Commission turns away group
MERCER, Pa. -- County commissioners heard a representative of a local animal rescue group discuss problems with strays.
Commissioners said they have neither the money nor the authority to establish any new programs, however.
Debbie Shaulis, president of Pet Solutions, a volunteer group that spays and neuters animals, told commissioners at their meeting Thursday that the county needs to deal with the growing problem of stray animals.
One problem is there is nowhere to take the animals, Shaulis said. She said the Mercer County Humane Society has no animal shelter, and the Shenango Valley Animal Shelter in West Middlesex serves mainly the six municipalities that fund it. She said the shelter is often full and charges a fee to accept animals from those outside the Shenango Valley. The state dog warden's office in Meadville will handle only dog problems, she said.
All three commissioners said this is the first complaint they have heard on the subject. Commissioner Olivia Lazor cited budget concerns and said commissioners are trying to make ends meet to deal with human problems and have little extra for animal problems. Lazor added that local municipalities have the first responsibility.
Commissioners also approved a contract for maintenance and repair on the county's seven earthen flood control dams with Anderson Construction, Greenville, for $27,450. The dams have been damaged by All-Terrain vehicles, Lazor said.