City shelter needs WAIF

Thanks to Jessie Stensland’s fine article on conditions at the Oak Harbor animal shelter last year, many residents had their eyes opened to the fact that WAIF has no part in animal control or care within our city.

I, for one, assumed my contributions to WAIF’s thrift store and fund drives went to aid all animals on the island. Little did I know their fine work in animal assistance stopped at our city limits.

Marina Parr’s April 3 article on the subject was well timed. Now the council has a chance to end the substandard animal rescue and care that exists only in the largest city on the island. The answer is right before the council, and you don’t need another study group or animal behavior consultant to spell it out.

I have spoken to numerous WAIF volunteers since Jessie’s article, and they all said they’d love to provide the good service that our city animals sorely need. Now is the time!

I urge the council to immediately begin negotiations with WAIF to take over animal control for our city. Your could find no more efficient and dedicated group, and the animals deserve no less.

The council has no more obligation to renew the animal control officer’s contract because of his 15 years of service than it did to renew the former police chief’s contract after 30 years of community service.

I commend Larry Eaton, Sheilah Crider and Sue Karahalios for their efforts, and hope the council will pursue a contract with WAIF to provide this service for our city and its animals.

Dick Caylor

Oak Harbor

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