A Community Problem Requires Community Buy-In

To the Editor:

I’m writing in strong support of the recent editorial highlighting the essential public safety role of Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter (GJAS) in Fayette County. GJAS does far more than rescue stray dogs and cats — it provides a vital public safety service for our communities by managing the stray animal population, protecting pets and livestock, and preventing potential public health risks.

Municipal funding isn’t about covering the annual budget for GJAS. This is not just about pets — it’s about public safety, community health, and doing our part. It’s a community problem and requires a community solution. If GJAS closes or reduces services, the cost to Fayette County Municipalities will rise dramatically and quickly.

Our Fayette County community and the municipalities must come together to provide fair, proportional funding in the 2026 budget and beyond. Without GJAS, each city and town would face far higher costs to provide animal control services themselves.

Supporting GJAS means supporting the safety, health, and quality of life of our entire community. Let’s do the right thing — for our pets, livestock, and for ourselves.

Jan Hughes Round Top