Letter: Thanks for keeping light on Sutter animal shelter

On Jan. 19, the Appeal-Democrat printed a letter to the editor from the director of Community Services for Sutter County, Danelle Stylos. Her position was to defend the very people who were in roles of authority at the shelter during the time of the shelter's appalling conditions and asking reporter Nancy Pasternack to apologize for her coverage of the Sutter animal services nightmare.

Perhaps, Stylos, the apologies should be to the taxpayers of this community from county administration, shelter management and public officials, who continue to collect their paychecks every day and live a nice life on their comfortable pensions who were in leadership roles and responsible for the proper management of the animal shelter and failed to fulfill their duties.

Thousands of animals died of shelter-borne diseases while under the county's care, and yet as you stated, not one was held accountable.

The grand jury report that was released in 2010-11 on the conditions of the animal shelter helped to raise public awareness on a tragic situation, but it was- Pasternack and the Appeal-Democrat who kept the situation in the light of day.

Yes, Ms. Stylos, there has finally been progress at the shelter, but only after a scathing grand jury report was released and only after a citizens' group activated to continue the pressure on county and city officials. The taxpayers of this community deserve more.

As a citizen of Sutter County, I am happy there has been progress made, but I will continue to follow this story to its conclusion.

My many thanks to Ms. Pasternack and the Appeal-Democrat for continuing to keep this story in the light of day.

Rebecca "Beckie" Jennings

Forewoman, Sutter County grand jury 2010-11