SALEM HUMANE SOCIETIES Council chief proposed as mediator for dispute

The agency running the shelter disputed critics and said the facility is clean and well-run.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- One of the two groups battling for control of an animal shelter trust fund is proposing that Salem City Council President Dave Ventresco mediate the dispute to avoid a long court fight.
Jeri Smith, Salem Humane Society Inc. spokeswoman, publicized a proposal Friday that Ventresco oversee talks between her organization and the similarly named Salem Area Humane Society.
Smith is proposing the mediation in advance of a May 9 hearing before Judge C. Ashley Pike of Columbiana County Common Pleas Court.
The court hearing is expected to address a proposal by Salem Humane Society Inc. that it begin receiving trust fund money that for years went to the Salem Area Humane Society.
The latter group is the original organization that has been providing animal welfare services at a shelter established years ago at 1264 W. State Street in Perry Township.
History: For decades, the Salem Area Humane Society was funded with money from the Robert Atchison Trust Fund, created in 1959. But that funding, about $18,000 annually, was suspended more than a year ago by Judge Pike after allegations that the Salem Area Humane Society was mishandling money and failing to properly care for animals at the shelter, where filth and overcrowding were reported.
In October, members of the original group formed the Salem Humane Society Inc. and are now seeking control of the trust fund through the court.
Meanwhile, the Salem Area Humane Society is continuing to operate the shelter, funded mostly with donations.
In proposing that Ventresco act as mediator between the two sides, Smith said, "We can all avoid a lengthy courtroom showdown that can only hurt the care of animals in the meantime."
Mary Lou Popa, Salem Area Humane Society president and a Salem city councilwoman, D-1st, declined to comment on the mediation proposal.
"I did it for the animals," Ventresco said of his willingness to mediate.
Salem City Council has no official involvement in the clash between the agencies, despite Popa's duties as Salem Area Humane Society president, and Ventresco's potential role as mediator.
Assurances: Earlier Friday, Popa and other members of the original humane society held a news conference at which they offered assurances that the shelter is being operated responsibly.
"We're not a modern, showy kennel, but we're warm, we're clean, we're dry," said member Sue Davidson.
The dozens of volunteers who work at the shelter are "dedicated people who really care about animals," said Carolyn Crookston, treasurer.