By Joe Morey
News Editor
On Feb. 3, members of the LCO Public Safety Commission (PSC) and the Animal Control Officer, Anthony Dennis, appeared before the LCO Tribal Governing Board (TGB) to inform them they toured the dog pound and after discovering the inhumane conditions, had removed four dogs and a cat and relocated them to the Northwoods Humane Society in Hayward.
On Nov. 30, 2019, it was announced the conditions at the current dog pound located on County Hwy E behind the LCO Country Store were not humane for the animals and the TGB unanimously supported moving the pound to the old Public Works Building behind the LCO Police Department.
Progress on the move had slowed after LCO Development Director Alan Johnson reported the cost of renovation for the old Public Works would about $40,000, and the best option was to tear the building down. He said there were too many issues with the building.
“You’ll be moving from one bad building into another,” Johnson told the TGB. He also said it was too late for the move this year. Any move would have to wait till spring, he explained.
After touring the pound at the end of January, Deb Baker of the PSC stated, “We were shocked to see the conditions at the pound. We spoke with Vice Chairwoman Lorraine Gouge and within 24 hours the animals were moved. One owner came to pick up their dog while the owners relinquished their rights to the other animals and they are now property of the humane society.”
Baker reported two dogs were in bad shape but they are in a good place now.
George Morrow, PSC Chairman, and Baker toured the old Public Works Building to see if it is suitable as a temporary shelter.
“Somehow we are going to fix it up so we can house our own dogs and cats,” Baker said. “Our long range plan is to build a new shelter right by the police department. That way, someone will always be around to check on the animals along with the Animal Control Officer. We were there today to let the Council know the situation and to let them know we will follow their recommendations, but something had to be done immediately. Within this week new cages are going to be ordered and heaters and whatever else Animal Control sees as a need.”