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Show V '"H -- IlBgryCounty Progress-Wednes- l December 22, day, 1982 Emery County has its share of animal woes by Larry W. Davis Progress Editor The rural nature of Emery County may be considered by many living here to be a disadvantage, but to others, there are more advantages than disadvantages. One of the advantages is the environment for raising animals; not just farm animals, but domestic pets as well. Emery County is not without its animal problems though, and at least for one man, these problems are apparent every day. For the past three years, Stan Nielsen has served the county as animal control officer. During that time he has handled his share of animal problems which has brought him to the conclusion that many of the animal related calls and complaints which cross his desk every day could be eliminated if people would just take care of their animals. Since the countys animal shelter opened in 1978, Nielsen has seen a gradual increase in the number of animals handled each year. Were approaching the point where this facility is becoming too small, he said. More and more were operating at full capacity. He added that while the county presently has not budgeted for additions to the facility, he believes that in the near future a new shelter will have to come which will likely be built on a different site since the present one is too close to residential areas. 145 As the county animal control officer, Nielsen handles all animal problems in the unincorporated areas. He also efforts coordinates with municipal animal control officers since all communities in the county use the shelter. All euthanasia of animals takes place at that site. Nielsen said that most of his calls are dog related and come from dogs following children to school and then getting into the building, harassing kids on the playgrounds, and barking. Cows and horses on roads are also a problem. We live in a rural area with a lot of farm The he said. animals, problem is that a lot of the farms have been handed down from generation to generation, N. Carbon Ave. 637-611- and during that time the fences have been neglected and are in poor condition. Animals get out and wander onto the roads. These types of situations can be taken care of according to Nielsen who said that all animal owners should be responsible for their property. He said that he believes that if a person has a big enough investment in his animal, he will be more likely to take care of it. As a result, he believes that animal licensing fees should be higher and ownership restrictions more rigid. Emery County law requires that all dogs are to be licensed and vaccinated for rabies. This law includes most municipalites as well. Dogs also need to be restrained and under control at -- O Bobco's will close Christmas Eve at 7 p.m. gLF gfflf ! FQQ&P) and open Monday, Dec. 27 at 7 a.m. so that our employees may enjoy the Christmas holiday with their families. r: U.S. No. animal problem. Through November of this year 541 dogs were handled by the shelter and all but six were destroyed. A total of 372 cats were also put to death. A variety of 1605 animals came to the shelter during that same time. While dogs and cats are destroyed if not claimed, larger animals such as horses and cows are sold at public auction after being advertised in the paper for two weeks. OPEN 7a.m. 10p.m. 0 all times although the law does not specify being leashed. Failure to abide by these ordinances may result in a hefty fine since a stay at the shelter could require a fee of $25 plus kennel charges. In most cases though, animals, especially dogs, which are brought to the shelter are not picked up. Law requires that the animals be housed for five working days and may then be destroyed. However, Nielsen said that he keeps the animals around for as long as possible, depending on the availability of space and the nature of the said that he his job very much, he has enjoys never felt comfortable about putting an animal to death. This is done by lethal injection which he says is the most humane way possible. I try not to think about it, he said. When the While Nielsen 1 Yellow Onions PINE NUTS 8$00 1 lb. bag $289 time conies, 1 just do it. The worst part, he added, is injecting the kittens and puppies. However real satisfaction comes to the position whenever he is able to help someone find a lost animal or give assistance to someone with an animal problem. When I help someone and see how happy they are about it and they thank me, thats when I really feel good about the job, he said. One of exhis most memorable periences came when he had picked up a raccoon which was so frightened it wouldnt let anyone near it and had to be captured with a snare, but when the owner was located and came to claim the animal, it was like a reunion between a lost child and its mother. Other situations that the officer deals with include problems with dogs and farm animals, theft of animals, animal bites and scratches, animal sickness, and animal neglect. He said that all are pretty much man caused and if people would be responsible for their animals, many could be eliminated. He also said that all dogs and cats brought to the shelter and unclaimed may be adopted. To help these animals find homes, the Emery County Progress will begin running a Pet of the Week feature in future publications. CHRISTMAS Fruit Baskets NORWEST $5 Large Coke, Diet Coke, Apple Cider $8 Gallon Tab, Sprite $189 2 Liter Stan Nielsen, Emery County animal control officer, is shown with one of several dogs at the Animal Shelter Jooking for a home. His friend is a 2V2 month old golden retriever. Photo by Larry VV Davis Junior high schools seek tougher rules Potr $ 09 Newswriter The trend in education now is Chips toward 75l (reran) Pepsi, 7.UpJ 29 Diet Pepsi stiffer u.M 29 HAMS $T09 meat trays for your holiday party We do Lb. $1170 L academic requirements, Principal Keith Larsen of Canyon View told Emery County School Board meeting, and he proposed setting stricter guidelines for ninth grade closing programs. In the past at Canyon View all ninth graders go through the line, being presented and honored. Each received a fresh rose from the student body president. Corn King not to use it. by Elizabeth Hanson The actual cer- tificates of completion are given out the next day to avoid the appearance of graduation diplomas. Larsen said that around five percent of the ninth graders are inattentive in school, intimidate the other students, and have not earned the right to go through the line. He wants to change the name of the closing program to Completion Night, this passing the rebellious element. Larsen said he was not referring to students with learning difficulties but to those who have the ability to learn and choose At Rafael Canyon each figures in View and San seventh grader an individual education plan developed cooperatively by parents, student and school adviser. Every year the plan is updated. To receive a certificate of completion a student must complete the required subjects and earn a minimum of 18 credits for a seven period day. During the final year, the student must pass at least five classes in a seven period day or four classes in a six period day. Adjustments for a six1 period day would be 16 credits. According to state rules and regulations, the requirements apply to all students except those officially classified as handicapped. The board approved stiffening requirements of the ninth grade completion program. However, Superintendent A.G. Kinder stressed using every strategy to salvage academic failures. Sometimes they attend adult education classes and go onto a high school diploma, he noted. i |