Baltimore County residents, whether they own a pet or not, want the assurance that their county government operates an animal shelter under the most humane conditions possible. This is no simple accomplishment. Providing for the welfare of lost or unwanted animals presents challenges most of us have no experience with, and different people have different expectations of what level of care and services should be provided.
Meanwhile, complaints and a lawsuit by county residents have raised doubts over whether the county is doing all it can and should. Allegations were raised in the lawsuit that animals were not getting fresh food, clean water and proper medical care, and that some animals have been unnecessarily euthanized. County officials have vehemently denied these charges and called the lawsuit frivolous.
This kind of finger pointing, however, sheds little light. That's why we were glad to see last week that the County Council voted unanimously to create an animal services advisory commission that will review operations at the shelter. Each of the seven council members will appoint one member to the commission and County Executive Kevin Kamenetz will appoint four members, including a veterinarian, a member of an animal welfare organization, a shelter employee and an at-large member. This group ought to be able to sort out the validity of any accusations.
Members of this group will soon learn, if they don't know already, that animal shelters have evolved considerably since the days of "dog pounds." In fact, the term "shelter" now covers a wide range of facilities, volunteers, programs, transport, foster care, adoption and rehabilitation services for dogs, cats and other animals. It is no small task to oversee such an operation and we hope those appointed are equipped for the mission ahead.
Meanwhile, the county plans to build a new $6 million shelter to replace the current one in Baldwin. That is something on the horizon that also bodes well for the level of care the county wll provide.
The animal services advisory commission initiative is getting wide support. Not only have all council members signed on, but animal welfare activists and shelter volunteers praise it as an important step toward reform.
It is through no fault of their own that dogs, cats and other pets are without a household to take them in. The welfare we provide to such strays is a measure of our humanity. Let's make sure Baltimore County's humans measure up.