KERMIT NEEDS RESCUE! GETTING URGENT NOW! (Logan, OH)

UPDATE 11/10/2014:  KERMIT HAS BEEN RESCUED!!!

HOCKING COUNTY DOG SHELTER, LOGAN, OH

CONTACT: beougher76 [at] yahoo.com

Kermit hasn't had any adoption interest at the shelter. We don't get a lot of adoption traffic here. :(

Kermit has served his time, and now needs a rescue to help get him the life he deserves. He is approximately 9-12 months old & weighs 40 lbs. Kermit is a mixed breed and has a wonderful temperament and personality.  He does get along with others.  He would like nothing more than to get out of his concrete cell. Kermit is still a pup and desperately wants to play.

Can anyone please help Kermit?

UPDATE 11/10/2014:  KERMIT HAS BEEN RESCUED!!!

Choosing the Best Shelter Dog for You

Adopting a dog from a shelter has a common checklist for different families. Your home, children’s ages, time and energy may all be considered. With so many choices at dog rescues, choosing the right shelter dog is challenging.

Thankfully, you can make an informed decision with some due diligence.

Here are things to consider:

Your Experience Level: 

Some rescue dogs may require unique handling or medical needs. Dogs with a history of physical or verbal abuse need time to acclimate. Neglected dogs may be despondent or very shy.

You should consider how the dog’s history may affect care. Do you have experience handling a dog with temperament issues? Will you have the time and patience to work with a dog reluctant to go on walks? Each shelter dog has vast potential in the right environment.

Hounds for Heroes is an organization that trains many shelter dogs to be valuable companions. Los Angeles Investor Elliott Broidy started the non-profit to match wounded veterans with shelter dogs. Similarly, matching your capacity and time with a rescue dog’s needs is a best practice.

If you simply want a ‘ready to go’ dog, work with the rescue to find a best fit. Many shelter dogs come from good homes. First time dog owners may consider these canines to start with. You can build dog handling skills and perhaps return in the future to adopt a pooch with more complex needs.

Your Activity Level: 

Ripped furniture, barking and anxiety. These are all symptoms of a bored dog. Much like us, dogs have different personalities. While all dogs deserve some fun time, some require more extended activity.

Are you an active person? Determine how much you’re willing to increase or decrease activity levels for the new dog. Ask the shelter staff about what they’ve observed. You will avoid frustration by picking a dog that matches your energy level.

Your Family: 

Children and dogs are often best friends. Cute baby and dog photos draw raves on the internet. However, young children may tug a dog’s ears or innocently antagonize a pooch. This behavior should be cautioned with any dog and some education may be needed.

Sit down with your children BEFORE bringing a dog home. Set firm rules on what is acceptable.

Tip: Framing rules in a child’s perspective is helpful. Ask ‘Would you like it if someone pulled your ears?’ This helps children understand what is being asked of them.

Summary:

Dogs enrich our lives in many ways. You will provide a loving home for the right dog with simple preparation.

Woman Squeezes Lifetime of Love into One Week

From Care2.com:

Annie had never known happiness. She had been beaten, neglected, and starved all of her life, and then she was dumped at a shelter to die. Annie waited on death row, terrified and lonely, crying every night for someone to help her. She was very ill, and the pound asked if I was willing to take her. Yep, I’m on my way.

I was asked to share the story about what I do for special case dogs on death row in shelters. I do realize that this might not be the most popular idea with all of you, but I’m hoping that maybe it will inspire someone to do the same. If you ever have the chance to do this, it will change your life. When there are terminally ill dogs on death row, I’ve made the decision to do something very special for them.

Because treating these dogs for their conditions would cause them immense suffering, I choose not to treat them. However, I also choose not to leave them in the shelter to be killed. In short, I bring them into my home for a few days. I adopt them into my heart. I love them with all that I have. And then I do what’s best for them… and let them go…

Before She Goes to Heaven – Annie Needs to Know Love
When I saw Annie, it was obvious that she was very sick. She was underweight, coughing, and having trouble breathing, in addition to skin and eye issues. The vet told me that Annie had advanced heartworm disease, congestive heart failure, and several other severe medical conditions. It was highly unlikely that she would pull through any of the treatments, and she would suffer tremendously throughout the process. The vet asked me if I wanted to go ahead with euthanasia. “No. I’ll bring her back next week. Before she goes to Heaven, she needs to know love.”

Read full story at Care2.com.

