CITY OF FERRIS ENACTS DRASTIC AND UNNECESSARY RULES FOR ANIMAL SHELTER
New Rules Will Lead to Increase in Unneeded Euthanasia
Animal Control Officer Opposes New Rules; Faces Termination
FERRIS, TX (July 8, 2009)- A major blow to the animal community was felt across Texas today when the city of Ferris created new and unnecessary rules regarding their animal shelter. These new rules, not supported by the city’s one animal control officer, will lead to the euthanasia of many dogs and cats without reason.
The city of Ferris has given their animal control officer 15 days to find new homes for the current dogs and cats living at the shelter. Once the shelter is empty, any new stray animals brought in will be held for six days before being euthanized regardless if space is available. Most D/FW shelters only begin euthanizing animals when the shelter is out of available space. The Ferris City Council would prefer that animals be killed and the shelter remain empty at all times. The city animal control officer was informed if the new rules were not enforced they would be terminated for insubordination.....
Despite claims by temporary City Manager Bill Pardue that the rules are needed because the animal control officer is taking in animals from other cities, there is extensive paperwork detailing where all=2 0animals in the shelter come from-all are from Ferris. In addition, the animal control officer fears she is being retaliated against for a June 5 letter she submitted to the Mayor and Council requesting bathroom facilities at the shelter, something not currently in place. A clear violation of employment standards, the Council balked at the idea of providing bathroom facilities for one of their employees and seemed to believe the animal control officer should continue to drive to the local EZ-Mart to use their restroom facilities.
Rescue groups across Dallas/Fort Worth have united to protest the City of Ferris ’ decision and bring attention to this clear violation against animals whose only infraction is wondering stray into the wrong city. One city council person was heard saying, “why would anyone want to adopt animals?” A clear sign that the city council is only acting on their own ignorance. According to many reports, 2008 was a record-setting year for animal adoptions across the country.
Animals remaining at the Ferris shelter in two weeks will be euthanized for no reason. Something animal rescuers vow to stop.
CONTACTS:
Ferris City Manager: (972) 842-5761, (972) 544-2110
Ferris City Council Members:
City Council, Elected
Jim E. Parks, Jr
Mayor100 Town Plaza
Ferris , TX 75125
(972) 544-2110
Richard Barrett
Place 1
100 Town Plaza
Ferris , TX 75125
(972) 544-2110
Billy D. Dunn
Place 2
100 Town Plaza
Ferris , TX 75125
(972) 544-2110
Bill Pardue
Place 3
100 Town Plaza
Ferris , TX 75125
(972) 544-2110
Gary Ross
Place 4
100 Town Plaza
Ferris , TX 75125
(972) 544-2110
Carol Wright
Place 5
100 Town Plaza
Ferris , TX 75125
(972) 544-2110
The email is through their city website
http://cityofferristexas.org click on
email us and fire away!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nancy Underwood:
nancycunderwood@gmail.com
My first attempt at making seed arrangement jars.Each one comes with a picture guide and handwritten instructions on planting and what seed is what. Come spring the jar can be emptied and planted. Then, fill the jar back up with one's own harvest of flower seeds. A gift that keeps giving!
