Come to the rescue: Dessin hosts animal cruelty information event

Large animal network being formed

By SANDY LONG

HONESDALE, PA — You might think she’s too tough to be soft, especially given what she deals with in an average day. But in talking about what she’s seen, and the kind of unkind things done to animals by humans, Marlene Metzger sometimes tears up. Behind the composed countenance, the Dessin Animal Shelter’s Humane Society Police Officer harbors a compassionate heart.

That compassion is currently being expressed in Metzger’s determination to develop a network of caregivers to provide support during rescues involving large animals like cows and horses.

To kick off the initiative, Metzger will conduct an educational open house on Friday, April 27, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Tyler Hill Country Inn, located in Tyler Hill. “We’d like to let people know that the shelter has another aspect involving livestock, not just the usual domestic pets like cats and dogs. And we’d like people to come with questions, so they can get to know us better,” said Metzger.

The upcoming event will feature professionals who specialize in large animal care. Information about Pennsylvania’s Cruelty Laws will also be available, along with refreshments. A $10 donation is appreciated.

April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month

Thousands of animals become victims of cruelty in the United States each year, and Dessin Animal Shelter is working to raise local awareness during Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month. Animal cruelty includes any act of violence or neglect perpetrated against an animal, including failure to provide adequate food, water or shelter. According to Metzger, animal cruelty is a summary offense, with fines ranging from $50 to $750 per offense and potential imprisonment up to 90 days.

Rescuing dogs and cats is difficult enough; challenges associated with rescuing livestock are even greater. “You can’t just put a leash on them,” Metzger said. Transportation usually involves trailers and people with the skills and experience to handle such animals. Then there’s the need for specialized veterinary care and appropriate relocation facilities.

One rescue involved more than 100 chickens, 13 cattle, nine sheep, 11 goats and one llama. In such cases where the animals are seized due to gross neglect or cruelty, the shelter is responsible for the animals until a court hearing is conducted. Since this can take months and become very costly, volunteers who are able to help care for large animals are needed to form a large animal network.

In support of the network, the shelter is also seeking donations of goods such as blankets, tack and feed, as well as services related to large animal care, like equine dentistry and hoof care.

Metzger would also like to expand the shelter’s pet therapy program, where cats are transported to area nursing homes to visit with residents. Volunteers are needed for various tasks ranging from assisting with special events and shelter operations to animal care, office work, grant writing and more.

In other parts of her duties, Metzger spends considerable time on humane education, during which she visits schools, day care centers and camps to teach children about how to treat animals with respect and kindness, how to prevent dog bites, and what happens to people who abuse animals.

To report suspected animal cruelty, contact Metzger at 570/253-0239 or email www.deputydawg@ezaccess.net. For more information on Pennsylvania’s Cruelty to Animals Law, visit www.humaneinpa.org. See www.dessinshelter.com for information on the shelter. To report issues related to loose dogs, licenses, rabies vaccinations and kennel inspections, contact Jim Rickert, state dog warden at 570/488-9562.