Sign Petition Against Ohio Kitten Shooting

From Alley Cat Allies:

A "humane" officer in North Ridgeville, Ohio, shot and killed five kittens in a resident's yard on Monday, June 10. This is a clear act of cruelty in violation of state law—but this officer will have no charges brought against him.

Please sign our petition urging North Ridgeville Mayor David Gillock to meet with Alley Cat Allies immediately to discuss more humane measures for feral cats, including community-supported Trap-Neuter-Return.

Calling this brutal killing “euthanasia” and claiming it was a public safety issue is absurd. Officers should be educating residents about how to treat animals humanely and coexist peacefully, not shooting kittens in front of children.

We can’t stand by while more cats are needlessly killed. Urge Mayor Gillock to meet with Alley Cat Allies—and to issue an immediate order halting the “euthanasia” of healthy cats.

Alley Cat Allies will be on the ground in North Ridgeville on Monday, June 17, for a rally protesting this cruel kitten killing—and we will present your signatures at the City Council meeting that evening. We need as many signatures as possible by Monday, so please ask your friends and family to sign!

Thank you so much for taking action.

Sincerely,

Becky Robinson

UPDATE 6/19/13:  Alley Cat Allies Meets with North Ridgeville Police Chief about a Humane Approach

Ask Bo to Speak Up for Homeless Pets

Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but in America, many of us don’t treat dogs or cats very well. Most people think that pets who enter the nearly 5000 independently operated community animal shelters in America usually find new homes.  According to the ASPCA, a less happy fate awaits them. Nearly, 60% of dogs and 70% of cats who enter shelters are euthanized. That’s 3 million domestic animals per year crying out for someone to speak for them yet they are left to face death alone in what was intended to be a place of refuge. Additionally, the violence perpetrated on animals has been proven to have a direct correlation to community violence.

Civic leaders in a handful of cities around the U.S., including Austin, Texas, are doing something to change this intolerable situation. They have successfully implemented a NO-KILL policy in their animal shelters proving it is possible to reverse this gruesome reality. To expand the NO-KILL model nationwide, a high-profile figure backed by sufficient resources must take the lead. 

Bo—The White House dog—is perfectly positioned to speak on behalf of these beleaguered animals who want nothing more than a loving home. Help us gather 3 million signatures, one voice for each of the 3 million innocent pets who find themselves through no fault of their own on “Death Row” in animal shelters each year. Ask Bo to Speak Up for Homeless Pets! 

Sign the petition at:
http://signon.org/sign/ask-bo-to-speak-up-for

Solving the Stray and Unwanted Dog Problem

By Cesar Millan

This week, a story was in the news that broke my heart and really showed me the problem with the way we treat stray and unwanted dogs in this country.

In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a memo came out that police officers were no longer supposed to bring stray dogs to animal shelters, because they were too full. Instead, they could either adopt the dogs, take the dogs outside of town, or they could just shoot the dogs.

This “kill, adopt, or dump” policy was unbelievable to me. Here we are, one of the greatest countries in the world and this is what we do with our dogs? As Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” I know I wasn’t the only one outraged, and there were a lot of protests against the Harrisburg police department. But I’m sure they’re not the only ones with this policy, just the ones that became public.

In this election year, we hear the candidates always talking about how we should and shouldn’t use taxpayer money. I would say that one terrible use of taxpayer money is what we pay to euthanize 4 to 5 million unwanted dogs and cats in this country every year. In this economy, that is money that could be so much better used, both for the good of animals and humans.

Read Cesar's full blog post by clicking HERE.

Stray Dog Epidemic Hits U.S.

From Cesar's Way:

Recently, an internal police memo from the Harrisburg, PA police department was revealed detailing their new policy in dealing with stray, or feral, dogs. The memo instructed officers not to bring any found animals to shelters, as they were already too overcrowded to accommodate them. Instead the officers were told that if they didn’t want to adopt the animal themselves, they should take it out of town and leave it, or failing that, shoot it. The so-called “kill, adopt, or dump” policy has provoked outrage among animal activists. Harrisburg is rethinking its policy and looking for alternative solutions, but it has shone a spotlight on an ugly problem in the U.S.

Read the full story on Cesar Millan's blog.

Dog warden charged with animal cruelty

From Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
Published January 5, 2012

WAVERLY -- The Pike County dog warden is facing animal cruelty charges after live puppies were found in a bag at the pound Tuesday.

