Nationwide reaction to Ellisville holding facility

ELLISVILLE, MS (WDAM) - Over the weekend people were reacting to the alleged sub-standard conditions at the city  run animal holding facility in Ellisville.

On social media thousands of people expressed concern about the way the facility is allegedly being run. A locally generated online petition asking the city to improve the conditions for the animals had nearly 5000 signatures.

A newly formed Jones County animal rescue organization says they have met with city officials and proposed working with them to not only open a shelter, but also deal with dog issues in the community.

"We wanted to let them know we're coming into the area," said Kristin Viscione, Southern Cross Animal Rescue. " We wanted them to know we are ready to help and we hope for their cooperation to work with the city and improve things."

Mayor Tim Waldrup said he would listen to anyone who has a plan on how to improve things. But he said Southern Cross doesn't have a facility and he won't use taxpayer dollars to build one for them.

Veterinarian Kimberly Martin from the Ellisville Animal Medical Center confirmed the city brings the animals to her after five days. She said not all the animals are euthanized, in fact most aren't. She said the only ones who are put down are dogs that bite and wild cats.

Martin added the rest of the dogs are either adopted out or taken in by her and her staff. She said the money for the care of the animals comes out of her own pocket.

Martin said the bodies of the dogs who are euthanized are returned to the city for burial.

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