To the editor:

This letter is to Polk County Commissioners Tom Pack, Michael Gage, and Keith Holbert. My letter is in response to the non-reappointment of Patti Lovelace and Nancy Hasselbring to the Polk County Animal Cruelty Investigation and Response Team.

My daughter and I have been the recipients of several of the starved and abused animals as temporary foster and rehab hosts, before finding permanent homes for them. We have seen first hand what a great service these dedicated and hard working team members have been to this county. I sincerely hope that you will step back, reevaluate your current position, and reinstate these valuable assets to our animal population in this county.

Animal ownership is a responsibility, not a right, and as with children, animals, too, need someone to speak up for their well-being.

Jackie Harris
Columbus, N.C.