Randy Mustard is set to be arraigned on 11 counts of animal cruelty, all first-degree misdemeanors, at 9 a.m. Monday in Pike County Court. Mustard confirmed Wednesday he has been suspended, effective today, from his dog warden job pending the outcome of the case. He's been employed as a warden for nearly a decade.

The charges stem from a complaint made Tuesday to the Pike County Sheriff's Office. Maj. Jeremy Masters said a man and woman had been at the pound, located off Alma Omega Road, looking for a dog when they heard whimpering coming from a trash bag.

Masters responded to the scene and said they found an adult female dog dead inside the bag, one dead puppy and 10 live puppies who were young enough their eyes hadn't opened yet.

During his investigation, Masters said he spoke with an employee who had been placed through Job and Family Services to work at the shelter and had no formal training. The man allegedly told Masters the mother dog had died and Mustard told him to "bag them up" and throw them out, including the puppies. He alleged Mustard never administered a lethal injection to euthanize the puppies, Masters said.

Mustard told the sheriff's office and CentralOhio.com on Wednesday that he had administered the lethal injection to the puppies and told the employee not to discard them until they had died.

Mustard provided CentralOhio.com with a copy of a kennel card he said was made when the dog and her 11 puppies were dropped at the pound Monday. According to the card, a Beaver man had dropped off the dogs and indicated they were strays.

Mustard said he was off that day but was called when the mother dog died. He said she was extremely skinny and was not in good condition. He said he gave orders for the dog to be placed in a bag and put outside until it could be disposed of at the landfill, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's approved disposal method.

On Tuesday, Mustard said he looked at the puppies and determined he did not think they would survive and administered the lethal injection.

"I told one of the workers, I said don't put them in the bag until they pass away," Mustard said.

After the sheriff's office arrived and the puppies were discovered, Mustard said they placed them back into cages until they died. Mustard said he sent the employee home because "I don't want him here if he's going to do that."

"I'm the boss. I'm in charge, so someone has to take the blame," Mustard said.

Click here to read the full story.

Jo Ann's comments...

This article is a constant reminder of the mentality of the majority of Dog Wardens throughout our entire country.

Now, yes... there are a few really great people who occupy these positions and some are even right here in Ohio. Unfortunately, Randy Mustard does not seem to be one of them.

For the most part, any animal unfortunate enough to find themselves in a pound during a holiday (and especially those that involve long weekends) are basically doomed. The Warden and staff simply do not want to be bothered with coming back to the shelter to care for the animals left there. So, unless rescues can be found, the Wardens will do a mass euthanization which insures a nice long, relaxing holiday weekend.

Even though most of these pounds have volunteers who would gladly go in to care and feed, they are usually locked out and not allowed back in the building until the next open day for business.

It's sad enough that these Dog Wardens continue the practice of mass euthanization during holidays, but Mr. Mustard has definitely crossed over the line with the inhumane treatment 10 puppies.

Can you even begin to imagine the terror these little babies went through by being shoved in a bag with their dead mother and another dead puppy, and then thrown in a dumpster outside in freezing weather?

They were so young that their little eyes weren't even open yet.

Although Mr. Mustard is innocent until proven guilty by a court of law, it is still his responsibility to see that proper methods of euthanization are followed. It is also his responsibility to hire qualified people to work in a pound environment and make sure all procedures are followed correctly.

Sometimes, I honestly believe that the only qualifications for being hired as a Dog Warden or pound worker is to be just plain stupid, and totally void of common sense and compassion, and apparently a mean streak seems to be an added plus.

It's bad enough to do mass euthanizations but to not do it properly is inexcusable and certainly not humane.

Now, as I said before, we do have some GOOD Dog Wardens. Unfortunately, we just don't have enough of them.

Regardless if Mr. Mustard is found guilty or innocent, he should not be allowed to resume his position as Dog Warden in Pike County. It's apparent that he was more concerned with his Christmas holiday than doing his job and making sure these animals were humanely euthanized before being stuffed in a bag and thrown in a dumpster. After all, he was the one in charge and, as the old saying goes.... "the buck stops here".

Miracle Dog Daniel Survives Alabama Gas Chamber

Click here for another great video story about Daniel the Miracle Dog.

