In response to the article “Animal program sets off ‘alarms,'” (Sept. 14), I am writing to counter the ridiculous allegations made by a few misguided individuals who claim the Animal Welfare Program is abusing its power and ruining homes.

Quite to the contrary, program director Norma Worley and her dedicated staff work tirelessly to save victims of abuse – animals and humans alike – from ruined homes.

Although the program’s purview is animal welfare, many investigations of animal abuse have uncovered human abuse. Because the connection between animal and human abuse is unfortunately common, I sponsored a bill that allows animal control officers to report suspected cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation of children or the elderly.

Worley came to help the Judiciary Committee understand that an animal control officer may be the only official to see what is happening in a home that is unsafe for pets, children or the elderly. The Judiciary Committee supported the bill’s passage, and the Legislature enacted it unanimously.

I stand by Worley and the rest of the Animal Welfare Program in refusing to turn a blind eye to abuse, regardless of whether it’s happening to animals or humans. Maine is fortunate to have so many good citizens volunteering to provide loving care for the animals taken into state custody.

Rep. Deborah Simpson, Auburn