Humane agents are qualifed

Humane agents are qualifed

I was highly disturbed by Atty. Jay Majecko’s statement in April 16 news reports regarding Animal Charity’s humane agents’ removal of 17 chickens and roosters from 551 Fithian Street a few days before.

These chickens and roosters were abused and neglected. The agents removed them from the property. We felt the crime was strong and deserved to be prosecuted. When the agents went to have charges signed by Atty. Macejko, he refused them. He then stated to the news that no one “qualified enough” had looked at the chickens.

Here is my question: Who is qualified enough? Our agents were appointed by Mayor Williams in the city of Youngstown to perform humane agent work (rescue abuse and neglected animals). They went through 20 hours of mandated federal humane agent training, one agent is an OPOTA certified police officer, both agents went through agricultural training sessions through the Ohio Farm Bureau, one agent grew up on a farm raising chickens, rabbits and pigs and was involved in 4-H. In addition, a licensed veterinarian evaluated these animals and called it cruelty due to the several abnormal markings, skin conditions and large amount of feather loss. If these criteria do not deem our agents or veterinarian “qualified,” I don’t know what does.

I do not know how Prosecutor Majecko expects us to fulfill our contract with the city of Youngstown regarding humane issues (cruelty, neglect, abandonment) if he does not take our cases. We only take serious cases to him. This is approximately the fourth case we have brought to him in 2010 out of approximately 150 investigated in the city. The rest of the cases we have worked to resolve ourselves.

Why does this problem exist in the city? We do not have this problem anywhere else in the county. Our agents have successfully obtained search warrants and prosecuted cases in all other areas of the county. Why are the humane agent qualifications good enough for every other prosecutor in the county, except for the city prosecutor?

We are fortunate enough to have two full-time, qualified (per definition according to the Ohio Federated Association of Humane Societies) humane agents, and two full-time veterinarians on staff to evaluate these animals (with room to hold them). Most humane societies don’t.

We appreciate all of the community support that we receive. Please, do not stop calling us. Contact us at 330-788-1064 if you suspect animal abuse.

Nikole M. Baringer, Boardman

The writer is chief executive officer of Animal Charity.