Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 9, 1992 TAG: 9201090634
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
ANSWERS FOR PROTESTERS OF SPCA POLICIES
ON NOV. 16, a protest was held at the Roanoke Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals by two former employees. They were joined only by members of their families.On Dec. 3, a letter was written to the editor of the Roanoke Times & World-News by the mother of one of the former employees, Barbara Webb. Although I would never expect Ms. Webb to believe my word over her son's, I do feel that I owe the public some answers to her questions.
I will begin by saying that Ted Armsworthy and Rhonda Rake resigned from the RV-SPCA immediately after he was reprimanded by board members for allowing the company truck (which he drove daily to and from work) to become so low in oil that the motor had to be rebuilt, costing the Society more than $1,000 to repair.
Question: "Why does Javier dress like a Roanoke city police officer?" The word "police" appears nowhere on my uniform. My badge and patches clearly state that I am a humane officer.
Question: "Why are humane investigators carrying either .38s or .357 magnums with speed loaders?" Because we were trained and certified to do so by the Police Academy.
Question: "Why are investigators wearing badges when not yet appointed by the city?" Investigators do not have to be appointed to wear badges as long as they do not identify themselves with these badges. (Rhonda Rake wore this same badge and uniform before resigning.)
Question: "Why are dogs fed once per day for only 10 or 20 minutes?" Any expert will tell you that adult dogs should only be fed once per day. The dogs at the SPCA are given at least 30 to 40 minutes to eat, puppies are fed twice a day, and all animals that need special feeding or care are given such care.
Question: "For more than two years Javier didn't know that her books were tampered with, along with many other problems?" Over the last 2 1/2 years I have faced many problems, made many mistakes, and learned many lessons. However, I have also put my heart and soul into the RV-SPCA - it is not just a "job," it is part of my life. I will never end my fight to educate the public, care for the animals, or protect them from abuse.
My only question: Why did Ted Armsworthy and Rhonda Rake work at the RV-SPCA for more than two years and never ask these same questions? TAMMY JAVIER Administrator, Humane Investigator Roanoke Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ROANOKE