A Chatham councillor doesn't believe the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) is doing enough to supply the community with a new animal shelter.
That's why Derek Robertson is asking administration to explore animal control alternatives for Chatham-Kent. CK has created a committee to raise $2 million to help build the new facility on Park Ave. E, but the councillor says the OSPCA needs to do their part as well.
"We continually hear of the deplorable condition of the animal shelter, and that's absolutely true," says Robertson. "We have a participant that's contracted to maintain the building that isn't maintaining the building. Yet they continue to fundraise and, frankly, move dollars out of the community."
Robertson has no qualms with the local shelter employees. In fact he thinks they should play a major role in the process.
"They're hardworking, dedicated, good people. But I think it's unfortunate that we have an OSPCA that really couldn't give a rat's ass about whether or not there's funds placed for a new building," says Robertson.
No timeline as been given to narrow down new animal control options for the municipality, but Robertson expects some action "in a hurry."
