[Talk Host]

This morning I had occasion to call Marion County Animal Control about a serious issue with some farm animals near our home that appear to be neglected. By the time I was finished talking with the female county employee on the phone at the Animal Control office, I was made to fell like I was the offender and it was a big imposition for them to investigate.

What gives these people the right to have the attitude that the taxpayers can be treated in a less than courteous way? I fully plan to have a conversation with the county elected official that represents my district.

[Boomer]

TH,

It was kind of you to report the neglect. Sadly, the neglect of helpless animals is starting to become more prevalent as the economic crisis grows more arms and legs with each day it seems.

There is a widespread philosophy across every level of responsibility. The philosophy boils down to, "If I do not see it, I do not have to deal with it." Also known as the, "Just let me keep my head up my " philosophy. Some parents and most in Congress have been making that philosophy work for themselves for years.

My, my TH! You expected that woman, paid by tax money, to do her job.

This kind of callous behavior on the part of the county employee could cause the kind of high profile attention that the county does not want. Somebody in charge there needs to figure out that it would be easier to address the problem with the animals than to address high profile, unwanted attention.

(I am starting to sound a little grouchy and am looking around for my soapbox. I think I had better get out of here.)

Thanks, TH.

Boomer

[Talk Host]

I sent an email tonight to County Commissioner Stan McClain about this matter. I will be curious to see his reply.

It is no wonder that the public is afraid to become involved. In cases like this, our involvement does not seem to be welcomed.

[graciegirl]

What happened to the cows?

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

What happened to the cows?

Actually, they are not cows. And so far nothing has happened to help the animals that I know of. I started to post more details, but changed my mind. I don't want to compromise any criminal action that may be taken. When and if charges are filed, I will give more information.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

This morning I had occasion to call Marion County Animal Control about a serious issue with some farm animals near our home that appear to be neglected.

Thank you for taking the time to report this issue of animal neglect. Hopefully Marion Animal Control will do the humane thing.

We should all do our part to make sure the vulnerable animals in our society don't suffer.

[Boomer]

Like I sort of said in my rant this morning here, the fact that this is a case of animal neglect being neglected by the very department that is to deal with it could bring some unwelcome attention if it gets to the papers. That kind of attitude toward animals does not play well in the news. I bet her boss gets it taken care of once he figures out that he could have a big problem himself if he does not take care of the animals' problems.

Stay tuned.

Boomer

[joannej]

How about taking photos of the animals and any other useful pictures and send them off to the person at the agency you spoke to? Do you think that would help to get their attention? Or threaten to send the same info to the media?

[graciegirl]

I am really curious. If it is a farm animal, did it die? If so then maybe you should call the board of health or even the villages, if the animals are adjacent to your property.

[Skip]

Hope you got her name. I always start the conversation with "Hi, this is Skip Wilson calling, who am I speaking to, please?"

Then you have a good record (plus the date and time of day).

Skip

PS: One time the party on the other end said "We only give our number here, I'm agent 462!" My come back was "OK, can I please speak to agent number 1 then?" (At least I got a laugh!)

[Talk Host]

On Tuesday evening, I sent County Commission Stan McClain an email about this. It is now Friday afternoon, and I have heard nothing from him. I know they are busy, and I am willing to wait a few more days to hear from the man that I voted for to represent me.

Constituent Services is a huge part of holding elected office. Prompt service can get you reelected and I am sure his office is aware of that.

[Talk Host]

This issue has now been resolved to my satisfaction. Although I did not hear directly from Commissioner McClain, he did take the appropriate action and department heads conducted the necessary corrective actions. It is now history and I am satisfied.

The original complaint that prompted all the other conversation is also being handled in the proper way.

[graciegirl]

We will all go to our graves wondering what happened.

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

We will all go to our graves wondering what happened.

There are a bunch of farm animals in a field near my house. It appears that they are malnourished. Some of them have visible sores and other medical issues as well. I called the animal control office of Marion County to file a complaint.

At the end of the conversation with the employee, I was sorry that I had called.

I sent an email to Commissioner McClain.

I did not hear from Mr. McClain, but I did get a call from a supervisor at the animal Control office.

She told me that she had spoken to the employee in question and that issue is now resolved. (to my satisfaction)

She also told me that their office is well aware of the individual who owns the animals and that this person is currently under court order to correct the situation that I observed. Apparently I was not the first to file a complaint.

She assured me that the issue is being monitored and that any necessary action will be taken if and when the court order is violated.

JLK

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

This issue has now been resolved to my satisfaction. Although I did not hear directly from Commissioner McClain, he did take the appropriate action and department heads conducted the necessary corrective actions. It is now history and I am satisfied.

I'm glad to hear that this has been resolved and that the "bad people" are being watched. I find animal abuse repugnant.