Update on Licking County Animal Shelter

Letter to the Editor of The Buckeye Lake Beacon
From "Watchdog" Bonnie Mansfield
April 2, 2011 Edition

See related posts on MyPetRescueBlog.com

An update on the Licking County Animal Shelter

Editor:

I want the public to be aware of what is going on at the pound under the reign of the current dog warden, John Silva. While I am THRILLED the gas chamber is gone, our battle is not quite over.

John Silva is from Cuyahoga County where his retirement wasn’t official until a few days after he came to work at Licking County Animal Shelter (the dog pound) as the Office Manager. The County Commissioners put Silva in this position (at the request of a former employee in March, 2009) and gave him about $10,000 more than the former Office Manager was making.

Silva has limited the intake at the pound to almost only stray dogs...no owner surrendered dogs...no cats...no other animals. He is basically doing the bare-bones minimum BUT made sure the dog license fees went up by a whopping 50% as well as increases in other fees (adoption costs, impound fees, etc.)! They no longer do humane calls which made up probably close to half of their prior calls. I believe the increase in dogs being hit by a car is substantial and possibly due to being turned loose (such as when someone loses their home) thinking they have no other option!

By March 23, in 2009, there were 457 dogs taken in; by March 23, 2010 intake was 336 dogs; and by March 23 of this year the pound has only taken in 277 dogs since Silva is running the pound and only taking in strays.

I received a call at about 10 o’clock one morning, a couple of weeks ago, regarding a dog hit by a car still lying in the road alive. The caller stated that he had tried to call the pound but they were not answering the phone. I reached them about 20 minutes later and was told they don’t answer the phone until 9:30. I informed the employee that the caller had only called 20 minutes ago. I told the employee the condition of the dog and that I already had someone on the scene. I asked her if they would have it seen by a vet. She said they would but didn’t have anyone to respond. I stated that I would transport the dog to their vet and she told me that the dog had to come to the pound first! We ended the conversation and I was frustrated knowing this dog was in serious condition and also knowing there would probably be a huge vet bill that I could not afford to bear. The employee called me back and said she was coming to get the dog. However, another employee (who was already in the area) showed up at the scene and the dog was taken out of our vehicle and placed in the pound’s van! As infuriating as this mess was, it wasn’t nearly as maddening as when I found out that some of the pound employees were at work on Facebook (PERSONAL PAGES) early in the morning when they WEREN’T ANSWERING THE PHONES!!

For the past year, several volunteers have been coming to the pound to help the animals. They clean cages, walk dogs, scoop cat litter, mop floors, bathe dogs, groom dogs, take pictures, update websites...whatever needs to be done. Not only is this helping the animals, it also helps Silva’s image. When a kind-hearted volunteer greets the public, it makes them want to come back and spend money!

Although our tax dollars were spent to build a pound and equip it to house at least 64 cats in the 2 cat rooms, Silva rarely takes cats. He wouldn’t allow cats from a hoarding situation to remain at the pound for more than 12 hours.

Some of the cages in one of the cat rooms were removed and put out in back of the pound for awhile (I’m not sure where they are now). Doors were taken off some of the cages that remained inside. The room was called the “Vet Room.” I have received several complaints from people who have adopted animals from the pound MONTHS AGO who are still waiting for the spay/neuter surgery to be performed. Remember... they have already paid for this service in the cost of the adoption ($100 per dog/$55 per cat).

I told Silva that I have at least one veterinarian that will come to the pound and spay/neuter animals for the fee that the public pays when they adopt an animal. It wouldn’t take much to set up the “vet room” to do these surgeries.

Silva responded to my idea with a lot of condescending babble claiming that they have a “potential secondary source for altering cats” and “the shelter is able to provide adoption customers with more definitive S/N appointment information and avoid confusion” and “our written communication regarding surgery also factors in periodic surges of adoption activity” and other statements that are just cover-up and a way of saying ‘thanks... but no thanks!’ Silva’s last line was “It’s all about teamwork!”

TEAMWORK? An upcoming adoption event had been planned to help adopt the few cats at the pound. Had the adoption event coming up not been canceled, I have been told that Silva would have made these VOLUNTEERS (that have been working for him and the pound) pay $55 IN ADVANCE for cats they took to the adopt-a-thon for the pound! Where’s the teamwork there, Silva?

Bonnie Mansfield
Buckeye Lake

Animal Rights Group Threatens to Sue 2 Ohio Dog Pounds

Below is a link to an article concerning two Ohio county pounds (Harrison and Fayette).

