By MICHELE PAGE
The Daily World

Janelle Cobbs and Susan Winston, board members of The Humane Society of the Delta (HSD), say the group is making progress and has erected a temporary animal shelter in the county despite the lack of supplies, support and money from the City of Helena-West Helena.
“We are excited to report that our temporary shelter is in place thanks to kennels donated by Walter Morris of H&M and Norma Young, Jackie and Leon Early, who donated the use of their land and to some hard working volunteers and members. We also want to acknowledge Dr. Holt Pittman for providing medical care to our animals in need, a critical link in the success of our goals,” said Winston.
“We want to work with the city...eventually,” said Cobbs. “We don’t want to line ourselves with someone who has no regard for the law.”
The society is preparing to prosecute Marvell resident Ricky Lee for animal neglect and cruelty.
“Our mission is to prevent animal cruelty, abuse and exploitation by raising awareness, providing a safe haven and medical attention to animals in need, locating foster or adoptive homes and establishing an effective spay and neuter program to decrease the unwanted animal population,” said Winston.
“People have assumed that we are working with him (Helena-West Helena Mayor James Valley) and that has been detrimental to our efforts,” commented Cobbs.
“We have received so many e-mails saying that we have condoned his actions and that couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Winston.
“We applaud Ruby Burton’s efforts. She has been our mentor and has supported us. We support her in her quest for justice,” said Cobbs.
Burton, the director of the Humane Society of  Southeastern Arkansas (HSSA), filed the animal cruelty and neglect charges against Valley with the Phillips County Sheriff’s Department after learning of his abandonment of 10 dogs that were in city custody.
Cobbs claims the city has made no effort to help and that the temporary kennels at the city sanitation lot were given to city employees. The old dog pound at the landfill also was dismantled and none of those materials were donated to the society.
Last week, a Helena-West Helena resident called the police department concerning a stray dog. The police arrived and the resident stated the police said the only option they have is to shoot the animal “on sight.” The resident refused to turn the English bulldog over and instead, called the HSD. The resident gave a sworn written statement to the HSD.
In about four hours, the owner was reunited with his pet “Diesel.” The HSD said they were never contacted by the city in regards to the animal. The owner gave a healthy donation to the humane society but HSD members wonder if city employees are shooting animals “on sight.”
Col. Fredrick Fielder, Helena-West Helena police chief “categorically denies” that any police officer has been instructed to shoot animals “on sight.” Valley said he did not know if city employees were given those instructions but said that shooting animals is not inhumane. He added that the two animal control officers were picking up dead animals or animals that are vicious.
Renovating an existing building for an animal shelter or building a facility from the ground-up is a very detailed project. Cobbs says that many projects can help the animal crisis.
Members of the HSD say that other states like Colorado, Oregon and California do not have animal problems and discussions on transporting unwanted animals to those states are an option. Currently, the HSD is looking for a location to operate a spay and neuter clinic for two to three weeks.
The Pet of the Week, featured in The Daily World, has been successful. Last week’s furry friend, Cujo, was adopted. Those who did not get the opportunity to bring Cujo in their lives can check other animals up for adoption at www.humanesocietyofthedelta.homestead.com.
This week’s dog, Mooney, is sure to be a hit with the animal loving community.
While the HSD deals with spaying or neutering the animal population in the county, they also are planning and implementing procedures and a policy for the proposed shelter. Many things must be included in the plans such as ventilation, drainage, work areas and space for cats, dogs, horses and any animal that may need the services of the shelter.
Cobbs says that eventually a “No Kill” shelter is needed but the fledgling Humane Society still needs a site to implement the goals of a Humane Society for Phillips County.
Despite community support donations, supplies and funds are still needed. Locations for donation buckets include the Tobacco Supercenter, The Clover, Queen of Clubs, Hair Happenings, Latest Craze and The Blossom Shop. To donate supplies, drop off items at The Daily World, The Tobacco Supercenter or the Marvell Pharmacy. Support can be given in many ways and include buying a membership, donating at local events and at Helena National Bank or buying a HSD T-shirt at The Latest Craze.
“We truly appreciate the overwhelming positive support received from the community and related organizations, which keeps us motivated to succeed,” said Winston.
The group, which was incorporated in March, has filed for their non-profit status and pledge to be fully accountable for the funds the public entrust to seeing that humanity are good stewards of animals. The group’s next meeting is July 22 at 6 p.m. in the I&T building, Room 119A at Phillips College.