If you've read the letters to the editor section of the paper in recent weeks, you have no doubt noticed the controversy surrounding the animal shelter board. I started to not write anything about this issue; not because I'm afraid of making anyone mad, but because this paper will be accused of taking sides in this debate. But, since I wrote a column a few months back in support of building an animal shelter, I feel somewhat a sense of responsibility to speak out again. Besides, I don't write columns to make friends or enemies.

I have no doubt that an overwhelming majority - if not everyone - involved in this dispute has a tremendous love for animals. I honestly believe that all parties are committed to doing what they think is best for the animals of the county. I respect and admire that attitude. In accordance with that, I offer a simple piece of advice to all parties: let it go. The acrimony between former and current Claiborne County Animal Control Board members has got to stop if a shelter is ever to be built and be successful. A shelter is needed and has been needed for some time - I believe with all my heart that most people in this county agree with that assessment. I also believe that most of the people in Claiborne County see the value of and the need for a spay and neutering program. From my point of view, both are needed if this county is to ever successfully control the population of stray animals. I don't think I'm alone in that opinion. Again, I think most Claiborne Countians would agree.

By the same token, I have no doubt that the same number of people are not concerned about who is in charge or who gets credit for these programs. They merely want to see results as do I. This is not meant as a slap at anyone, but if getting a shelter built was important three months ago, it's still important today. My biggest concern about this dispute is that building a shelter has taken a backseat to the very public bickering. It appears that too many people have a greater interest in pointing fingers, name calling, and hinting at possible wrong-doings. It's a shame that we have to talk about two sides in a dispute among people that support the building of an animal shelter. Personalities have gotten in the way. It's time to stop worrying about getting in a good dig at someone.

Can the two sides not use their obvious love for animals as common ground in this matter? I know many of the people involved in this disagreement, some of them for years. They are caring, dedicated, and intelligent people. I know they all want to do the right thing. Most of them have spent many years working to help animals. I would hope that none of them would throw away those efforts over what is in the end, a petty dispute.

I would hope that they can find a way to resolve this issue quickly and put the focus back on the task at hand - building an animal shelter for Claiborne County.

Richard Evans is Editor of the Claiborne Progress. He can be reached via e-mail at revans@claiborneprogress.net.