MARLIN, Texas — Concerned Central Texans had the chance to have their voices heard for the first time at a Marlin City Council meeting on Friday, Feb. 16.
The planned City Council meeting comes after the previous meeting, where people planned to speak out about the recent deplorable conditions at the Marlin Animal Control Center, was canceled due to the lack of council members in attendance.
After standing outside protesting before the meeting, residents called out for justice.
Once in the meeting, residents took the stand in front of the mayor, Susan Byrd, and three other council members.
Here is some of what they had to say:
"This is a health problem and a quality of life issue for the citizens you represent," one person said.
"Three dogs dead in 37 days, how bad does it have to be?" Another asked.
"They cannot forget that the entire council is responsible for the deaths," said another.
The Mayor of Marlin replied:
"I am very happy to hear from them - I just wish people would rely on facts and not hearsay," Byrd said.
Byrd could not comment on much else but said the City plans to be transparent with those in the city as the investigation moves forward.
Concerned Central Texans said they will continue to protest and ask the Texas Rangers to come in and investigate what happened at the Animal Control Center.
On Jan. 9, 2024, pictures and videos were shared of dogs at the Animal Control Center allegedly living in their own feces and being malnourished.
Since then, residents have been demanding justice for the situation.
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