In early December, I stood at this podium congratulating our shelter staff and rescue coordinator on the high number of live animal outcomes from August to December. To date, 408 animals have been transferred out of our shelter, mostly into rescue with a few adoptions.
The partnership formed during this time as a result of Heather Feltner’s hard work and dedication is impressive and miraculous.
But last week, a communication was sent to the rescue partners that the Fairfield County Animal Shelter had parted ways with Heather Feltner and Hearts Unleashed as rescue coordinator. I would like to share with you just a few of the rescue partners’ responses to that communication.
Hangry’s Hideout, a cat rescue: “We are committed to working with Heather Feltner and Hearts Unleashed.”
Big Dog Ranch Rescue: “We are very disappointed in the behavior of the shelter.”
Forgotten Now Family: “We only work with shelters we have a trusted relationship with. Without Heather, that does not exist.”
Shut Down Bound: “We can’t work with a shelter that does not value its volunteers and rescue coordinator.
Final Victory: “Terrible mistake on the part of the shelter.”
As many of you know, I have expressed my deep concerns privately about our current shelter management and their lack of experience and qualifications. There seems to be a desire to create an all-positive image at the shelter that simply is just not a reality.
Every shelter needs a valued and experienced rescue coordinator as well as valued volunteers who are often the heart of the shelter. While it is wonderful that the shelter has doubled i
s number of employees and is cleaner, there is so much more to good shelter management that promotes live outcomes.
What do [Fairfield county council’s] constituents need? Transparency for starters. We would respect the acknowledgement of problems and the commitment to honest efforts to fix them. I welcome any opportunity to discuss solutions with leadership.
Kathy Faulk
Fairfield County
President of Hoof and Paw