Animal Rights Group Threatens to Sue 2 Dog Pounds (Published 9/29/10)

http://www.10tv.com/live/content/onnnews/stories/2010/09/29/story-dog-pounds-sued.html?sid=102

This is unacceptable by any pound or shelter that is responsible for the welfare of the animals in their care.

Ohio has full licensing for "humane" euthanasia by means of lethal injection. To continue with a "homemade gas box" or injecting air into an animal's stomach is inexcusable.

The people of Fayette county should hang their heads in shame for allowing such barbaric practices to continue. This also applies to any other county in Ohio that continues to use unacceptable means of euthanasia for stray and homeless animals.

I hope that you are as outraged as I am and will make your voices heard.


Jo Ann & "gang"

The Opportunity to Overcome

Dear Readers:

The following story was sent to me by a good friend, and I felt it was truly worth sharing as we seldom see anything good written about a Pit Bull. I am thankful that it has received such an overwhelming response!

I want to thank everyone who left comments on this article. Although I wish I could take credit for this rescue, it was actually an Animal Control Officer who is the real HERO, here.

Unfortunately, I don't know the name of this person, nor do I know where the story originated from. It only says "Washington", which could mean just about anywhere. So, if any of you should stumble across more information, PLEASE share it with us. If I should find out more, I'll do the same.

Again, so sorry if it was misleading to my readers. Even though I've had a hand in helping to save many a bully breed, I can't take credit for this one. The ACO who was called to pick up the dogs is the "true" HERO for this Happy Ending.

I am, however, overwhelmed by the response I received. It is truly heartwarming to know that there are people out here who have looked past the stigma of the word "PIT BULL" and have shared their wonderful stories and experiences with these amazing dogs.

As I said, all too often, we hear and see only the negative aspects of the "Bully Breed".

Hopefully, My Pet Rescue Blog has shared some of the more POSITIVE sides to these dogs and is helping to erase the stigma attached to the breed.

Please keep sharing these wonderful stories about your own Pit Bulls. Hopefully, one of these days, we can convenience our lawmakers, law enforcement, and our communities that it is NOT the breed but rather the irresponsible, and sometimes cruel, "human" who is to blame. PUNISH THE DEED, NOT THE BREED.

My best to all of you.

Jo Ann & "gang"

____________________________________________

I am a Pennsylvania State Dog Warden and I received a call concerning two strays that showed up on a front porch early one morning.

When I got there, this is who greeted me:

A female Pit Bull and a male Chihuahua.
The Chihuahua was guarding the Pit Bull!!!

They looked to have been on their own for a while. The Chihuahua was missing fur and the Pit Bull had an injured paw.

I was able to slip a leash over the Pit Bull and walk her into a cage and put her in my truck.

However, the Chihuahua would not allow me to get near him but would not leave the Pit Bull behind…….So I thought of a plan to get the Chihuahua into my truck.

My first option was to make a ramp by using a board.

This proved to be a bit too challenging for the little guy.

I found a stool and it worked like a charm! Perfect! He was in!

Once on the tailgate though, the Chihuahua would not let me get near without putting up a fuss!

Every time I neared, he would bark and snarl, cautioning me to stay away. If I came too close he would jump off and we would start all over again. So I sat on the ground, about 25 feet away, and slowly scooted my way over, all the time having a conversation with a Chihuahua that was guarding a Pit Bull!

Eventually he let me get close enough so we could have a face to face & heart to heart discussion.

I told him that his intentions were very noble and would not go unrewarded for the both of them.

-- Unfortunately with the abundance of Pit Bulls and general misunderstanding of the breed, they are not easily adopted and when found by a Dog Warden, Animal Control officer or Dog Catcher, they usually end up at an Animal Control facility that holds them for 48 hours. If they are not claimed, they are euthanized. However due to this little guy’s tenacity and I do believe true affection for his Pit Bull lady, I was not going to let that happen. --

So with my promise to be their protector, he let me pick him up.

However he wanted nothing to do with separate cages. So together they went!


I took the Chihuahua, his Pit Bull and their story to the Washington County Humane Society.

It took some time to get them into the shelter, not because of who they were, but due to lack of space. Their story of dedication and should I dare say love won the hearts of everyone who came in contact with them. Eventually a space was set up for them in a restroom in the lobby and they settled in. The shelter intends to find them a home that they can share together.




The happy ending to this story is not a typical one for most Pit Bulls who are running at large.

It took the determination of this one small, scrappy Chihuahua to save the life of this Pit Bull.

