Bark info

From: Eileen
Date: 04/10/08 17:55:30
To: fltimes@fltimes.com
Subject: Yates County Disappoints Us Again

Just when you think you have seen and heard it all , something comes along to remind you that things can and sometimes do, actually get worse. That was the case regarding the Public Hearing over the ADDITION of yet another large scale dog breeder (Puppymill) in this Township in Yates County. The Township of Potter.

The atmosphere was that of a backwoods, "Deliverance " type mentality. Sorry folks but when a Public Official, and I use the term loosely, starts a meeting out with the comments that dogs and cats and chickens and cows are all the same to him, you just have to wonder. I have to wonder if he shares his bed with chickens??? Keep reading, it gets worse.

The individual that was applying for the "Kennel" had recently been reported to shoot at a neighbors dog that had come onto his property. The dog suffered and died I am told , from this incident. Yet he is saying he will be a good dog custodian. Makes one wonder, doesn't it??? I have not heard he was being attacked by the dog and had to shoot to save his own life . Better watch your own dogs and cats if you are a neighbor...I would view this as a huge concern if I had him living close by. I view it as a huge concern allowing him to be a dog custodian actually.

The public hearing progressed in a mode all it's own. Questions that were legitimate were not answered and others were branded as emotional and also not answered. Asking if there is a separate whelping room for the puppies being born is not an emotional, over the top question. It deserved a decent answer. Asking where the feces and urine will be disposed of is a genuine concern...asking how he plans on "disposing" of the bodies is also a valid question. Because I have to imagine there will be bodies in this "kennel". Dogs can only be bred every heat cycle and live in cages on wire with minimal care for just so long.

One older gentleman, with a service dog at his side, asked a question of a Board member and was given a police escort, along with his service dog, out of the meeting.

Are you getting the picture here folks?? This was a farce of a meeting, held only because legally they had to. It was not conducted as a Public Meeting and the participants that were there not in favor of yet another large scale dog kennel , were treated poorly.

I still am NOT in favor of anymore Puppymills being added to the already over saturated area of Yates County. And I will continue to fight the fight.

If you would like more information on Puppymills and their cruelty ,please attend an educational event on May 17 at the Yates County Fairgrounds. It is called A BARK HEARD AROUND THE WORLD. There will be speakers and vendors and rescues and shelters from across the country attending. There is no excuse for not understanding what you are allowing in your own backyards.
Silence is not golden here..it allows suffering of another living creature. More information on this event can be found at www.puppymillrescue.com or by contacting the Beverly Animal Shelter.

I am saddened and ashamed of the way some public officials think they can act...they are accountable to you voters of Yates County...and actually to all of us that attend a PUBLIC MEETING.

I am beginning to see that the farmers of Yates County will not speak against another farmer, even when wrong. Justice and humanity is suffering in this county. Take a look at your neighbors, if you disagree with things that are going one, please speak up. What kind of example are you giving your children...

Sadly,
Eileen Franco
Seneca Falls, NY