OPINION

Mayor has been there for vulerable creatures

Posted 10/22/20

To The Editor: This letter is to thank Mayor Solomon for his decades of efforts to help homeless and neglected animals. Those of you who also love animals may not be aware of some of his actions. My involvement with the Mayor goes back twenty years, when

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OPINION

Mayor has been there for vulerable creatures

Posted

To The Editor:

This letter is to thank Mayor Solomon for his decades of efforts to help homeless and neglected animals. Those of you who also love animals may not be aware of some of his actions.

My involvement with the Mayor goes back twenty years, when I was a member of Volunteer Services for Animals (Warwick VSA). Volunteers worked desperately to change city policies to reduce euthanasia, eliminate the gas chamber, provide veterinary care, etc. It was a different world for animal care twenty-five years ago, and many humane changes in care were considered excessive and un-necessary- they were just unwanted animals.

But finally, in 2003 Warwick residents overwhelmingly approved a bond referendum for a new shelter. It had heat that worked in the kennels, a veterinary treatment room, plus quarantine rooms. These were considered to be luxuries at that time - they are requirements today. Though the building provided humane care physically, it did not affect policies. Again, VSA struggled on to accomplish more humane practices, approaching the City Council for help.

In 2005, a major change occurred- the Council revised the organizational structure of the shelter, creating the new Division of Animal Care. This was momentous. Staff could now be hired who had experience, and the Executive Director could set the policies for all animal care practices.

The mayor was on the council then and helped usher in all these enlightened reforms. We now have a humane and progressive shelter, and Warwick’s citizens can be very proud. These changes would not have happened without years of support from the Council. Mayor Solomon was with us from the beginning but did not stop once shelter conditions were addressed.

He continued to support and sponsor animal ordinances in the City, some of which became models for State law. The Mayor also obtained donations of pet food – pallets of it! These efforts were all made on behalf of homeless, loving, and hopeful animals in the care of the City… efforts that many contributed to. But the most moving and personal memory I have of Joe’s commitment to the well-being of defenseless animals was after he got his first dog. He loved that little guy- unabashedly

Most of us who have pets do love them- but Joe goes beyond adoring his ‘Buddy’, he remains dedicated to helping all of them. Joe did this before it was popular and expected…this makes him stand out for me.

Thanks Mayor, for decades of support and caring for the vulnerable creatures among us.

Barbara Walsh

Warwick

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