Can you imagine how many lives could be saved if we humans took the time to look past the stereotype and really looked at each dog as a dog?

You may find a loving, loyal and dedicated companion to fight for like our Chihuahua friend did.

This little man and I both extend thanks to the Washington County Humane Society for giving them a second chance at a life together.

Perhaps this story will give you a second chance to revisit your thoughts and opinions concerning Pit Bulls. They deserve the opportunity to overcome a stereotype that can most certainly lead them to death.

These two thank you for that opportunity.

Adopting a Shelter Dog - Free Book

Rescuing a dog from a shelter is a wonderful way to give a dog a second chance at life, and find yourself a new best friend. But, how do you help start this new relationship off on the right paw? This FREE Guide walks you through the first seven days of adopting a rescue dog.

Veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright and Editor Misty Weaver take you through the first seven days, from selecting a dog that will be a good fit with your family (Chapter Four) through to establishing routines (Chapter Seven), and socialization (Chapter Eleven). Each chapter ends with a real story from a family that adopted a rescue dog, sharing with you the joys and the challenges that accompany any adoption.

Get this GREAT resource by visiting: http://www.dogfencediy.com/rescue-dog/.

The Butcher of Licking County Strikes Again

This is a note I received from a fellow rescuer:

Dear All,

Jon Luzio, aptly named the Butcher of Licking County, for happily dragging puppies, kittens, dogs and cats that whimpered for their lives to a gas chamber, resigned effective on September 2010. (Let's just say that Mr. Luzio considered his options limited, given his reputation for killing animals that were slated for rescue and adoption and the public outrage that followed.)

Out of pure spite and sadism, Luzio has evidently gone on a killing spree, until he leaves in September of 2010.

My suggestion: lets all email the Licking County Commissioners and demand his resignation effective TODAY. Luzio is incompetent, period. There is no further need for his employment.

Worse, there were dogs that had been adopted that Luzio killed, in his own words, "because he can".

Please see below and rain emails on the Licking County Commissioners demanding Luzio's termination of employment as of June 14th, 2010. Please email them as soon as you receive this communication.

The fact that Luzio is killing animals that had already been adopted is just insane!

Licking County Commissioners

Tim Bubb - tbubb@lcounty.com (at lcounty.com)

Doug Smith - dsmith@lcounty.com (at lcounty.com)

Brad Feightner - bfeightner@lcounty.com (at lcounty.com)

Thank you.


Previous post:
http://mypetrescueblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/licking-county-dog-pound.html

US Stamps for Shelters

Starting April 30, 2010, the U.S. Postal Service is selling stamps featuring pets that were adopted from shelters. Sales of these stamps help buy food for shelter pets. What a great idea!

Order yours today at www.stampstotherescue.com or get them at your local U.S. post office.

Sample of the Animal Shelter Stamps

STOP THE HOWLOCAUST - Licking County Dog Pound Rally

STOP THE HOWLOCAUST

SATURDAY, APRIL 10th from 10AM to 2PM
at Licking County DOG POUND
544 Dog Leg Road Heath, OH 43056

Where: Heath, Ohio 36 miles east of Columbus (Central location to be announced soon!!)

Out of Town Supporters:
Please RSVP if you’d like us to supply you with a sign getridofthegaschamber@gmail.com

Questions? Send to getridofthegaschamber@gmail.com

Media Inquiries: SLMYERS1080@gmail.com or 740-973-3060

More Info?: www.lickingcountypac.com & FaceBook Page
Get-Rid-of-the-Gas-Chamber-at-the-Licking-County-Animal-Shelter

Community Meeting: Wednesday, April 14th starting at 6:30 pm in the Heath High School Cafeteria.

Licking County Dog Pound

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO!

I find it somewhat hard to write a comment on this video as I usually try to post the brighter side of companion animals and what an important role they play in our lives. They are truly one of God's amazing creations. They entertain us, they protect us, but most importantly... they love us unconditionally, and stay steadfast and true till the very end. Now, just how many of you can say that about a friend or even a spouse?

With that being said, let me try to address the importance of this graphic video.

