Stray Haven Humane Society Statement To the Press:

Stray Haven Humane Society (SHHS) and SPCA announces regret that the organizers of the Owego-Apalachin Central School District project which includes a pool have neglected to tell the entire and correct story regarding the funding for the project.

Area voters should have been made aware of the fact that there was a two-year time limit for construction of the pool which ends May 1997. It is our understanding that the proposed use of the funds is contrary to what Mr. Severance intended. By stipulation of the will, if the funds are not used by then and the pool in place, those funds are to be divided equally to Stray Haven Humane Society and The Owego Emergency Squad.

The voting taking place should have given voters the right to vote on whether they - the community - want a community pool (one option) or funds given to Stray Haven Humane Society and the Owego Emergency squad. (one option).

A fund given to SHHS to support their programs against cruelty to animals and animal cruelty investigations. Stray Haven does not receive any funding for these programs by Tioga County; other counties do provide funding for cruelty investigations. As you are aware, Stray Haven is a non-profit organization and depends on donations to keep the society going. SHHS is dedicated to the effort to control the population of animals through spaying and neutering programs which are established to assist low income applicants.

SHHS also sponsors pet therapy programs in nursing homes and has developed humane education programs which are established to assist others in training and maintaining proper pet care for their animals. Educational programs are also taught in local schools on pet care and pet education.

Also sharing in the proceeds are funds to be given to the Owego Emergency Squad for whatever purpose needed such as for new and better equipment, training of emergency staff toward improved emergency resources for the county area to save lives.

Or does the community and the voters want the construction of a community pool, classrooms for O-A, programs for pool use and continued maintenance and staff [equally higher taxes or membership fees]? The community was not given a real choice.

Was the community given the total picture? If not, why? Donna Vergason