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Library cat may be forced to check out - May 5, 2009
5:58 p.m.
From Ashley Roberts, in the field
The library board voted 5-3 in favor of allowing Belle to remain at the Dublin branch, but with new rules and stipulations to protect both the cat and the public.
Board members read several letters during the meeting. Some wrote in to say that Belle is they only reason they go to the Dublin library branch.
Another board member received a letter from a parent who wished the cat would be removed, because her son has to take allergy medicine every time he goes to the Dublin branch. The parent wrote that they did not want to speak out in public, because they are afraid that her son would be picked on.
Two board members voiced some concerns. One concern, an animal can't be controlled. That board member referenced a chimpanzee that attacked its owner earlier this year.
Another board member said they were concerned about the cat drinking from the library's water fountain. After seeing our story earlier this month, the board member said the video was "quite disturbing." One library employee said it was easy to keep the cat away from the water fountain.
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3:33 p.m.
One look at Belle and you can tell she loves living at the Dublin library, but her home address is a liability for the county.
"Some kind of rules, policies or procedures would be better than what it is right now," said Pulaski County Assistant County Administrator Robert Hiss.
Belle comes and goes as she pleases, which Hiss says doesn't please the county's insurance company.
"The insurance carrier was not thrilled that the cat was in a public building," said Hiss.
He says Belle being at the library equals potential accidents like her biting or clawing someone or damaging furniture.
After getting a couple complaints the library board is now considering whether she should be there or not.
Nearly 800 people, who signed an online petition to keep Belle in permanent collection at the Dublin library, think she should stay put.
Hiss says bottom line: if library board members vote to keep Belle at the library, then they need to do what they can to limit liability like de-clawing Belle or not letting her have free reign over the library.
Hiss says they're just suggestions and library board members will make the final decision...one the county and its insurance carrier will support.
Tune in to WSLS 10 on your side at 6 p.m. for updates on tonight's library board meeting and what members decide about Belle's fate.
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