Well, what can I say? After months of calling for change at the Baltimore County Animal Shelter, the beginnings of change are now at our doorstep. Baltimore County has announced plans to alter its animal services in several very important ways. The county will
Implement a pilot TNR program (see my previous post to learn all about TNR)
Create two new full-time positions at the Baltimore County Animal Shelter: 1) a volunteer coordinator and 2) a foster care coordinator, both of which will facilitate greater adoption opportunities
Expand low-cost spay and neuter programs through satellite locations on the east and west sides of the county this spring and summer
It turns out that over the past months, County Executive Kevin Kamenetz has had an ongoing dialogue with Jen Brause, the Executive Director of the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS).
I've long seen Jen as a dedicated, pragmatic and knowledgeable shelter administrator who has created remarkable life-saving progress at BARCS. Clearly, Kamenetz recognized those qualities as well. I cannot commend him enough for reaching out to her. And I thank Jen for offering her time and expertise to the county.
All of the new shelter plans have been announced as the county moves toward the opening of its new shelter facility, which is under construction and is scheduled to open this fall.
On another front, the County Council recently approved a bill that will create a Commission to look into shelter issues and make recommendations. The members of that Commission should be announced soon.
So, the months ahead will be very busy and there's a lot of work to be done. There are many (including me) who would like to see Baltimore County replicate the actions of Baltimore City which created a public/private partnership with BARCS, allowing it to become a non-profit organization. The same kind of partnership would allow the Baltimore County Animal Shelter greater autonomy to implement change. Perhaps that may come down the road.
For now, let's give credit where credit is due. It's not easy to take a first step in a new direction. I hope all who've been clamoring for change will recognize the courage and vision this has taken and will send words of support to County Executive Kamenetz.
And don't forget the dedicated county employees who work at the Baltimore County Animal Shelter. They've had to listen as criticism about the shelter swirled around them over the past months. They must be feeling a little anxious as the ground shifts beneath their feet. They work with the shelter's animals every day, and no doubt want what is best for them, as we all do. Let's give them encouragement.
I expect to interview County Executive Kamenetz soon and will include that taped interview on this blog. I hope all my readers will applaud him and give him support as he works for better outcomes for all of our county's animals.
For starters, I want to thank my latest advertisers on Save 90: The Len Stoler Auto Group Eddie's of Roland Park on North Charles Street and Studio 111. You'll find their ads below the text of this post as well as a tally of funds raised so far and a thank you from the latest group to receive a $750 check from Save 90. A big thank you as well to Mark Brodinsky who profiled me and Save 90 in his blog called The Sunday Series. Here's the link if you want to check it out. http://markbrodinsky.com/the-sunday-series-58-with-mark-brodinsky/ Before we talk TNR, here's the news...two items on the statewide level. Shelter Standards Bill 13 members of the Md House of Delegates have signed on to The Animal Shelter Standards Act of 2015 (HB 876) which has been introduced in Annapolis in an effort to create some standardization for the way shelters are run in Maryland. Here's a summary: "Requiring an animal shelter to develop and adhere to a specified written veterinary care protocol; stating specified requirements for the written veterinary protocol; requiring an animal shelter to meet specified veterinary care requirements; requiring an animal shelter to maintain specified holding periods; stating specified criteria for an animal shelter to seize, impound, or otherwise take custody of a specified cat; requiring an animal shelter to take specified steps to determine the identity of an animal in its custody; etc." There's great excitement over the bill and the concept of getting some uniformity in the way shelters operate. But not everyone feels the bill's wording is perfect. Jen Brause, the Executive Director of BARCS in Baltimore was part of a meeting held to work on the language of the bill. She says, "I think the intent of the bill is very good and animal shelters should be operating under best practices in order to save as many lives as possible. The most recent version of the bill is an improvement over the original version but there are still minor amendments that need to be made in order for me to support the bill." We'll be following the progress of HB 876. Its hearing date is Wednesday March 4th at 1PM in Annapolis. Statewide Rabies Regulations Here's an item of great concern relating to the subject of today's post, Trap Neuter Return (TNR). The Maryland Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene has proposed new statewide regulations concerning rabies that, among other things, will require feral cat caretakers to vaccinate cats and provide repeat vaccinations. Many, including the ASPCA are very concerned about these proposed rules and the burden they will place on caretakers. Some say this will strengthen local laws against TNR. There will surely be efforts to encourage revisions during a comment period for the proposed regulations. I'll have