Where did your promise go, Commissioner Gary Black? —Susan Leaven

Received 9 August. -jsq

From: SUSAN LEAVENS
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tue, August 9, 2011 4:51:54 PM
Subject: Where did your promise go? We were counting on you Commissioner Gary Black.

Dear Commissioner G. Black,

On July 26^th 2011, I contacted you with anticipation of a response to matters of concern regarding Animal Protection problems in your division, as well as issues involving Lowndes County Animal Services.

On July 30^th 2011, I sent a second email to your office, indicating

that perhaps you just didn't get the first email on July 26^th 2011.

Mr. Black you are in a position of authority over the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which includes the Georgia Agriculture Animal Protection Division. In respect to your position, it would have been appreciated had you, or your office, acknowledged receipt of my correspondence.

As 2011 progresses, I'm sure you are aware of the problems involving the Animal Protection Division — from employee turnover, untrained — or inspectors unwilling to fulfill their job duties, and management employees that appear to “pick and choose” whose phone call they will return, as well as which licensee (county, license type, etc) that they are going to “go after”.

These issues are only continuing to add to an already troubled state regulatory office, riddled with poor management, as well as allegations involving illegal behavior from within this state office's management.

During your campaign, you stated that you would personally be addressing the numerous issues within this department, and bringing it “into the 21^st century” — online, as well as in practice and procedure. With all due respect, Commissioner Black, 2012 is quickly approaching, and the animal advocacy community has yet to see any real progress being made.

Creating an Animal Protection Steering Committee, I'm certain, stemmed from good intentions, however, are you aware that you have a registered state lobbyist as a member, along with several of the very persons who her legislative organization represents, and supports?

I encourage you to keep in mind that the Animal Protection Division was created to ensure the protection of the animals — not a dog registry club, hunters nor Veterinarians — this office was created, by law, for the protection of the housed animals in Georgia. The Akc, nor sportsmen/hunters, have anything to do with animal protection — as well, the Animal Protection Division regulates neither of these entities.

I realize that you probably have no idea what the Animal Protection Division is about, but I can assure you that it is not about “picking and choosing” who your office will respond to, or help, for any given day. All taxpaying citizens of this state should be treated equally by the Animal Protection Office, as well as by the Commissioner of Agriculture in Georgia.

I realize you are a busy man, and I think I have exercised patience with waiting on a response from your office. But it is appearing, to me, that I am only wasting my time in sending you any future emails sharing my concerns. I would like to remind you, Commissioner Black, that your staff will only follow your lead in how they respond to, and treat, the general taxpaying public — by observing how you respond, and treat, the general taxpaying public.

I appreciate your time in this very important matter.

Thank you,

Susan Leavens