Committee on Animals and the Law

I went to the ACC Mandatory mtg. on August 24th. I couldnt believe the political BS that was being discussed and focused on...new designer tshirts and in a somewhat nice way threatening us into attending classes and meetings to continue to volunteer our free time. It was also stressed that we cannot use cell phones in any way shape or form. These trivial things were focused on heavily rather than the important things like the welfare of the animals and meeting their basic needs.
I understand that the ACC is totally underfunded and it is so difficult when they have to take in every animal (which is somewhat confusing considering they lock the doors at 8pm so how are people supposed to bring animals in after that? I have seen many people be turned away because they cannot get in the front door).
ACC is surrounded by bureaucracy and this is the last place that should have it.

As a volunteer, I do not feel intimidated by the policy threatening to terminate a volunteer for exercising his or her rights to free speech regarding ACC and its operation. If I personally found something that was questionable, I would not hesitate to speak out. While volunteering there, we have been told that ACC is working to make it a better place by retraining staff and properly training volunteers as well as expanding their facilities. The fact is that if I personally saw a health or safety problem I would report it to a Supervisor who should correct it. If it was not corrected or responded to I would put it in writing and send the letter to the executive offices. A volunteer or a worker should be able to take it to whatever level needed in order to correct the situation. If ACC is doing the right thing they should not be concerned with not allowing volunteers or workers at ACC to speak out. If I had to take it outside of ACC to bring attention to certain situations at ACC, I would. I realize that others may feel intimidated by such a policy. Therefore, I do not think that ACC has that right to stop its volunteers from voicing their opinions or concerns about ACC. We have to remember that we are there to help with the care of the animals and not being able to speak out if necessary would be an injustice and a violation of our rights.

I believe that ACC is violating the volunteers' right of free speech. They are a quasi-municipal agency which cannot restrict one's right to speak about matters of public concern. The rights and well-being of animals are matters of because concern because the public has a special interest in its animals, and tax payer dollars are used to pay for their housing, and care. I believe that ACC really has no clue about running a shelter, is underfunded primarily because it doesn't know how to run an efficient business, and does not have the care of the animals as their priority. I believe that ACC is a taxpayer liability and should be replaced with an entity that has the best interest of the animals at heart.