In 2009, I wrote a letter to the editor regarding the deplorable conditions of the Dickinson pound. During 2009, the Dickinson City Commission stated it would have a new or different facility in 2010.
I was concerned with the decision to wait, because the pound is inhumane, dark, damp, no fresh air or daylight and also disease-contaminated. By waiting another year, many impounded pets lives would be at risk. Prior to that, many animals either died, had to be euthanized or became very sick, but were lucky enough to survive.
There has been absolutely nothing done for these impounded pets! They are still being caged in the same disgusting, dark, damp, depressing, cold dungeon the city calls a pound. The city should be ashamed and embarrassed!
The dogs have to lie on hard, cold concrete which always seems to be wet. The cats are held in small cubicles, barely large enough for the cat, a litter box, food and water.
Comparable to the dogs, the cats lie on hard-grated cage floors. Some cats lie in their litter boxes for comfort. The animals are kept in the dark with only a light bulb for “daylight.” If, the dog runs are opened (the key word is “if”), the dogs have sunlight and fresh air, but the cats are kept in a dark corner in crates.
How can the city call this humane and healthy? How many of you have actually seen the pound? Maybe it’s time you did. Would you want your pet impounded there?
The many animals that died had to be euthanized or became sick in that infected, revolting pound deserved better. The pets being kept at the pound deserve better and should have better. Among the other dreadful conditions mentioned, there’s paint chipping and peeling off the walls and kennel doors. There’s rust on the kennel doors in addition to many other rusty areas in the building. Some areas are so horrible, you wonder if it isn’t mold growing.
If you haven’t seen the Dickinson pound, maybe it’s time you take a tour of the facility the city repeatedly seems to ignore. I, for one am disgusted and angry because nothing has been done for the impounded pets and those who have the power and means to give these pets a decent and humane facility must be blind as well as compassionless.
Sharon Dorval, Belfield
Tags: opinion, letters, belfield, city, dickinson
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