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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

One of the hardest things I have to do in the role of managing editor is cover political or hard-hitting news within Chilton County. That is where I found myself over the last few weeks covering the situation that is ongoing at the newly established Chilton County Animal Control. County leaders have decided to step in and provide a better future for the facility, and most importantly, for the animals that it houses.

The conditions at the shelter got dire quickly, and the animals were the ones suffering the most. Being here for three years next month, I have learned that this county has two big problems that it has been working on since I arrived — litter and stray animals. The litter, well, that is a conversation for a different time on how careless, despicable and disrespectful someone has to be to throw their own trash out their window. The stray animal problem in the county is visible at backroad intersections with animals wandering around, or the sadder views of animals hit while wandering around vehicles.

The county has now decided to take one of those issues by the horns and take over operations of the animal shelter. While some volunteers at the shelter have taken offense to the changes, this is by far the best decision by the county leaders. The Humane Society of Chilton County had let the shelter fall out of code with the state guidelines, and it was time for a more solid foundation to come in with a plan for the animals.

In the end, that is what this is all about — the animals. So, when I hear stories about possible sabotage at the shelter or people on social media spreading misinformation, but those same people calling themselves animal lovers, it is sickening. Instead of airing out your grievances, how about we come together to be able to enhance these little animals’ lives? There is a chance now for a fresh start for the shelter, and if everyone who has volunteered, donated or just cares for the wellbeing of the animals can come together, true change with the facility can happen.

I have three little kitties at home in North Carolina — Bubbles, Cosmo and Rameses. Four before Kiko passed away. I cannot think of those little girls on the street like I see so many cats here in Chilton County, and I could not imagine them in a shelter that was in as bad condition as this one was before the county took it over. Anyone with a special animal in their family I am sure is pleased to see the improvements made at the shelter already, and more improvements in the future are possible if we can all come together for the same common goal.