From: Tami Williams
Subject: E-mail The Editor
To: webmaster@49countynews.net
Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 8:52 PM


Dear Editor,

Ignorance or apathy? After the council meeting on February 01 (2009) I pondered in disgust the attitude toward Ordinance 2009-2. Over and over the ordinance ran through my mind. Though it is not perfect it is all we have and why was it not being enforced? Then I recalled the following: “Effective Date of Ordinance. When the ordinance is published in the newspaper, it shall take effect from and after the time it shall first appear therein. When the ordinance is published by posting, it shall take effect five days thereafter. The only exception to the above effective dates is when the ordinance itself sets out a different effective date. Section 11-45-8, above.” It all made sense---Ordinance 2009-2 ran in the Journal Record on January 30, 2010, but it was adopted February 2, 2009. So I asked again, ignorance or apathy?

Sincerely,

Tami Lewis Williams
175 Mayflower Trl
Hamilton, AL 35570

 LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Please support the humane society!

I am a concerned resident of Marion County, also a member of the Marion County Humane Society. For a few years now, I have sat by and watched as animals continue to be a second-thought for many people of this community. Animals are being dumped along the roads, let loose to wander the countryside--“Do you know where your animals are?”--or being destroyed because people do not know what else to do. Be responsible pet owners. Please do not make them someone else’s problem.

My belief is people feel they have no other options or literally do not care. We do not have a building in this county to help give these animals a second chance or give people other options to deal with animals that aren’t wanted or they just can’t take care of anymore. I know not everyone is heartless; sometimes we can barely take care ourselves, much less the animals.

Times are hard and the people of Marion County have been hit hard with job losses, just as it is everywhere, so we have to make choices. I know we are not a rich county but we can be rich in spirit and heart. I am an animal lover, having animals of my own; some were throw-away animals when I took them in. However, I, and many others who feel as I do, cannot rescue all throw-away animals by ourselves.

I feel that animals are God’s precious creatures and have just as much right to have a home, food and love as we humans do. We are the animal’s caretakers just as we are caretakers of our own precious children. When given the necessities of life, they provide us with years of joy and unconditional love. However, when it comes to providing shelter for animals, many of us just figure it will take care of itself.

It will not.

Please help us find the money it will take to build Marion County the building it needs to house and care for these animals. When you see the humane society trying to raise money, please help if you can--every little bit helps. Put your change in the dog banks around town, join the humane society, and come to meetings. The Marion County Humane Society was given the land to build on (five acres), thanks to the Marion County Commission, but that is just the beginning. People also need to be aware of the importance of spaying and neutering and vaccinating your animals, especially if you let them roam.

I am asking for the animals, who cannot speak for themselves, that if you have any means at all, please donate to the Marion County Humane Society. Teach your children that the welfare of animals is a priority. We would appreciate help from any businesses, corporations, churches, private donors, benefactors, any that could help us help the animals. It might make you feel warm and fuzzy all over, and you could use it as a tax write-off.
There are so many ways that those with the means could help. Think of yourselves as the guardian angels of the Marion County Humane Society. Maybe someone could donate the supplies to build a building. I am sure there are many businesses within the county that have what it takes. It will take landscapers, lumber, cement, electrical, plumbing, pens, drains, water, heating/cooling, qualified licensed contractors, etc. I am not a builder, but those of you who are know what it takes.

Please open your hearts and pockets if you can; anything is welcome. Even if you feel it does not affect you or it does not benefit you directly, I am begging you, please support the Marion County Humane Society. We need help from all of Marion County, not just one city, or the handful of people who have had to do it all. Be a part of something good and right.

This is strictly my opinion and thanks to everyone for your support ahead of time.

Carolyn Permenter
4011 County Highway 29
Hamilton, Alabama 35570