First of all, I couldn't even watch it all the way through as I felt myself getting sick. Being a rescuer for many years, I fully understand that this horrible means of euthanasia still exists in many areas of our country. Some pounds still use heart stick, which is nothing more than jamming a needle, hooked up to electricity, into the animal's heart and turning on the "juice". These animals have no form of sedation and are basically tortured to death. Gas chambers aren't any better. Tragically, there are still some states within our country that do not have licensing for "humane euthanasia" by injection, which I find unbelievable in the year "2010". However, OHIO does, indeed, have this licensing but, unfortunately, we still have county pounds here that refuse to move into the 21st century by continuing this barbaric means for disposal of the pet overpopulation problem. Even sadder is the fact that these "good 'ole boys" seem to enjoy the horrific death they inflict upon these poor discarded animals.

Hooray for Bonnie Mansfield (see article links below) and her efforts to bring this problem in Licking County to light. However, it just isn't Licking County. There are many other counties, within Ohio, that refuse to evolve out of the "Dark Ages" as well.

Now, yes, I do understand that "euthanasia" is still needed because people just can't seem to grasp the concept of "SPAY OR NEUTER" your pets, along with the "back yard breeders" and puppy mills... and until they do, we will continue to have this overwhelming problem of too many animals with nowhere to go.

However, if these animals need to die, there is absolutely no reason why they should have to suffer the cruelty of gas chambers (or heart stick) at the hands of people like Jon Luzio.

Shame on the residents of Licking County for giving this "good 'ole boy" a salary of over $47,000 a year to continue gassing poor animals when lethal injection is available. Perhaps if the good citizens of this county voted for a "decrease" in his salary, Licking County could afford the Sodium Pentobarbital needed for a more humane practice of euthanasia.

Please remember that "YOU" are part of the problem unless "YOU" take action. If your state or county still uses unacceptable forms of euthanasia, STAND UP AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD. This is the 21st Century. If we can put men into space... then there is no reason any animal should have to suffer the tortures of being gassed or electrocuted.

I think this quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. says it all:

"Never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way."


Writer challenges 'Watchdog'
Letter to the Editor - Buckeye Lake Beacon
January 30, 2010

Watchdog responds to critic
Letter to the Editor - Buckeye Lake Beacon
February 6, 2010

Watchdog says director, gas chamber need to go
Letter to the Editor - Buckeye Lake Beacon
February 20, 2010

Remembering Allie

On the morning of Sunday, January 24, 2010, two men suspected of at least six home invasions on the east side of Columbus came to Allie's house to attempt yet another one.

When the men approached the door, Allie started barking.

One of the men fired 3 shots through the door, killing Allie.

But Allie's barking woke the only person in the house, who was able to get a look at the men and also get away, unharmed.

Later that evening the two men were arrested with not only the items they took that night, but items from other home invasions they committed.

Allie did exactly what she was supposed to do, protect her home under any circumstances. Her unselfish actions are directly responsible for the person in the house getting away un-harmed.

On the Monday after this tragedy, Allie's family contacted HSDC, writing:

"Please help us memorialize Allie by donating a small gift in her name to the Humane Society of Delaware County. Lets take something bad and do something good!!"

To make a donation in Allie's memory, please visit:
http://www.hsdcohio.org/

Montcalm Shelter in Michigan - R&R Contract Needs to End NOW!

This is an update to previous posts on the animal shelter in Montcalm County, Michigan:

Action Alert - Montcalm Shelter in Michigan - R&R Contract Needs to End NOW!
We Need ACTION!

The Blue Ribbon Committee recommended that the Montcalm County Animal Shelter Contract with R&R be ended on April 30th. The board of commissioners will consider the recommendation at their meeting on April 27th.

Thanks to Committee members Steve Crouse, Dr. Carpenter, Fran Schuleit, and Rhonda Waldorf, who put the rhetoric aside, took a hard look at the facts, did the research and came up with the UNDISPUTABLE reasons to END IT NOW!

We are in need of your POLITE letters and faxes to the commissioners before their meeting on April 27th to vote on the contract (contact info below). Remember to thank the committee for all their hard work and emphasis on to the commissioners that the committee recommendation was on an analysis of the facts and hard research - not just a knee jerk reaction - and that this was the very reason to appoint the committee - to evaluate the situation and come up with a recommendation that had the best interests of the county and its citizens in mind.

Some points to mention in your letters and faxes:

Animal shelter recommendations

Recommendations for the Montcalm County Animal Shelter that the County Board of Commissioners will consider on April 27:

Citizens advisory board

• The board would help with fundraising, goal planning, updating the policy and procedure manual, establish a responsible pet ownership education program, work with rescue groups and community leaders, assist with adoption protocols and advertising animals up for adoption. Initial members would be Animal Control Director Patty Lentz, Fran Schuleit of Greenville, Dr. Randy Carpenter of Greenville, Rhonda Waldorf of Sheridan, District 1 County Commissioner Ron Blanding, a member of the veterinary advisory board and a county resident at large.