more on this in the coming weeks. And now the subject of today's post: Trap Neuter Return (TNR)-It's Time That Baltimore County Adopted It What do you do with tens of millions of cats? That's how many cats the ASPCA estimates are free-roaming in the United States. It's a daunting number. These cats are a mixture of truly feral or wild cats, abandoned or lost animals, and their offspring. For decades, the answer to the problem in many communities (including Baltimore County) has been to trap unwanted cats and kill them. Yet the number of these cats continues to grow. A Different Solution-Trap Neuter Return Trap Neuter Return or TNR is a relatively new way of managing the free-roaming cat population that is gaining in use and popularity. It involves trapping cats, spaying or neutering them, vaccinating them and then returning them to the place where they were found. When 90-100% of cats in a given colony are spayed or neutered, that effectively stops reproduction and stabilizes the colony's numbers. According to Wikipedia, TNR came into use in the U.S. in the late 60's. Today it's embraced as an effective solution in many countries and in cities all over the United States, including Baltimore City, Washington D.C., N.Y., Boston, Oklahoma City, Houston, San Antonio, Beverly Hills, San Francisco...it’s even done at Disney Land and Disney World! One place that refuses to do TNR is Baltimore County. Despite the growing number of cities turning to Trap Neuter Return, our Baltimore County government remains opposed to TNR and refuses to allow it. Baltimore County continues to rely on Trap and Kill. And the number of cats killed at the Baltimore County Animal Shelter (BCAS) reflects that philosophy. In 2013, 2800 cats were impounded at BCAS. Of that number, 1947 or 69.6% (almost 70%!) were euthanized. Are there fewer cats roaming our community? No. Why? There's a very good reason. Cats congregate in colonies, usually around shelter and a food source. When Animal Control agents trap and remove some members of a cat colony, this creates what's known as the "Vacuum Effect". That means other cats will move in to fill the vacuum in the colony and take advantage of the food source that's there. Then reproduction starts all over again. So, a growing number of communities are turning to TNR. It's not only humane; many (including the ASPCA and many other animal organizations) believe it's the only method of controlling cat populations that works. I'll talk more about Baltimore County's position on TNR in just a few moments. But first let's talk about a TNR program in use in Baltimore City. The Community Cat Project There are many groups performing TNR in Baltimore City. One of them is the Community Cat Project, based out of the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS). BARCS received a one million dollar grant for the program from Best Friends Animal Society and PetSmart Charities. Watching the Community Cat Project in action is pretty amazing. Take a look.
In case you didn't watch the video, one point bears repeating. The Community Cat Project has had a real impact on the number of stray cats coming into the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) with an accompanying 34% decrease in cat euthanasia. BARCS's Executive Director Jen Brause says, "We know that program [has] prevented thousands and thousands of litters." In addition to the Community Cat Project at BARCS, Best Friends Animal Society and PetSmart Charities are running similar programs in 5 other cities as well. Says Barbara Williamson of Best Friends Animal Society, "By sterilizing and vaccinating thousands of cats annually in communities across the country, we are reducing shelter intake and shelter killing of cats." According to Ashley Sheridan, the SPCA's Spay/Neuter Program Manager, "TNR is the most effective and humane way to reduce our community cat population." In addition, she points out, the health of the overall cat colony is improved because the cats are examined by a vet and vaccinated. And here's one more important point. The Community Cat Project and other TNR programs recognize the valid concern of homeowners who want to keep cats off their property, so they provide solutions. There are all kinds of products that work including motion activated sprinklers, and an ultrasonic, battery-operated cat repellent with a motion detector. So why is Baltimore County so opposed to TNR? I'd like to answer that question, but I can't. That's because County officials say they've been instructed by lawyers to say nothing about the county's animal shelter while a lawsuit filed against the shelter is pending. I don't understand why they're prohibited from explaining a county policy. Not only is Baltimore County against TNR, but officials regularly spread false information about it. It's difficult to know whether county officials are uneducated or misinformed, or whether they simply want to turn county residents against TNR by spreading false information. They regularly say untrue things about it and describe it as a terrible idea proposed by a small (read:wacky) group of animal advocates. Here's just one example. When the Baltimore County Council recently introduced a bill to create a Commission to look into the shelter, Ellen Kobler, a spokeswoman for County Executive Kevin Kamenetz was quoted in the Capitol Gazette as saying the bill appeared to be "an overreaction to a small group of advocates who are part of a national movement demanding that the county and all public shelters release wild, feral cats into our neighborhoods." This makes it sound as though TNR supporters are in favor of finding feral cats and dumping them around the