Most Americans love companion animals. Almost 65 million of us have pets. We spend billions of dollars each year for their care. Many of us consider them family members and see ourselves as stewards of the animals we have domesticated.

Regardless of the outcome of recent allegations about the Calhoun County animal “shelter,” I challenge the residents of Calhoun County to use the events to seek reform.

Most Alabama counties are required to maintain a “pound” for rabies-control purposes. When those places become little more than disposal facilities, are we really spending our tax dollars for purposes consistent with the values of our society? I would argue that we are not.

Is it possible for a municipality to operate a true shelter while saving lives and money in the process? It is not about punitive legislation. It is about a culture in which we say we value animals and so we will not abuse them or treat them as disposable using taxpayer funds.

What will Calhoun County do next? It is up to the people who live and vote there to dictate the culture, be it one of cruelty or of compassion.

Aubrie Kavanaugh
Blountsville