It is vital to try to have all the cats and dogs placed prior to June 30. I have been told that management is leaning toward killing all the remaining animals so none will be brought to the new facility. I have also been told on good authority that management feels that all owner releases should be killed within hours of arrival. If this is a foreshadowing of what is to come, I shudder to think of the fate of PG animals after APL pulls out. Who will be a voice for the voiceless?
Forwarded message:
I would like to touch base with all of you rescuers, groups, and animals lovers about a potential horrific/disastrous situation that could potentially happen at the PG Shelter in the very near future.
As many of you may have seen word going around, the Animal Protection League Inc. (APL) who is the contractor for the shelter has ended their contract on June 30th for various reasons.
In their words:
"The principal and most essential components of this agreement were based upon a common vision, mission, commitment and goal(s) for the animal management facility. We made a commitment to enter into a partnership with the expectation of mutual respect and a resolve to carry out our mission and reach the goals of the APL at the animal management facility."
The Goals of the Animal Protection League at the Prince George ’s Animal Control are:
1. Increase adoption rates and decrease euthanasia rates at the facility
2. Increase participation and cohesion of Rescue groups
3. Increase Community Education in order to promote humane education and responsible pet ownership
4. Increase percentage of financial support from private sources
5. Increase community involvement in and recognition of the facility
6. Improve Quality and Standard of Animal Care
7. Become recognized as the premier source of information on animal issues and care.
1. Employ passionate, motivated, and well-trained people who enjoy a high level of job satisfaction from the work they do each day.
2. Foster a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere where people are glad to come and where customer service is at the forefront of our interactions with the public.
3. Become the a trusted component in the community by consistently demonstrating that it we are a dedicated, hardworking, trustworthy steward of the public's money and deserving of financial and community support.
Over the last ten months, it has become evident that there is a significant disparity in the mission and vision of the APL vs. the County. To further exacerbate the issue, there is a lack of proper funding and the absence of a sound business and organizational plan/structure for the larger facility in Upper Marlboro.
We regret that this decision was necessary. However, it would be irresponsible and unprofessional for the APL to commit to operating the new facility without the necessary components required to provide the level of care and service that the animals and citizens of Prince George's County and surrounding areas deserve.
The County will be taking over management of the shelter on it's OWN which I believe in most of the years past has ALWAYS been run by an animal management company.
APL staff is working diligently (on their days off) to get as many cats and kittens to rescue as possible before their contract ends, HOWEVER more pour in daily.
As of right this moment their are 93 cats/kittens LISTED not counting all the very young fosters the staff has that they are housing. There are 118 dogs/puppies LISTED, again not included the ones that are fostered by the staff that are very very young.
The major issue right here that these animals face is a potential MASS EUTHANASIA of ALL the animals in the current shelter on D'Arcy Rd. I have been told anonymously that no animals in the current shelter will be moved to the new facility in Upper Marlboro.
AS RESCUERS, WE NEED TO PREVENT THIS! We need to get this out to the media so they can get involved and we need as many rescue groups as possible to step in and PULL PULL PULL.
My fear a few weeks ago about what could possibly happen to those animals when they change facilities is seemingly more confirmed from the information I have just received anonymously.
Please do whatever you can to get the word out about the animals at PG right now. If people do not step in, their days may be numbered when APL's contract is done and before the County moves to the new facility. Again please keep in mind the intake numbers rise daily so who knows how many more animals will be added to the list. Humane hold cases may be the only ones who have any chance to make it to the new place as their owners get their day in court, but owner surrenders and strays may have no chance.
The news, animals rights groups, and lawyers for animals rights need to know about this just as a prevention. Obviously this is speculation (and anonymous information) that euthanasia will be the decision for those animals housed at D'Arcy road but before it can even be an affirmative decision for the County, let's expose the potential so that it absolutely CANNOT happen!
Kind Regards,
A Concerned Avid Rescuer
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
7 comments:
Our local Humane Society went to Kentucky (?) to rescue a group of animals that were the result of a hoarding case. Is it possible for area shelters to take over some of these animals and find homes? We would certainly foster, but cannot adopt as we all ready have several pets (with limited house and lot space).
Also, if there are breed specific cases, the rescue groups should be called. They are vital in helping to relocate dogs. There is a rescue group for nearly every breed.
Word has been put out to an interstate rescue group - hopefully they can help. I plan to keep spreading the word to anyone who will listen. Does anyone have the email addy to the big wig who was fighting the last shelter drama. Maybe he should know about this one too. Different couty but he may know WHO to get it to.
The problem is all this may help save this round, but what if the fools making this particular decision decide "Eh its gettin crowded, lets just knock a few off and make room." People like that shouldn't be running a place like this. Its supposed to be about saving as many animals as you can, not uselessly eliminating lives because your lazy (or whatever).
Don't get me wrong as much as I hate euthanization, I know it does happen and we are a long way away from seeing it end (unless warranted by a severe care of course - horribly sick, suffering or the like) BUT this is not necessary. It turns my stomach to know someone like that is "working for the greater good of animals. HA!
I wish someone would list these animals so people could see them. I went to petfinders and they have 18 dogs listed and 2 cats. Maybe if people could have a look they would adopt one.
So do I. Unfortunately I have yet to see a shelter on petfinder that lists EVERY animal they have for adoption. Its "time consuming" and many don't have enough people to help feed, water, walk, exercise the animals and clean the kennels and then do this.
On the other hand I think listing as many as possible is the BEST thing you can do to get them adopted. I have personally visted many shelters and see the "paid" workers sitting around talking to each other while volunteers run around trying to do the things listed above alone. While your sitting there why can't you update the list of available pets?
And yes I know they were paid as opposed to volunteers at the one place...I spoke with a volunteer who looked completely worn out. According to her the people behind the counter - all 3 of them - didn't help in general care. And thats fine if you have enough volunteers/manpower but when you don't...isnt it everyones responsibility to chip in?
What is the original source for this article? I can't seem to find it.
My wife and I recently bought a kitten for our children from a local pet store. We wanted to rescue a kitten, but after looking at all the hoops that we would have to jump through, it simply wasnt worth it. Background information and references to adopt a cat? Why bother? Its easier, and *far* cheaper, to just go to a pet store and buy one. As long as the do-gooders continue to make it more of a hassle than its worth to "rescue" an animal, parents like myself will just continue to partonize pet stores.
I'm a member of the media who is trying to write about the situation at the animal shelter on D'Arcy Road. If anyone who is familiar with the shelter is reading this, PLEASE give me a call at (240)473-7603 so I can try to understand all sides of this issue.
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