06/22/2026
This letter was received by FOOF from the former shelter manager today:
"I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health. I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the Profession's Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through commitment to lifelong learning."
The veterinary technician’s oath: what I live by, professionally. Animal welfare, safety, and care is of the upmost importance to veterinary professionals. As a veterinary professional of 12 years, with a large number of other veterinary professionals aiding our shelter operations, I am confident the animals in our care were always provided the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare: 1) Freedom of Hunger and Thirst,
2) Freedom from Discomfort, 3) Freedom from Pain, 4) Freedom to Express Normal Behavior, and 5) Freedom from Excessive Fear and Distress.
Cats are beings who thrive on routine, low stress handling, quiet environments, calm interactions with humans, and the ability to express natural behaviors. I am concerned, with reports of those who have been in the building in the past 5 days, that their surroundings are becoming unfamiliar to them and creating immense stress. Cats are such sensitive beings - stress causes incredible issues. In a shelter or other cattery there is always at least some stress. In a home environment there is as well. We do our best as feline caretakers to mitigate excessive stress with routine, environmental enrichment, a calm environment, natural light, and pheromones. I am very concerned with reports of the current environment of the shelter as it sounds, in my opinion, to not be ideal for cats to be relaxed or at ease. Excessive noise, unknown humans who are not familiar with cat behavior and stress signals, and removal of environmental enrichment could be exceptionally detrimental to the health of the OMHS felines.
My philosophy has always been to aid as many animals in need as feasible, based upon the resources available to me. OMHS’ resources are vast and continuously growing. For example: from January 2023 to July 2025, the cash on hand of OMHS increased by $184,212.77 without fundraising. I am not currently aware of the cash on hand of OMHS as no financial reports have been shared with members for many months, but last I was aware over $850,000 of liquid cash was in the possession of OMHS. It is difficult to justify turning away those in need when the services that are able to be provided are immense. To combat a crisis of overpopulation you cannot sit back - you must be proactive with spay/neuter, intake, TNR, and offering affordable resources to families. I fear that all of the work done to help this community’s animals will be lost, that the work of the future will wain. Our community and its animals will suffer. Surrounding communities will suffer as well, as surrounding shelters will have to take on the burden of our county.
I believe it has been insinuated that I am egotistical, narcissistic, rude, neglectful, and a liar. Though incredibly hurtful, I can say that none of those words are accurate descriptors of myself. I have dedicated countless hours to those who needed help, putting my personal life on the back burner to prioritize the OMHS shelter. Like our dedicated volunteers, I was there everyday: holidays, evenings, early mornings, weekends. The devotion to the care of the OMHS cats was immeasurable.
I urge the OMHS board of directors to come to their senses. I urge them to set aside their egos and realize they are NOT qualified to run a facility full of animals. I urge them to allow long term volunteers to enter the building and care for the animals they love. And finally, I urge them to RESIGN from the board as they are not prioritizing the community they serve or the mission of the organization.
Respectfully and full of sadness,
Cat Arbegust, CVT
Former OMHS shelter manager
Forever advocate of Richland County’s animals
WKOW 27 News 3 Now / Channel 3000 WMTV 15 News
