A Word From Union Co. Animal Control

The email below was forwarded to Project Slum Dogs.  In order to keep everyone in the loop, I'll post it here and will address the specific points in red. 

From: MichelleStarnes@co.union.nc.us [mailto:MichelleStarnes@co.union.nc.us]
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2012 11:13 AM
Subject: Slum Dogs: Monroe, NC - A MUST READ - PLEASE READ THIS AND PASS ALONG & ACT ON IT!!!

To whomever is responsible for this "blog":

Thank you for writing. 

I constantly find items like this interesting.

We're glad of it!  These animals need help. 

First:  I am the Lieutenant of Union County Sheriff's Office, Animal Services Bureau and neither myself or this bureau have been notified of any of these situations.

The reason you or the county AC bureau weren't notified is because the dogs in the photos are in the city limits of Monroe.  Monroe AC was notified, twice.

We all thought that notifying the city was the proper channel.  Is this incorrect?  Should the county AC be also notified when these types of neglected pets are found? 

Second: I have spent the majority of morning patrolling these areas of the City of Monroe.  I have yet to see any of the animals in the pictures below. However, I have reported to the City of Monroe several other address which cause me concerns.

They're there alright.  One of our volunteers went by late yesterday afternoon.  No change.  The pups in that bizarre air conditioner enclosure were still there with virtually no space to move around.   Keep your eyes out for that weird MX3 sign which is on Walnut Street and you'll be right in the area. 

I just found out, the dog house with the $ sign, is on Phifer Steet, about half a block from the elementary school.  

Third:  There are no physical addresses to any of the pictures.  

You're right about that.  The reason we didn't put addresses on the blog was we didn't know if that would be considered illegal.  But, now that we're addressing that very point, if something is visible from the street, is there really any expectation of privacy? 

I have asked our volunteers to provide addresses for the dogs in the photos.  We will make sure you get them.  

I will assure you or anyone else if an address is of concern and reported to this bureau, the complaint will be checked and  we have the ability to enforce County ordinances and NC state law not opinions.

Perfect!  We still have a question about the city of Monroe AC.  Do we continue to notify them?  Ignore them?  We don't want the pets to suffer because we used the wrong channels. 

If you see these situations are in deed concerning to you, you have my email address and the phone number is listed below please feel free to contact me.

You do know people are going to take you up on this, right?  But it's a good thing.  The suffering of pets in our city/county has to end and those responsible must be held accountable by the law. 

Lt. Michelle Starnes

Union County Sheriff's Office
Animal Services Bureau
704-283-2308