DATE: Tuesday, April 8, 1997                TAG: 9704080293

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 

SOURCE: BY CATHERINE KOZAK, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: MANTEO                            LENGTH:   88 lines

ANIMAL ACTIVISTS, SHELTER CLASH AGAIN AT MEETING, SIDES EXCHANGE CHARGES ABOUT POUND'S EUTHANASIA RATES.

Animal proponents and shelter officials collided for the second time in seven months at a Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting Monday, citing conflicting statistics to support their often antagonistic positions.

Representatives from numerous animal organizations contended that the Dare County Animal Shelter, run by the Outer Banks Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, has a disproportionally high rate of euthanization and a too-low rate of adoption and reclamation of animals. But an SPCA official disputed the accuracy of the critics' data, calling their claims ``false and inaccurate.''

``The bottom line for the extremist animal groups you've heard today is vengeance, private agendas and slander for no good purpose,'' OBSPCA President Gail Kowalski told the board.

Supporters from both sides filled the meeting room during the three-hour presentations. The groups had requested time on the agenda to express views on proposals to either eliminate or enhance the county Animal Control Advisory Board, which acts as an appeals board.

Commissioner Douglas Langford suggested at a meeting last month that the panel is ineffective and should have its authority moved to the county Department of Health. But Commissioner Shirley Hassell argued that the animal board - a panel appointed by the commission - is an important watchdog and liaison for both the public and the commission.``I don't believe this has anything to do with personalities,'' Hassell said Monday. ``Had I not been lied to I probably never would have questioned the operations of the SPCA . .

The controversy began last fall, when the pound euthanized kittens in Hassell's care. She said she was told that the cats would be held for eight days while she searched for homes. Animal lovers rallied around the commissioner's contention that the facility abused power. And shelter officials bit back at an October meeting, charging that critics were misinformed or were holding a grudge.

Hassell contended Monday that the county has renewed its annual contract with the shelter since 1992 without negotiation, but that the SPCA has not upheld the terms of the contract. She said it has not submitted required audits and does not provide independent 24-hour, seven-day-a-week phone access. She also said that the service needs to be more accountable to the county and citizens.

Commissioner Richard Johnson also supported maintaining the advisory board.

``I don't think you can have a private contractor that polices itself,'' he said.

The remainder of the board was more willing to speak out for the shelter, although most agreed there had to be some kind of overseer panel.

But members of Feline Hope, Canine Hope and the Outer Banks Spay and Neuter Fund assembled statistics that they contend show that Dare County destroys more animals (82 percent) than Currituck County (54 percent) or Elizabeth City (62 percent). According to the animal rescuers, the Humane Society of the United States said the national average of euthanized animals in 1994 was 50 percent.

Kowalski, the SPCA president, said the groups' figures are not correct. On the contrary, she said, the county has the lowest rate of dog euthanasia in the state, and one of the lower rates of cat euthanasia.

But Commissioner Cheryl Byrd said that although each side may be sincere, numbers can be manipulated. ``Seems to me you can define statistics two ways or three ways or four ways,'' she said. ``I firmly do believe that we need to have a better contract in place with the Outer Banks SPCA.''

Although it received a majority vote, a motion by Langford to dissolve the advisory board was defeated. The first vote on amending the county code must be unanimous. The measure will be automatically put to the board again at the next meeting. The second vote can be passed by a majority.

In other business Monday, the board:

Postponed an executive session dealing with a lawsuit between the county and Hassell. Hassell sued the county more than a year ago over county expenditures in the Season's Greeting drug operation and to force it to provide records to her. Both parties are working on a settlement, County Attorney Al Cole said. If the attorneys reach an agreement, the board will have to approve the settlement, he said.

Listened to a presentation on the Cape Hatteras Water Association project. County Manager Terry Wheeler said contracts are ready to go, and within 90 days, the association will transfer its assets to the county. After the county assumes ownership, contractors will start work.

Supported a resolution asking the state to ``advance and assure'' the completion of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum proposed to be built on the southern end of Hatteras.

Agreed to back Commissioner Geneva Perry, head of the Dare County Control Group, in her appeal to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to reconsider funding cuts to the National Hurricane Center.

Encouraged the Dare County Arts Council to submit a request for an additional $5,000 for this year's budget. The council told the board it needs more money to cover increased costs.

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