Local pet lovers be warned and act now

To the editor:
How many of us has had to call on our Presque Isle Animal Control Officer Danny Corey? Well, for those who do not know, the city of Presque Isle is intending on voting to cut Danny Corey’s position as Animal Control Officer for the city of Presque Isle to become effective Jan. 1, 2010. This will be a great loss for both the animals and the pet owners of Presque Isle. The members of this community need to contact our city manager and let him know how very important it is that they keep this position.     How is it possible that a city with over 9,000 residents will no longer have an Animal Control Officer?! I understand that the Presque Isle Police Dept. will become responsible for this position. We have already had so many cutbacks on emergency positions. The PIPD is already overworked.
This is a large city with many animals. Who will follow up on licensing and rabies vaccines on dogs. (we do have rabies up here). This brings money into our city. Who will be picking up the stray, feral and unwanted cats that roam the streets of Presque Isle? What about the lost dog that some family is searching for? What about the pets who are being neglected and abused? What about those that are left laying freezing in the snow?
What about the dog that bites your child? Who will ensure that the dog has proof of rabies vaccine and that it is being properly quarantined? What about the pet hit by a car needing to be picked up and taken to the vet. What about the pet who has gotten loose while its owners are at work? Animal Control will usually pick that pet up and take it to the Central Aroostook Humane Society where the pet’s owners will know it would be safe till they got there to get their beloved family pet.
There are so many questions and not enough answers. The police department just does not have the time to deal with all these situations. Using them for animal control will take away from the community’s emergency assistance. Let’s face it, the police are here to ensure the safety and welfare of the community. Animal Control Officer is always out for the welfare and safety of the animals. The laws are different for animals and humans. The public is welcome to voice their option.