Dear Editor,

I don’t know how many of you have noticed that we are being bombarded with ads from the ASPCA showing some gut wrenching photos of dogs and cats while a voice off camera pleads for our support. They are not asking for our time as volunteers; they are asking for our dollars. For a mere $18 a month (or $216 a year) you can let some poor, desperate creature know that you care.

Before you reach for your wallet let me give you some information that might help you decide how to respond to those ads. In 2008 the ASPCA received total revenues of $101, 480, 550. Edwin J. Sayres, President of the ASPCA received compensation from the organization in the amount of $490,315. According to the ASPCA website during the months of January – September of 2009 grants in the amount of $12,680 have been given out by the ASPCA to assist with animal issues in Alabama. Of that $12,680 not one cent has come to Selma.

The intent of my letter is not to indict the ASPCA. My intent is to beg you to give to your local shelter. Our shelter located at the corner of Medical Center Parkway and Bell Road is desperately in need of dog food, cat food, cat litter, money to pay for spaying, money for treatment of sick dogs and cats, money to pay for cleaning supplies, blankets, towels, roof repairs. In other words folks, every thing under the sun.

PLEASE! If you can donate, do it locally. Help the animals right here in Selma. We have an unending supply of abused, neglected animals right here.

Nancy Smith