To the Editor:

Does Huron need an animal shelter? Absolutely.

That’s why 32 years ago myself and a small group of concerned citizens started what is now known as the BCHS.

Does having an animal shelter solve the problem of overpopulation of animals in the city? No, and the number of animals cared for at the shelter year after year since inception proves that.

So what is the answer to the problem? Responsible pet ownership? Public Education?  Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR)?

The answer is all of the above. That’s why when I was approached in October of 2022 to become involved in the latter I couldn’t refuse. As with the BCHS, the founder, myself and another small group of people met and formed what is now known as Alley Cat Spay and Neuter Mission. Our purpose was to trap neuter and release feral cats in Huron and the surrounding area to help control the number of felines, thus helping the Shelter from being “full”  year-in and year-out.

We started our work in late November and despite the weather and several speed bumps along the way we were making good progress until an official from the BCHS reported us to the authorities for a violation of a vague and antiquated state statute relative to the release of the felines back into their natural habitat where they were being provided food and shelter by their “caretakers.”

Why would someone who is supposed to have a passion for animals and their welfare do such a thing? Personally, I can think of two reasons: 1) They were afraid our success was making their paid lack of effort make them look bad, or 2) Our success would affect funds received in the future for animal control from the city.

TNR works.

Douglas Hart
Huron