county. The cats, of course, are already there. At the very least, it completely misses the long view. By placing a neutered cat back in the colony where it was found, you prevent a cat capable of reproducing from taking its place and creating more cats. The county's present policy is never going to get us anywhere. On the C4 show on WBAL, County Executive Kamenetz recently said, "There's a very small group of advocates...and they believe...cats should be trapped, neutered, and released back into the wild and our health officer says those stray cats...carry diseases." This ignores the fact that the cats go back into the colony vetted and vaccinated. So here are the facts: •Trap and Kill does not reduce the number of free-roaming cats so the county's program is ineffective. •TNR is not only humane but is the only method of population control shown to stabilize the number of cats in a colony. •If it's disease that concerns you, TNR'd cats are vetted and vaccinated, and therefore, healthier. It would appear that all of the County's arguments fall flat. Instead of railing against Trap Neuter Return as some extreme idea, endorsed by only "a small group of advocates", our county officials should acknowledge what is actually true: that TNR is endorsed by municipalities all over the country (not to mention the Disney properties.) Baltimore County should admit that Trap and Kill doesn't work and that killing close to 70% of cats in our Baltimore County Animal Shelter is a disgrace. Our government should stop spreading fear through misinformation, and embrace TNR as an effective and humane alternative. "Ideas...are the natural born enemy of the way things are." I heard that expression on a GE commercial recently. It certainly resonates here. It's disappointing because I want my Baltimore County government to welcome ideas. Ideas move us forward. By staying stuck in outdated Trap and Kill efforts, Baltimore County is not only killing countless cats needlessly, it's endorsing an effort that doesn't even work. Now the newest Save 90 ads from the Len Stoler Auto Group Eddie's of Roland Park on N. Charles St. and Studio 111
The latest rescue group to receive a $750 check from Save 90 is Recycled Love. Here's a message from that group.
And now a tally of the funds raised so far by Save 90. $5596.00 Thank you to all Save 90 advertisers! Here's the growing list of Save 90 advertisers. I hope you'll support them. Chesapeake Contracting Needles and Threads of Ruxton Bare Necessities Edie Brown Associates The Mark Building Company Studio of Makeup BJS Insurance Parsonizing Dry Cleaners Graul's Market Zibazz Hair Studio Linens and Lingerie Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection Nationwide Nissan The Jewelry Lady The Big Screen Store and The Sofa Store Barre at the Quarry The Lichter Group The Little Shoebox Window Consultants, Inc.
Matava Shoes
Gourmet Again
Four Corners Travel Charles Levine Caterers Len Stoler Auto Group Eddie's of Roland Park on North Charles Street Studio 111 Recipients of Save 90: Animal Allies Rescue Foundation Adopt a Homeless Animal Feine Rescue Association Tara's House Bella's Bully Buddies Homeward Trails Recycled Love
Consider this a Save 90 mini post. Click on the video below to see how many people celebrated Valentines Day at the Baltimore Humane Society...taking vows of forever friendship with their pets. Wishing you lots of love on Valentines Day from the pets in your life!
New Save 90 Ads: Before we dive in to this post, I want to thank Save 90's latest Baltimore County advertisers: Gourmet Again, Four Corners Travel and Charles Levine Caterers Their ads will appear below the text of this post along with the latest tally of money raised through ads so far. If you know a Baltimore County business owner who would like to buy an "ad" on Save 90, please have them email me at debstone01@comcast.net. Big News. Success! We've finally taken the first step toward change at the Baltimore County Animal Shelter. The Baltimore County Council last night (Monday, Feb. 2, 2014) passed Bill 2-15. Councilwoman Vicki Almond drafted the legislation and all 6 of her fellow Council members signed on as co-sponsors. The bill will create an Animal Services Advisory Commission to look into the Baltimore County Animal Shelter and make recommendations. Each Council member will appoint one member to the Commission. Four more will be appointed by County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. There was some concern expressed by animal advocates over an amendment to the bill. It will require Commission members to give a 4- hour notice in order to visit non-public areas of the shelter. According to Steve Heinl, Councilwoman Vicki Almond's legislative aide, this was done as a compromise after the County Administration requested a 48-hour notice. Heinl says the 4 hour compromise seemed reasonable..."that Council members agreed that it is the duty of the Commission to observe and make recommendations, not be inspectors who implement penalties or fines on the shelter." While I believe there should be complete transparency, and I don't understand why there isn't, I'm not overly worried about the four hour notice requirement. I feel that the issues the Commission should be most concerned with deal with the big picture of shelter philosophy and practices. I don't believe the four hour advance notice requirement will diminish what the Commission can accomplish. I spoke at the Council meeting to thank the Council for taking this action. And afterward I interviewed 4 County Council members about why they wanted to create the Commission and what they hope it will accomplish. Here's what they had to say.