Veterinary advisory board

• Local veterinarians would consult with shelter staff on health and safety issues for animals and pet sterilization. Initial members would be three veterinarians from the county, a citizens advisory board member and Lentz.

Action plan for policies and procedures

• Implement a new software program already purchased to track animals in the shelter by April 30.
• Begin using a new microchip scanner that was donated.
• Get new signs.
• Purchase a secured safe to hold euthanization drugs.
• Provide more office space.
• Build kennel partitions.
• Install eye wash stations.
• Provide a new medical room to be set up by the veterinary advisory board.
• Complete staff training on officer safety, animal bites, cleaning, adoptions procedure, transportation, when to involve police, emergencies, dog fighting, when to involve the DNR, use of restraints, temperament testing and nutrition.
• Allow the citizens advisory board to review the county's recently amended animal control ordinance again.
• Install water bowls in each kennel and do away with the existing spigot system.
• Follow up to make sure people who adopt a pet get it spayed or neutered.
• Improve community outreach by working on education materials, launching a Web site and educating the community about pet ownership.
• Encourage philanthropy by launching endowment through a local community foundation.
  

Disposal of animals

• Have animal carcasses cremated at Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetery in Byron Center or in a crematorium that can be donated instead of giving them to R&R Research to sell.

Disposition of animals

• Work better with other animal shelters and rescue groups to ensure more animals are adopted. People could take their animals back from the shelter and bring them to a research institution if they choose.

We need letters mailed or faxed to the Commissioners (an e-mail is too easy to delete). PLEASE write, fax or call today. PLEASE KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL!!! Fax # for the commissioners - 989-831-7375!

District 1- Ron Blanding
403 W High Street
Greenville, MI 48838
(616) 225-7972

District 2- Tom Lindeman
8060 S. Backus Road
Greenville, MI 48838
(616) 754-4918
tblindeman [at] sbcglobal.net

District 3- Ron Retzloff
786 S. Senator Rd.
Crystal, MI 48818
(989) 235-6827
comish [at] casair.net

District 4- John Johansen
3503 S. Monroe Rd.
Greenville, MI 48838
(616) 754-5375
johm [at] pathwaynet.com

District 5- Carl Paepke
18419 Stanton Rd. NW
Pierson, MI 49339
(616) 636-5692

District 6- Ron Baker
PO Box 91
Howard City, MI 49329
(231) 937-5465
rbaker68amx [at] hotmail.com

District 7- Pat Carr
10397 Almy Rd.
Lakeview, MI 48850
(989) 352-8129

District 8- Roger Caris
8984 E. Deaner Rd.
Vestaburg, MI 48891
(989) 268-5875
rbaker68amx [at] hotmail.com

District 9-Steven Crouse
8701 Session Rd
Carson City, MI 48811
(989) 235-4696
rbaker68amx [at] hotmail.com

Toledo Dog Warden Skeldon Resigns

A most pleasant follow up for the Lucas County post on the blog. Mr. Skeldon has resigned!!

From the November 19th issue of The Toledo Blade:

Skeldon says he will step down Dec. 31,
but Konop wants him dismissed immediately

Lucas County Dog Warden Tom Skeldon has submitted a letter of resignation, effective Jan. 31, but Commissioner Ben Konop wants the warden to leave his office immediately.

"I am not comfortable with him as our dog warden for even another day," Mr. Konop announced at a Thursday afternoon news conference.

The commissioner, a vocal critic of the warden, commended Mr. Skeldon for "having the courage" to step aside but said he plans to introduce a motion at Tuesday's commissioners' meeting for his immediate dismissal.

If that motion fails, Mr. Konop said he will then seek the warden's suspension until his retirement date.

Read the full article at:
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091119/NEWS16/911199999.

From Barbara McGrady of S.P.A.:

Please write "Notes of Thanks" to Jean Keating who will share your comments with other Ohio Coalition of Dog Advocates. They worked hard to create the positive changes happening at the Lucas County Dog Pound!

Email: canineadvocate1 [at] yahoo.com
http://www.ohiocoalitionofdogadvocates.com/

We have Jean and her group to thank for this
HUGE VICTORY!!