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Humane Agent offers insight into year one
To the editor:
Having recently passed the one year mark as the appointed Humane Agent for Columbiana County, I felt I should take a look back. It was a crazy year of learning and growing for myself and the Humane Society as a whole.
Being born and raised in Columbiana County, I knew the need for an animal cruelty investigator in our area, which has been underserved for a very long time, so when the position was offered to me, I jumped at the chance.
Since my official appointment a little over a year ago, we have taken in 542 animals as part of animal cruelty investigations. Not all of those investigations resulted in charges being filed, as often these situations begin with the best of intentions and spiral out of control in individuals with mental illness.
Instances of cat hoarding make up most of that large number, but I handle all species outside of wildlife, even recently seizing four emaciated cows. We have housed all nature of animals, from cats and dogs to rabbits, ferrets, birds, horses, chickens, ducks, goats, and cows. While I attempt to educate animal owners before taking the drastic measure of removing them, education isn't always possible, or successful. As a nonprofit, we rely on community support to continue our operations.
Our yearly operating budget is around $300,000 for salaries, veterinary bills, food, utilities, insurance, etc. Our ability to help our community relies on donors. I am forever thankful to the people who support us financially, as well as the volunteers who help with the day to day care in the shelter. When I began this job, I believed my role was solely as an animal law enforcement professional.
However, I have found myself also acting as a comforter to the sick, counselor to the mentally ill, referee between fighting spouses, and, sadly, the front line in spotting child abuse and neglect. We all love the heartwarming, happily ever after stories of the animals we save, but there is also the dark side of getting there too late. The good mostly outweighs the bad.
Sometimes, I am overwhelmed by the enormous case load and long hours, but I will continue to enforce the laws of the state of Ohio and speak for those who do not have a voice. Thank you, to the community, for your support.
ERICA RICE,
Leetonia