Linden Spears, founder of The Haven in Hoke County, has done more for animals in Hoke and Moore Counties than anyone. In 2005, she took in over 900 unwanted Moore County animals to protect them from harm.

She houses more than 1,000 dogs and cats in the no-kill shelter on her farm near Raeford. The animals are spayed and neutered, and more than 2,000 animals are adopted every year. Those who don't find a home can stay permanently. What a wonderful service she provides for all those wonderful animals!

If Ms. Spears cannot afford to complete the improvements required by state regulations, The Haven may be forced to close by the end of June.

I can't understand why some of the rules were made. A dog or cat that is protected from harm, even though walking on a dirt floor, is better off than one running loose to get maimed or killed by cars, other animals, or even mean people.

This urgent problem needs to be addressed now. The new animal shelter rules need to be relaxed, and more time allowed for improvements to be made. I suggest all animal lovers write to our state legislators about this matter.

We must find money to help Linden Spears make some of the required "improvements" at The Haven before it is too late for the animals housed there. I urge others to join in this effort by contacting The Haven to see how you can help.

Linda M. Piechota

Whispering Pines