More news-Ravens player Terrence Cody indicted Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Terrence Cody has been indicted for animal abuse of his dog and an alligator. Cody, who was released by the Ravens just before the indictment was announced, turned himself in and posted $10,000 bail. An investigation started after Cody took his dog (a bull mastiff) to a veterinarian for treatment and the dog later died. According to the Baltimore Sun, Cody is facing a total of 15 criminal charges including two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty. Now, let's talk about enrichment. When you hear the word, "enrich," you think of making something better. That's exactly what it means for shelter animals. Enrichment in a shelter setting is about supplying dogs and cats with mental stimulation, social interaction and exercise to help alleviate some of the stress of the shelter environment. Enrichment improves animals' mental health and keeps them calmer and happier. This naturally makes them more adoptable.
Anyone who's ever been in a shelter can imagine how stressful it is for animals. Shelter pets find themselves in a place where nothing and no one is familiar. They're confined, behind bars, with lots of loud barking and other unfamiliar noises. Without enrichment, animals that stay for any length of time face a real danger of deterioration in physical and mental health. They may exhibit all kinds of negative behaviors. According to the SPCA of Texas, dogs might "spin in circles, jump, bark frequently and hysterically, chew on kennel bars or on their own bodies. Cats may over-groom, over- or under-eat, sleep around the clock, sleep in their litter boxes, hide under bedding or resist leaving their cubby hole. In serious cases, both cats and dogs may become aggressive, making them unsuitable for adoption. In addition, stressed animals are more likely to get sick." Thats why enrichment is so important. Here's a look at some of the enrichment activities happening at the Baltimore Humane Society, the MD SPCA, and BARCS in Baltimore City.
There was a time, not too long ago, when enrichment was completely off the radar for the Baltimore County Animal Shelter (BCAS). There have been improvements. For one thing, when I visited recently I saw containers of treats outside some of the dogs' cages, so that people walking by could give treats to the dogs. Acting Chief of Animal Services Laura Culbertson says all dogs are walked each day by staff members and all dogs get a toy each night. Cats also get some enrichment. One of the volunteers brought in scratch posts to attach to the cat cages.
As for the dogs, this past summer, Culbertson arranged for the county to renovate a small cottage on the shelter property so it could be used for socialization time. There's a small outdoor fenced area there and a couple of rooms inside.
Culbertson says some dogs are deemed eligible for socialization and approximately 10 volunteers at the shelter are allowed to walk them and take them to the cottage. Here's a look at one of the volunteers, Paul Johnson, and the time he recently spent at BCAS with a dog named Levi.
I applaud Laura Culbertson for making efforts to create enrichment opportunities at BCAS. Things at the shelter have improved under her leadership. Unfortunately it appears changes at the shelter are implemented in a piecemeal fashion when what is needed is a large-scale change in philosophy and practice. The shelter needs a bigger volunteer force with broad responsibilities like BARCS (400 volunteers) and the MD SPCA (800 volunteers). BCAS has only about 20 volunteers with volunteer hours limited to 3-5 P.M. weekdays (not convenient for those who work 9-5) and 11 A.M.-1 P.M. on weekends. With such small windows of time available, one has to wonder how many of the dogs get quality socialization time. In addition, one volunteer recently went to BCAS and found only 3 dogs with the required slip for socialization. Culbertson says things will be better when the new 6 million dollar shelter building is completed later this year. A new building will bring great improvements to the facility. But without broad changes (a bigger volunteer force, more coordination with rescues and a strong foster program), it will simply become a much nicer place for 2500 animals a year to die. Now let's talk ads. Here are the latest Save 90 ads from Andy Hoffman at Gourmet Again, Barbara Rock at Four Corners Travel, and Charles Levine of Charles Levine Caterers.
