Humane Officer Funding Cut to State Minimum -

What should a life be worth in Portage County if the life is a dog or a cat? 

 That question may become one for debate in the months ahead as Portage County taxpayers choose what is important, or not important, to the lives of their communities.

 In early December, the Portage Animal Protective League board was notified by the Portage County Commissioners that it was reducing its financial support for the position of Humane Officer to $25 per month … the minimum amount established by the Ohio Legislature back in 1953. 

 In their letter to Portage APL president Karen Carmany, the Commissioners indicated their reduction was due to a lack of available funds and they suggested the APL look for alternative sources for funding within the county.  President Carmany responded to the Commissioners thanking them for their past support.

 “It’s a bit disappointing that the County has imposed a cut of this magnitude,” APL president Carmany stated.  “Going from an appropriation of $26,000 to $300 sends a pretty clear message that Portage APL is not considered an important asset within Portage County, in their eyes.  A survey of residents in the area completed in November indicated that animal welfare is of high importance, as is the maximum enforcement of animal cruelty laws.”

 Without having a Humane Officer, there will be no one to investigate cases of abandonment abuse or cruelty to animals in Portage County.  This not only includes dogs and cats, but horses and even exotic animals.  This means animals that have been injured along highways will be at the mercy of those who pass by, or local and county law enforcement.  This means hoarding cases will continue to worsen without being addressed.  This means there will be no one to educate and set corrective plans for those who need guidance on how to become responsible animal owners.  (Ignorance of the need to spay and neuter pets has resulted in more than 5 million stray dogs and cats living on the streets in America.)

 “Portage APL will make every effort to maintain this important function,” Carmany stressed.  “We have a mission to find safe homes for sick, injured, abused and abandoned animals.  We offer low-cost spay/neuter clinics to help reduce the unwanted pet population.  We promote responsible pet ownership and try to educate the public.  And, we are the designated organization to house the Humane Officer role.  Not having a Humane Officer for Portage County is an invitation for abandonment and cruelty to animals.”