Petition addressed to:
Hendricks County Residents
We are asking the Hendricks County Commissioners to hold an evening meeting so more residents can attend and speak about the future of our animal shelter. Many people work during the day and cannot attend morning meetings. An evening meeting would allow more voices to be heard about the important issues facing the shelter, public safety, and the animals in our care.
Reason
The community is deeply concerned that decisions affecting the future of the Hendricks County Animal Shelter (HCAS) are being made at times when many residents cannot participate. Morning meetings make it impossible for most working families, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and taxpayers to attend, leaving a large portion of our community unheard. When only a small group has access to the process, transparency and public trust suffer.
HCAS is facing serious challenges, including facility limitations, staffing strain, and safety concerns related to stray and loose animals. These issues affect not only animal welfare but also public health and neighborhood safety. Community involvement is essential to ensuring that shelters receive proper support and oversight. Meaningful involvement and participation are only possible when residents can be present.
Research in public administration also shows that accessible meeting times lead to stronger policy decisions, improved accountability, and higher community satisfaction. An evening meeting would allow a far more accurate representation of Hendricks County’s residents and give people who care about our animals and public safety the opportunity to contribute.
This petition asks county leadership to hold an evening meeting dedicated to HCAS so that working residents can participate in shaping solutions. Our animals deserve a humane, well-supported shelter system, and our community deserves a fair chance to be heard.
The Public Deserves a Public Meeting on the HCAS
Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of any decision that affects our community. The HCAS impacts all of us, and yet decisions are being made without giving the public a meaningful opportunity to engage, ask questions, or express concerns.
We deserve:
Open dialogue with decision-makers
Clear information about the process, implications, and next steps
A chance to be heard before any decisions are finalized
A public meeting isn’t just a formality—it’s our right. The community should have access to the facts, the ability to participate, and the assurance that their voices matter in shaping the outcome.
It’s time for transparency. It’s time for a public meeting.