Animal shelter operations investigated

Montcalm County commissioners will appoint a citizen's committee to study operations at the county animal shelter.

The decision came after a four-hour standing room only meeting on Monday.

Citizens voiced opposition to continuing a contract with an animal dealer who takes dogs from the shelter and sells them for research.

"This is not about animal research. It is about giving pets from our shelter to be used in live experimentation," Sandy Carlton of the citizen's committee, said at the meeting.

"I'm sorry. It may have been a pet at one time. The point R&R gets involved it is an unwanted animal about to be euthanized," said Jim Woudenberg of R&R Research.

The contract with R&R Research is due to expire in two weeks. The county will extend it for another six months while the committee works.

"I'd like to warn or advise anyone interested in being on this committee to have some ability to give and take. It's the only way this is going to work. One side can't win or we're right back to square one," said Montcalm County Commissioner Board Chairman Patrick Carr.

One of the R&R opponents said the citizens committee is long overdue but also says she is worried.

"I'm afraid it's going to be a cop-out. I'm sorry, it's a way to hope we will shut up and go away," Carlton said.