Will Pound Continue No-Kill Practices?

Officials Seek To Establish Dog Pound Policy

By Kendra Bobowick

Will Newtown cease to maintain a no-kill animal shelter?

“We have had an ‘informal’ no-kill practice. That may well continue to be the case,” First Selectman Pat Llodra wrote in a recent email. “…and I would be very comfortable with that outcome,” Mrs Llodra clarified.

With both money and plans in hand for a new dog pound facility, however, the first selectmen is now asking for a clearly stated policy, including procedures for dogs at the shelter for several years.

A larger, newer pound “will likely attract more animals, so how do we manage the changes and organize staff accordingly?” she asked.

How long should Newtown house an animal? At the end of four years, for example, Mrs Llodra pondered, “At that time, call other shelters. Do they have families that would make good homes?” Possibly, a procedure should be in place to search for a home if a dog has not been adopted, she suggested. Overall, Mrs Llodra said in her email, “Policies hold us accountable to expectations that are consistent with community values. I am interested that the [Board of Selectmen] develop written practices that guide the management of the ‘new’ animal control facility.”

No incident or injury has driven her concerns, she clarified.

In past days Mrs Llodra met with Human Resources Director Carole Ross, and Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason to define “expectations” for pound policy and “resolve issues before moving into a new facility.”

Ms Mason said, “I am looking at this in a positive way.” She explained that the first selectman has asked her to write a draft for which she will “gather resources” and research, she said. Her heart is with the animals, she said.

“The dogs often come from a comfortable home and are put in a cage; they’re confused and upset,” she said. In many cases, “their behavior is bad.” But with time and patience, “you could have a whole different dog,” she said. “You’ve got to give them a chance.” Shelter animals receive support from Canine Advocates of Newtown (CAN), a nonprofit organization that pays for pound animals’ medical care. Dogs are spayed, neutered, and take walks regularly with CAN volunteers. Residents who adopt a dog also have the option of free training sessions, paid for by another local animal advocate.

Aware that a policy must ultimately find the Board of Selectmen’s approval, she hopes the animals are protected. “I am all for a no-kill policy,” Ms Mason stressed.

Mrs Llodra wrote, “Newtown is clearly animal-friendly and I do not expect that to change.”