Conditions At The Dog Pound Are Terrible

To the Editor:

At the town dump lies the Newtown dog pound. It is a place where homeless dogs wait to be adopted into loving homes. During their stay, their needs are tended to with tender loving care by our Animal Control Officer and her assistants. In addition, they are tended to daily by a dedicated group of volunteers. These volunteers come in all sorts of weather to walk and socialize these dogs, thereby increasing their chances for adoption.

The physical conditions at the pound are terrible. The facility was built many years ago and is grossly outdated. The ventilation is poor and the temperature is difficult to regulate. The office is small and unable to accommodate a steady flow of potential adopters. Volunteers and staff are subjected to various hazards and unpleasant conditions when they walk the dogs. Garbage from the dump is strewn about. The dogs must be guided around broken glass, household refuse, poisonous puddles, and occasionally dead birds and other animal remains. They must also maneuver around the many trucks and trailers parked there.

Access to the pound is hampered by the long line of cars waiting to dump garbage. The traffic pattern is chaotic. When the dump closes, gates prohibit access to the pound. Of great concern is the fact that there is no fire alarm system in place. The dogs would be helpless in the event of a fire. Additionally, firefighters’ access would be hampered by the presence of the gates.

It is time that the concerned citizens of Newtown seek to move this pound away from the dump. Shouldn’t the motto of Nicer in Newtown apply to the treatment of our homeless dogs?

Respectfully Yours,

Jodi Bialik

5 Briarwood Lane, Newtown                                      August 24, 2005