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Marcey Waters said that she is a citizen and it is clear that the staff is dedicated but she sees that the problem with disease control is the result of the administration. She asked how long this has been a problem, how long there have been inadequate standard operating procedures, and how well trained the director actually is. She feels that the response of the APS has been reactionary. Erin Furr submitted an absentee statement, which follows: My name is Erin Furr and I'm a Board member for the Animal Protection Society of Orange County. In light of the controversy over the last year from a few critics; it's important for you to know what APS is really doing for the animals of Orange County. I have been a volunteer for 4 years and a board member far the past year and a half. I have been involved with the APS long before all of the controversy about lawsuits, wildlife and whatever else our critics have thrown our way. Yes-we can improve upon many things regarding the facility and operations but as with any animal shelter, there will always be room for improvement. We appreciate the detailed report recently released by the HSUS and we will strive to implement those recommendations in a manner that best suits the needs of our animals and this community. But the APS is not just about managing and operating an animal shelter. There are many other programs that APS provides that also benefit this community. For instance, we have a very successful volunteer program that is critical to the animals' welfare. With more than 100 active volunteers, they participate in everything from dog walking to adoption counseling. Volunteers are the roots of our organization and anyone is welcome to join. The foster program is another priority of the APS. I have been a long time foster mom and can proudly say that I have placed 20 different dogs into permanent homes. The faster program has helped save so many animals lives. Nursing back to health a sick animal or giving life to a new litter of kittens or puppies is very rewarding and I urge the community to participate in this worthwhile program. The EARS program, which stands for Emergency Animal Rescue Service is provided exclusively by APS. The AP5 staff is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, assisting anything from a deer hit by a car, to a vicious animal, to an animal in distress. Our low cost spay and neuter program has been instrumental in stemming the tide of unwanted animals in Orange County. Our subsidized program offers law income residents an affordable way in which to get their pets quality veterinary care. This region is unfortunately home to a growing network of pit bull fighters, which is a felony crime in North Carolina. In response, APS provides Orange County with two staff members trained and certified as cruelty investigators who routinely work with local law enforcement to stop known acts of violence to animals. We also provide agencies across the state with annual training opportunities in animal control and cruelty investigation. Educating our children is another APS priority. Our programs range from weeklong summer camps to making presentations in local schools, to visiting church groups and preschools. We are targeting areas in Orange County to help educate the community on spaying and neutering and providing ways for them to attain this service. The APS offers many other programs that benefit this community. My concern is if another organization takes over the shelter what will happen to all these wonderful programs? We get