Humane Society seeks comments

• By JO-ANNA K. BURNETT
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Nov 16, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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HAMMOND — Tangipahoa Parish’s revamped Animal Control Plan undergoes a three-day review by the Humane Society of the United States starting with a public comment period from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Parish Health Unit.

“The meeting is for members of the community to meet with the HSUS team and for that team to receive input,” said Carolyn Machowski, manager for the Humane Society’s animal services consultation program.

“We want to know,” she said, “How you feel about the parish plan? How best we can help? How best to improve the shelter?’ Any issues the community thinks the parish needs to address.”

Machowski said the team will spend the three days observing animal housing, care and handling of animals, animal health care procedures, including euthanasia policy, and the operation of adoption and spay and neutering programs.

The Tangipahoa Parish shelter drew the attention of the Humane Society after all 170 animals housed at the shelter on Aug. 4 were destroyed following what was believed to be the outbreak of a contagious virus.

Since then, the parish has been working to improve shelter operations

According to a report issued in August by the parish government, nearly 7,000 strays and unwanted pets were brought to the shelter or picked up by parish animal control officers in 2007. Despite work with animal rescue groups and animal adoption agencies, 5,600 of those 7,000 animals were destroyed.

Machowski said the Humane Society’s team would meet with parish officials on Thursday before leaving, and submit a written report in 60 to 90 days following the visit.

The Health Unit is at 15481 Club Deluxe Road, Hammond, between South Morrison and U.S. 51, just south of Interstate 55.