You can't call the Harrison County Dog Pound in Cadiz, Ohio a "shelter." For one thing, it doesn't have exterior walls. The conditions are appalling. Water bowls are left to freeze over, dogs suffer from frostbite, kennels are left filthy, the deadly parvovirus runs rampant and the animals apparently don't receive vet care. They've blocked out rescues and volunteers who want to help, and don't keep the facility open often enough for people to adopt or find lost pets.

The Harrison County Commissioners actually defended the conditions at the facility, saying "We are a dog pound, not an animal shelter."

But as Robin McClelland, Executive Director of the Appalachian Ohio SPCA, wrote in letter to the County Commissioners calling for reform: "One can argue the difference between a 'pound' and a 'shelter.' Regardless of the label you choose, no one can argue that any publicly funded facility should be operated simply as a warehousing death camp for animals which fosters suffering, rather than compassion."

(You can read the letter in its entirety here.)

The Harrison County Commissioners and dog wardens are currently facing a lawsuit and are being investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for the allegations surrounding the dog pound. Yet the commissioners stubbornly refuse to work with local rescuers or make changes to stop homeless animals from suffering in their facility.

Harrison County's homeless pets deserve better. It's time to demand action and compassion. Tell the Harrison County Commissioners that you support the AOSPCA's plan for reform.

Photo credit: Appalachian Ohio SPCA