Our Opinion: Quick action prevents worse outcome in animal neglect case

News Tribune editorial

Our hearts sank at last week's news about the neglect of cats and other animals at a Holts Summit kennel facility.

On Friday, we reported the neglect included lack of food and water. Fortunately, no animals' lives were in imminent danger and none of the animals needed medical care. An employee of the operation was arrested after an investigation. The employee was not named, but could face charges.

We credit the Holt Summit officials for quickly taking action, and the Holts Summit Board of Aldermen for quickly voting to approve an agreement with Fulton for use of the Grabb Animal Shelter. The Fulton City Council still needs to approve the deal. In the meantime, animals from Holts Summit have been transported to Fulton as part of an emergency arrangement.

The private owner, which Holts Summit rented the kennel from, had no part in the neglect, Holts Summit City Administrator Matt Harline said.

Holts Summit's long-term goal is to build its own animal shelter - a small one that would fit the city's needs. However, that project is in its early stages, and the owner of the kennel is retiring soon. The non-emergency agreement passed by the aldermen Thursday would give Holts Summit a facility to take impounded animals to in the meantime, if also passed by Fulton.

We're glad to see that quick action by city officials in Holts Summit may have prevented the deaths of these pets that were waiting to find permanent homes.

In the future, we hope Holts Summit and our other area cities can ensure that people working with animals have their best interests at heart.

News Tribune