Volunteers, Director Clash Over Animal Shelter Conditions

Volunteers said they discovered two dead cats and 12 others famished on Tuesday at the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Georgetown.

Lori Rogowski and Ruthann Panipinto said they found dirty bowls, dirty cages and feces everywhere when they went to clean the shelter.

"I've been working for shelters, been volunteering for other groups, and I've never seen anything like that," said Panipinto.

They said the shelter is in dire need of help.

Former Director Melanie Sobel quit last month because of lack of resources.

She said county leaders denied her requests for additional staffing.

"I just want the animals to get help," said Rogowski. "I want them to have the help they need and deserve; they don't deserve to die like this."

She took pictures of the shocking conditions, but they were too graphic to air on KXAN Austin News.

"It's really upsetting to see death like this, it's not necessary," said Rogowski.

The volunteers said the animals aren't being cared for, because there's not enough staff.

Interim Director Dr. Dana Boehm succeeded Sobel on June 1 and said the shelter is moving forward.

The facility was in different conditions on Wednesday, and all the animals had food and water.

Boehm said the animals that didn't have food in their cages the day prior had undergone surgery.

She confirmed that a kitten and cat died Tuesday but from natural causes.

"It always bothers me when an animal dies," said Boehm. "Our heart goes out, but it's a very low number."

The shelter has seven paid staff members to care for more than 225 animals.

Upon Sobel's resignation, the board added three part-time positions for staff to begin in three weeks.

The board has considered hiring another full-time employee for the shelter.

It would cost the county a salary of $22,000.

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