FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lauren Foo; Email - hawaiiislandpetsalive@gmail.com
Hawai’i Island Animal Care Task Force Forming to Address Animal Control Issues
[HILO, Hawai’i] – A new task force is forming to address animal control issues on Hawai’i Island. The Hawai’i Island Animal Care Task Force is a community-based team who will create transparent and proactive community solutions to help solve our island’s animal control related issues. The Task Force will be composed of nine (9) representatives from the community (one (1) from each district), two (2) from animal welfare organizations, and a representative from the island’s veterinary organizations. The team will meet regularly to discuss animal care and control issues and develop solutions based on research and collaboration with our island’s community and animal welfare organizations, as well as national organizations.
The Task Force will hold six (6) island-wide community meetings to gather input from the community on animal care and welfare. The following are the dates, times, and locations of the community meetings:
June 17th, 1:00pm – Oceanview Community Center; Kau District # 6
June 24th, 12:00pm – Keaau Eagles Lodge; Puna Districts # 4 & 5
July 8th, 1:00pm - Animal Welfare Organizations (location tbd)
July 15th – North Hawai’i Districts #1 & 9 (location and time tbd)
July 22nd - North & South Kona Districts # 7 & 8 (location and time tbd)
July 29th – North & South Hilo Districts # 2 & 3 (location and time tbd)
“We are excited about the formation of this Task Force and are looking forward to working with the communities to address animal control issues on Hawai’i Island,” said Heather Kimball, Chair of the County Council. “With the transition of Animal Control services from the Hawaii County Police Department to the new County agency, Animal Control and Protection, community involvement is critical in identifying the most important issues and partnering to implement solutions. We believe that by working together, we can make a positive difference for the community and the animals on our island.”
For more information about the Task Force or to sign up for a community meeting, please send an email to hawaiiislandpetsalive@gmail.com.