Get creative on animal control

Re: “Future’s hazy for animal control,” March 26: The animal control issue requires creative thinking on financing the SCRAPS shelter expansion. I note that 51 percent, a majority, of the electorate voted for the ballot initiative.

City Council members offered juvenile answers and ideas that were irrational and irresponsible. Mr. Shogan, purporting to welcome creative thinking, said others could make a new tax proposal but he would not work on it and the city should do no more than what it is legally obligated to do. How will prospective convention organizers view that prospect in a city this size with strays numbering in five figures annually?

Mr. Apple proposed adding the responsibility to the under-staffed, overworked police force, which lacks any pertinent training. Given Otto Zehm’s and Shonto Pete’s experiences, I fear for any pet encountering a policeman. Mr. Apple also suggested ending pet licensing, apparently ignorant of the role licensing plays in returning lost pets to owners.

The county recently raised discussing consolidation of common local government services, citing the fiscal savings and efficiencies that would result. Consolidating animal control in SCRAPS represented a step toward that goal. So, come on, City Council members, let’s have some creative thinking!

Lois Richards

Spokane