Organization plans for humane officer

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Angels for Animals is not a humane society, its president explained.

YOUNGSTOWN — Matt Ditchey, Angels for Animals president, says his organization is working toward having a humane officer certified to enter property and seize animals when necessary.

The long-term fix doesn't take care of the immediate problem of dead and dying cats in a South Side home, however.

Ditchey said his organization is working with Mayor Jay Williams and Mahoning County commissioners to ensure there is a humane officer certified to enter property and remove animals. Ditchey said he understands people's frustration, but Angels for Animals officials don't have the authority to go on private property and remove animals.

"Angels for Animals is not a humane society, Ditchey said. "A humane society is the proper vehicle to do that."

According to the organization's Web site, Angels for Animals is a nonprofit animal charity and adoption agency that educates the public about pet overpopulation and proper care, and cares for animals that are abandoned or otherwise in need.

He said Angels for Animals is involved to assist in a solution to ensure that a similar problem doesn't happen again.

Immediate problem

Ditchey said Dave Nelson, Mahoning County deputy dog warden, is working with city officials on the immediate problem of a Douglas Avenue home, where Nelson found dead and dying cats last week.

Nelson could not be reached Tuesday night; he had said Friday that Animal Charity's officer has yet to be certified to remove neglected animals and prosecute animal cruelty cases.

The task of dealing with abuse conditions such as those at 1317 Douglas is handled by a humane agent with Animal Charity — a job Nelson held before joining the Mahoning County Dog Warden's Office.

Nelson had responded to a call Thursday about a pit bull, but instead found a house full of dead and starving cats.

Neighbors said the woman who lived there died a month or more ago and the son has been despondent.

The house is owned by S.E. and L.J. Travis Jr., records show. Nelson estimated about 40 cats were starving and countless others were dead.

Wednesday, September 6, 2006