Animal control's fault lines March 3, article

Provide humane treatment for dogs

I am one of the new volunteers for this kennel and see first hand how they are treated and temperament of the dogs.

The pit bull, which police Chief Steffens mentioned should be put down, is the sweetest dog which I have played with and taken care of in the kennel.

Each dog usually takes a couple of days to realize no one there wants to hurt them and we respect them. Once this happens none of them have been aggressive and only want to play and be cared for. Remember, these animals are either runaways, neglected or abused animals by a human.

Are we so inhumane as to just bring these dogs to the kennels and not give them medical attention and if no one claims them within a few days just kill them as it appears is Steffens' wish?

The volunteers work hard to get these dogs well and adopted as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we have to be realistic and cannot save them all.

Let the readers and taxpayers make up their minds what is the truth and purpose of this Animal Control unit.

Diana Hessman, New Port Richey

Animal control's fault lines March 3, article

The real mission is saving animals

I know first-hand how the unit is run. I've been a volunteer since day one when it first was opened. The kennels were supposed to be temporary. Although we are grateful for the space it's not a functional property for our goal of protecting and saving animals that are found on the streets of New Port Richey.

Jeff and Sharon McReynolds have done an outstanding job of running this unit. They've saved many dogs by fostering, adopting and rescuing these animals to qualified people. Our mission is to save as many as possible but in the real world that may not always be possible.

The dog in question was never found to be aggressive. She has proven to be a sweet and loving dog. Her surgery was paid for by donations and not by the city. The animals at the kennel get excellent care and are taken to the vet for medical care when needed.

As with every story told, the other side will come out and the mission of saving animals will prevail.

Susan Squires, Port Richey

Bilirakis' vote ignores women

The Violence Against Women Act was recently reauthorized by Congress, our representative U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis voted against the bill.

Yes, our federal representative, voted not to renew a law that protects women from violence. Since this law was first passed it has increase the rates of prosecution, conviction and sentencing of those committing sexual and domestic abuse of women. The rate of intimate partner violence declined by 67 percent between 1993 and 2010. Women are the most likely targets of gun violence. Between 1993 and 2010 the rate of intimate partner murder of women has decreased 35 percent. The protections given to women and the funding to law enforcement by this law has worked.

Who does Bilirakis represent? Certainly not the women of Pasco County and those who love and care about them.

Lynn W. Lindeman, Hudson