Sample Letter to Elected Officials

Dear [Mr./Ms.] [Name],

I hope you are well. I was deeply concerned to learn that [name of shelter] is apparently making it difficult for members of the public to surrender animals, by [list tactics the shelter is using, such as putting people on a waiting list, charging surrender fees, and/or creating other obstacles]. The shelter is failing to provide the vital animal control services that our tax dollars pay for. [Include examples of your own or others’ experiences with being turned away.]

I understand that [name of shelter] is striving to avoid euthanizing animals, but refusing to accept animals in need puts them in danger of a fate far worse than a painless injection. Many animals who are rejected by shelters are abandoned on the street, where they breed and produce more homeless animals, starve, are hit by vehicles, or contract fatal diseases. Others are crudely killed or gravely neglected by people who don’t want them and are desperate to get rid of them.

As you can see in the enclosed statements from others in our community, I am not alone in these concerns. As a taxpayer and a resident of [city/county], I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you in person about these issues. Please let me know when you would be available to meet. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,