea Franklin, Staff Writer
A recent case, in which a dog from Bloomfield was taken to the Greene County Humane Society and euthanized without notifying the owner, has caused many people to question animal ordinances in place within the county.
On July 23, a dog, named Bear, belonging to Jerry and Becky Pate of Bloomfield was impounded by the Bloomfield Police Department. Linton Animal Control Officer Chuck Botsford was called in for assistance and later transported the animal to the Greene County Humane Society.
According to Greene County Humane Society President Lana Robertson, the animal shelter was told the dog was aggressive and was humanely euthanized.
Currently, according to Greene County Humane Society Shelter Administrator Rene Abram, they have a policy regarding a three-day hold on strays.
"However, in-house, we have an overriding policy regarding the three-day hold should an animal be deemed aggressive, severely injured, or critically ill," Abram explained. "In this type of situation, it may be necessary for staff or other authorized individuals, such as law enforcement officers, animal control officers, or licensed veterinarians to order a humane euthanasia of said animal."
According to Greene County's animal control ordinance, which was adopted by the Board of Commissioners in 1997, any animal at large, unlicensed dog, viscous dog or female dog in heat that is not confined shall be taken by a law enforcement officer or an animal control officer and impounded in the county animal shelter.
If the owner of an impounded animal can be identified by a license tag or other means, the animal control officer shall immediately upon impoundment notify the owner by telephone or mail, according to the county's ordinance. Any animal that is not claimed by the owner within three days of impoundment shall become the property of the county and may be placed for adoption or humanely euthanized.
According to the city of Linton's animal control ordinance, which was passed in 1984 by the Linton City Councils, dogs and other animals found to be running at large shall be taken by an agent of the city and impounded for no less than five days or until claimed by the owner. Immediately upon impounding the animal, every effort shall be made to notify the owner of the impoundment and the conditions in which the owner may regain custody of the animal.
Abram said it's the animal shelter's first responsibility to weigh the potential risks involved in housing an animal that could potentially injure someone -- whether it be an employee, volunteer, citizen or even another animal.
"These are uncomfortable situations, but the purpose of laws and policies is to offer the most protection to the most people," Abram said. "In the case of Bear we are sympathetic towards the Pates and their loss. We realize Bear was caught in the worse case scenario. We had an obligation to weigh the rights of and give the highest regard to other people and animals in terms of their safety. It does not happen often, but it does happen."