This is in response to the recent letter regarding the regulation of animal facilities.

I agree that action should be taken in cases of suspected animal abuse. However, the owner of the Thyme & Sage Ranch has not been convicted of anything. In this country, we are innocent until proven guilty.

I am not defending the owner. If she is guilty, she should be prosecuted. However, if, when the facts come out, she is exonerated, I am angry with everyone who convicted her in the court of public opinion.

The news coverage of the ranch repeatedly showed a dog with difficulty walking. How long was the dog at the ranch? If he arrived days before the raid, his condition was not caused at the ranch. We need to keep that in perspective, and I say that with experience.

I rescue cats. Recently, I was told by John Bluemke of the county's Planning and Zoning Committee that "more than 10 cats" would be "unusual" even though we live on land that is zoned as "agricultural." I am curious how many farms in Columbia County (that are surely agriculturally zoned) have an "unusual" cat population and are subject to scrutiny by the Planning and Zoning Committee.

I have had animal control at my home twice in the last six months to investigate complaints from people driving by who saw the cats and, based solely on the fact that there are "more than 10", felt it necessary to send the police. Obviously, these folks did not take the time to really look at the animals and see that they are healthy. They see "more than 10" and assume we are hoarders and they must take action to save these poor animals.

I have no problem with animal control visiting my house. But it does get frustrating. It is a waste of time and taxpayer money to send the police out on frivolous complaints made by bored busybodies and meddlers.

Although I encourage everyone to get involved in cases of suspected animal abuse, please remember that there are good people out there who are doing it right. Yes, it is a fine line, and yes, you should err on behalf of the animal, but recognize that your assumptions and stereotypes are hurtful and detrimental to the cause.

Once you know a rescue facility to be lawful in its care of the animals, let the good people do their good work. Maybe you don't understand how anyone can live with "more than 10" cats, but that doesn't give you the right to condemn them.

Someone has to help these animals. If it isn't you, at least stop being a thorn in the side of those who do. If you can't stand that someone has long grass, offer to mow it. People who rescue animals need your help, not your harassment.

Heidi M. Shields, Pardeeville