Recently the town supervisor John Ferretti, along with the town council members, made a decision  to close the shelter to the public.  This is a taxpayer funded facility and the bill payers are being kept out. The justification for this is a noise ordinance.  Apparently too much noise creates a stressful environment.  

We would like to argue a few points.

    1.     Lack of socialization from people not coming through the kennels creates isolation which thereby induces stress. 
    2.     Finding your perfect furry companion is often organic. You connect on a level with an animal in a way you can not by looking at photos on a website or iPad.
    3.    This policy will result in lack of interest at TOHAS.  People will naturally gravitate towards other nearby shelters where they are pleasantly welcomed inside.
    4.    The dogs and cats will languish.  Their chances of adoption are greatly reduced.
    5.    There are other options available to help alleviate noise levels.  Sound proofing acoustic tiles for ceilings and walls as well as rubber mat flooring could be tried before denying access to the kennels.  No other alternatives have been attempted thus far.

If a member of the public wishes to visit and view an animal they might consider adopting they must first complete an application and view the dogs and their bios on an iPad.  If a dog is selected then it will be brought out to conduct the meet and greet. 

We have been told by a potential adopter,who had this experience, that based on your application certain animals will be chosen for you.  Imagine that! By perfect strangers who think they know what is best for you! We simply do not agree this is the correct way to facilitate adoptions and fostering. 

We are including some supporting documentation from experts for having open to the public kennels:

  1. Dr. Temple Grandin, PhD, a globally recognized expert in animal behavior and animal welfare science, has emphasized 
that humane shelter practices require consistent human interaction, environmental enrichment, and opportunities for social engagement. When animals are housed in environments where access, interaction, or stimulation is significantly limited for prolonged periods, the risk of psychological stress and behavioral deterioration increases substantially, which can negatively affect both the welfare of the animals and their likelihood of successful adoption.

    2.    The NO KILL Advocacy Center published a study on The Science of Humane Guidance for Animal Sheltering. The study warns against isolating animals from the public, because it can harm welfare and reduce lifesaving outcomes.  Please take the time to read this study!  It can be forwarded to anyone who would like it as it’s too lengthy to include here. 

Our pleas to the town council and supervisor have fallen on deaf ears and we need the public’s help! 

Please sign our petition and share among your animal loving friends.  The people who pay for the daily operation should be welcomed to visit any time they wish within reasonable hours.  

Once this goal is accomplished we can return our focus to the many other concerns we have about how this shelter is run.  

Thank you,
The Advocates for Reform of TOHAS