Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

ORCA officers do all that the law allows

TO THE EDITORS:

As a longtime ORCA volunteer, I've been saddened by the recent letters painting ORCA as indifferent to the plight of needy animals. This is far from the truth.

Perhaps with shows like Animal Cops on the television, it is sometimes difficult for people to appreciate that real life isn't quite as sensational, and with animal laws being what they are, the officers cannot seize an animal or prosecute an owner in every situation.

ORCA has two humane officers who work the entire county investigating dozens of abuse and neglect calls weekly and hundreds annually. They employ every tool in the crime code, but they must work with the owner of the animal, and they must operate within the confines of the law.

Laws protecting animals are different than laws protecting humans, and sometimes that causes situations to take longer than everyone would like.

I understand the frustration the letter writers feel. Everyone who works in animal rescue understands that the animals that don't get a happy ending are the hardest on the heart. They also know that they must keep going and keep doing the very best that they can. That is what the ORCA staff and two ORCA cruelty officers are doing today and every day.

That does not discount the struggle that many animals face at the hands of humans; it only offers a small glimpse into the monumental job that these officers have devoted themselves to do.

Kate Cavanaugh

Lancaster