Voices Speaking For Animals
Written by:  Justine DePalma
Published May 12, 2008

Profile:  Carey Torrice

Position: Macomb County Commissioner, Democrat, 16^th District

Employment:  Actor;  Torrice and her husband, Mike Torrice operate Eye Spy Investigations, a Fraser Michigan private investigation service. 

Carey Torrice knows there really is not that much difference between politics and the world of soap operas.  The Macomb County Commissioner is also an actor who had a recurring role on the television soap, “The Guiding Light”.  In her first term as a county commissioner, Torrice is leading the effort to turn around the Macomb County Animal Control Shelter. In February, Torrice read the www.michanimalnews.com article “The Story of How Macomb County Animal Control Fails Animals and Humans” and took action.  Torrice rallied the public and proposed turning the animal shelter no-kill.   

An unusual public official, Carey Torrice did not just sponsor some legislation and walk away, leaving the implementation to others.  Instead, she dove into the project, visiting animal control shelters in other counties, meeting with animal rescue groups and listening to the concerns of her constituents. Even the foot dragging and hand wringing of Macomb County Animal Control Shelter management and fellow commissioners has not deterred her.  Torrice is convinced that no-kill is possible and that it is time to bring Macomb County forward, into the 21^st century.  “It’s really important that citizens be allowed to help animals in the shelter.  They want to help and a community effort is necessary to stop the needless killing of family pets.” Torrice said recently.   

Progress toward no-kill has been slow, at times painful, but steady. In March, the full Macomb County Board of Commissioners approved a six-month study of the no-kill concept. Since then, shelter management, local rescue groups and Torrice have met monthly to discuss issues such as getting shelter pets on the internet, streamlining the process for rescue groups working with the shelter and addressing other housekeeping matters.  Deborah Schutt, Chairperson of the Oakland Pet Fund is assisting the advisory committee by providing information on funding and the importance of sterilization programs. 

Now, Carey Torrice is taking the no-kill project to the next level.  Against the advice of a few people who do not understand the role of companion animals in today’s society, Torrice is proposing that Macomb County Board of Commissioners form an “Animal Welfare Commission”.  As currently proposed, each of the 26 county commissioners would appoint a volunteer member. “The Animal Welfare Commission would take the next step in the no-kill process.” Torrice envisions that the commission will organize into sub-committees that will research different aspects of the companion animal problem and the possible solution. 

Carey Torrice is also working on bringing film and television business to Macomb County.  She is very involved in environmental issues and supports local veterans groups.  Torrice is part of the effort to make certain that veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan can weather the financial problems caused by military red tape.  She fundraises for Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154, which provides a food pantry for veterans in need. Carey’s father was an active member and she grew up at the post.  This month, her cable television show, “A Day in the Life of Everyday People” will feature an interview with Pat Daniels, leader of Chapter 154.  The entire show will be a discussion of the problems faced by veterans returning from combat.   

Carey Torrice is a rare gem in the rocky world of Macomb County politics.  She is not really a politician. She actually does what she says she will do.  She is responsive to her community and does not really worry about what her detractors say.  Macomb County animals are very lucky to have Carey Torrice looking out for their welfare.

In honor of her father, USMC Sergeant Larry DeJaeghere, who passed away in 2005, Carey Torrice established a fund at Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 154. The Larry DeJaeghere Fund raises money for veterans who have difficulty paying for food, medicine and veterinary care for the companion animals.  To recognize Carey Torrice's efforts as a voice for the voiceless, michanimalnews.com will donate 10% of the proceeds from subscriptions generated on behalf of Carey Torrice to the Larry DeJaeghere Fund.  Just note Carey on the paypal form. 

 More Information: 

Torrice and her husband, Mike Torrice operate Eye Spy Investigations, a Fraser Michigan private investigation service.  

Visit Carey Torrice’s website:  www.careytorrice.com