Animal Rescue Groups Asking for Relief

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Story Published: Jul 9, 2009 at 7:21 PM PDT

By Molly Kelleher

BENTON COUNTY - Mom and Pop animal rescues waiting for relief. It's a matter of getting control of animal control.

It's going to a vote in Benton County and the help can't come soon enough for local rescue groups.

"There's a lot of frustration that goes with it, frustration over the sheer neglect, frustration over the numbers and the need," said Yvette Fitzgerrald with "Paw Up Rescue."

It's the unofficial family business, the Fitzgerralds save dogs and cats dumped in the county. Dogs like Napoleon, a basset hound that was found skinny and dehydrated, his ears and teeth badly infected.

"You can't just throw them away like they are trash, they deserve more than that," said Fitzgerrald.

Yvette hopes Benton County voters say yes to animal control in November. She knows it won't make the problem go away, but expects it will give them relief.

"We can't do it all ourselves, the rescue groups just can't do it all," said Fitzgerrald.

Action News called the county auditor's office and found the decision will be up to more than 16,000 voters in unincorporated Benton County.

A yes vote will increase property taxes about $14 for a $100,000 home.

So what's that going to buy you? Commissioner Leo Bowman says they are looking at building a million dollar facility with more than 50 kennels, along with a full-time staffer and a part-timer.

It could cost about $225,000 to run each year.

PAW UP RESCUE:
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/WA324.html

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