Pocono News Section

Group Locks People in Dog Cage

Group Locks People in Dog Cage - Friday, May 29, 2009 at 5:00PM EST

STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - People in Stroudsburg gave caged volunteers dollars the way you might give a caged animal a treat.
"We are here to try to raise enough funds to help the poor animals - get them off the streets and out of the woods and to create a safe haven for them," said Cookie Lancia.

She spoke on behalf of the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe, AWSOM for short. The society is raising money for a new shelter. The SPCA abruptly closed the county shelter last winter.

Since then local police have been forced to take in strays. "Officers are scheduled to take them for walks and feed them," said Brian Kimmins from the Stroud Area Regional Police.

That's why he volunteered to help. The rescue group locked Kimmins and other volunteers up for hours. Volunteer Pat Ross said, "To be confined anywhere - unless you're on an Island with Halle Berry or something - is not so good."

The volunteers were stuck until they raised $500 each for the charity. Stroudsburg Borough Council President Kim Didio volunteered and said, "I think anybody willing to step up and play an active part in the community is very good."

People passing by agreed. The set up touched Stephanie Benford so she made a donation. The Stroudsburg woman said, "Dogs that have been abused and dogs that have no where else need someplace just like people do and they need a good family."

Organizers hope others agree with Stephanie so staying in a cage helps give animals a place to stay.