To the Editor:

My husband and I recently returned to NNY after living in North Carolina for 13 years. I was conflicted on commenting publicly about the recent news broadcast regarding the SLVSPCA. We couldn't have been less prepared or more appalled to learn of their euthanasia rate. As a former rescue and adoption coordinator at our NC shelter, hearing and seeing this broadcast was traumatizing. We felt like we'd moved back into the Dark Ages of animal sheltering where the homeless pets had little value and shelters operated on a revolving door basis.

As background: my husband and I dedicated 10 years to our previous shelter. We served on the Board of Directors and were involved in nearly every aspect of shelter operations from how funding was spent to hands-on care of the shelter animals.

With a new administration, we established and nurtured realtionships with rescue groups and no-kill shelters that brought a 75% euthanasia rate to where it stands today. Due to the diligence of our group the euthanasia rate is less than 10%. Nearly all of the animals are placed into permanent homes. Nearly a total flip of the previous numbers. This shelter is underfunded and chronically full. It, too, is open-admission receiving 2,500 animals per year from 3 county animal control officers as well as owner surrenders. No animal is turned away regardless of age, temperament or health. Many are abused or simply abandoned. They are given every chance- from direct adoptions, shelter-to-shelter transfers and placement partners.The nearest no-kill shelter is 80 miles away.

People may be shocked at the 1,200 animals the St. Lawrence Valley SPCA receives each year. I'd like them to know most of the southern shelters would be glad to trade places. Many of them take in more than twice that number and have better placement statistics. Like my former shelter they recognize the value of accepting help from groups in better positions than they are. They can't accept seeing animals dying needlessly.

The dismal statistics at the St Lawrence Valley SPCA defy understanding. When any shelter puts to death nearly every animal that comes through their door it's time for an intervention.

I hope this letter will serve to prove positive changes can occur with hard work and a willingness to accept lifelines when they are offered. Soon cannot be soon enough for the sake and safety of the animals in this shelter.

Susan Picard
Russell