It may be time for end of relationship for HSOY, county

It appears that the relationship between the Humane Society of Yuma (HSOY) and local governments could soon grow even more distant than the one that already exists.

The Humane Society for many years was responsible for animal control efforts in our area, but disputes over its policies and concerns about the cost for government entities to contract with them for their services have led to a split in recent years.

Local government officials are increasing establishing their own animal control departments while continuing to use HSOY facilities to house the stray animals, with HSOY charging them a daily shelter fee per animal.

Now it appears the separation between the two could lead to a divorce.

The Yuma County Board of Supervisors has authorized planning for an animal shelter that would be built by the county but with other local governments using the facility and sharing the cost of operating it.

It seems like an odd situation, given that HSOY recently built a new shelter of its own, largely paid for through donations. The agency is still seeking help to pay for it. Now the plan is for taxpayers to pay for a shelter of their own. It would seem to duplicate efforts.

It is clear there seems to some contentiousness between government officials and HSOY. A lot of it seems to be about cost factors, but there also seems to be some disagreement over HSOY policies toward animal control and the availability of their shelter.

It is not an easy dispute to resolve. Clearly, the local governments, as customers of HSOY services, have certain expectations – many of which are demanded by their taxpayers – which they seemingly feel are not being met. HSOY, on the other hand, has its own standards for animal control and sheltering and seemingly wants to stand by those rather than try to find ways to please its governmental customers who have the purse strings.

It is too bad it has to happen, but perhaps it is time for both sides to go their own way. It may be the only way they both will be satisfied.