What a heartbreaking article on the front page (top story) of the Oct. 22 Bradenton Herald, “Area shelters euthanize nearly half of animals.” I am fully aware of the problems and are reminded of them daily as I have worked tirelessly performing trap, neuter, release (TNR) with the Gulf Shore Animal League in Manatee County.
People, things need to change! The problem needs to be shut off: 1. All breeding (any type of dog or cat, purebred or not) needs to stop! There are more than enough animals to adopt right now. 2. Humans are at fault. Animals suffer and multiply because people won’t spay and neuter their pets; they say they can’t afford it, but they will spend money on cigarettes, beer and lottery tickets! Most shelters will neuter for a low cost and in some instances even for free. 3. They need to change the laws; all people who get an animal should be required to spay and neuter on the spot! People who presently own animals should be fined high fees for not spaying and neutering their pets.
I have long suspected that all shelters kill. It’s truly heartbreaking to read it on the front page. But I also realize our shelters do the best they can. It is impossible for them to care, feed, medicate and house these large numbers of animals that people have bought, bred and tossed away. It’s disheartening to know we live in such an irresponsible society. When will it change?
Cheryl Hanbury, Gulf Shore Animal League Bradenton
A stacked ELC board makes approval easy
Taxpayers want to know how, in a recessed economy, a person with no experience at all lands a job paying almost six figures plus total health, dental and vision coverage for his whole family? Stack a board with all your friends or at least people who are personally connected to you. That’s exactly what Paul Sharff has done at the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee.
All new private-sector and governor-appointed board members were referred by Paul Sharff himself. One vacations with him, two or more serve on the Stewart PTO with him, many are in DeSoto Heritage with him, many politically donate money with him, and there is even a mother/daughter combo. This made it very easy for Paul Sharff, who has no experience in this field, to become the highest-paid executive director of those coalitions with the same size budget and that provide services in-house. All other executive directors not only have the education background in the field, but have at least 15-35 years experience.
Paul Sharff states he does the job of three people. Then what are his 10 directors doing? They certainly cannot notice a meeting properly or treat parents and providers with respect or honesty.
Board members should be ashamed of their ignorance. They never read or question anything they approve. The bottom line, taxpayers, is that you are paying for Paul Sharff’s outrageous salary. Look up the board members at www.elc-manatee.org, and give them a big THANKS!
Jackie Van Liew
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