Here's the growing list of Save 90 advertisers. I hope you'll support them. Chesapeake Contracting Needles and Threads of Ruxton Bare Necessities Edie Brown Associates The Mark Building Company Studio of Makeup BJS Insurance Parsonizing Dry Cleaners Graul's Market Zibazz Hair Studio Linens and Lingerie Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection Nationwide Nissan The Jewelry Lady The Big Screen Store and The Sofa Store Barre at the Quarry The Lichter Group The Little Shoebox Window Consultants, Inc.
Matava Shoes
Gourmet Again
Four Corners Travel Charles Levine Caterers
As you know, all money raised from Save 90 ads goes to area animal rescue groups. Here's a message from the latest rescue group to receive a $750 check from Save 90, Homeward Trails.
So far Save 90 has raised $4860! The following rescues have each received a $750 check from Save 90: Animal Allies Rescue Foundation Adopt A Homeless Animal Feline Rescue Association Tara's House Bella's Bully Buddies Homeward Trails Save 90 will be ready to write its next check very soon!
I feel I need a disclaimer on this post. In the 4 months that I've been writing Save 90, I have consistently tried to be fair, objective and not overly critical of the Baltimore County Animal Shelter (BCAS). I want to be a positive force for change and improvement, not an alarmist or someone who blows things out of proportion. Today I have no choice but to be outraged and deeply saddened by a preventable tragedy that unfolded in recent days at BCAS. This is the story of a puppy whose short life came to an unnecessary end. BCAS euthanized her because she had suspected bite injuries and there was legitimate concern that the puppy might have been exposed to rabies through those suspected bites. As I said, this concern was valid. What unfolded afterward was anything but. The shelter killed the puppy after only two days, well before a required four day stray hold period was up. This, despite an offer from a rescue group to foster the dog during a 6 month quarantine, despite information that the possible owner of the dog had been found, despite the fact that this possible owner said the dog had been vaccinated for rabies, and despite an offer from another shelter to take the puppy. The facts of this story are complicated. I've interviewed many people involved to get the fullest picture possible. Here is a timeline of what unfolded: Early morning hours, Tuesday, Jan. 13 Baltimore County police found a female puppy at an apartment building in Middle River. The puppy, named Briar Rose, had injuries that included lameness in her back right leg, and suspected bite wounds on her body. The police officer took her to a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
Briar Rose On intake, Briar Rose had no temperature, and one veterinarian who saw her described her to me as "playful and sweet." A hospital employee later learned that BCAS planned to take custody of Briar Rose and euthanize her, because of concern that she might have contracted rabies through her injuries. BCAS said the only other alternative was a 6-month quarantine, and the shelter was not able to provide it. The hospital employee, in an effort to save Briar Rose, called Sarah Millard, a board member at Animal Allies Rescue Foundation (AARF). She was hoping AARF could foster the dog and save her life. Approximately 3:15 P.M. Tuesday, Jan. 13 Millard messaged Teresa Fernandez, an AARF volunteer who also volunteers at BCAS. Millard asked Fernandez to notify shelter authorities immediately that AARF wanted to pull the dog and that Millard could foster her during the quarantine period. Fernandez notified shelter officials that Millard was a Baltimore County resident, was vaccinated for rabies, and could foster and quarantine Briar Rose.
8:31 A.M. Wednesday, Jan. 14 Acting Chief of Animal Services Laura Culbertson emailed Teresa Fernandez saying, "We are checking to see if we can release Rose today. Can you pick her up?" Teresa responded that someone could pick up Briar Rose. 11:16 A.M. Wednesday, Jan. 14 Culbertson emailed Fernandez again. She wrote, "Our staff actually will take this puppy.....thanks tho (sic)." 2:30 P.M. Wednesday, Jan. 14 BCAS picked up Briar Rose from the animal hospital. 3:51 P.M. Wednesday, Jan. 14 Fernandez emailed Culbertson saying, "Hold on. I think the original owner has been found. I'll keep you posted." Culbertson did not respond to this email. Around 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, Jan. 14 Briar Rose arrived at BCAS. Unknown time on Wednesday, Jan. 14 An area animal shelter offered to take Briar Rose from BCAS. How did someone find the possible owner of Briar Rose? Sarah Millard of AARF has a friend who knows a maintenance man at the apartment complex where police found the puppy, and contacted him. He asked around, was told who owned the dog, and went to the man's apartment. The man wasn't very cooperative but did say Rose was his and that she had been vaccinated for rabies and was microchipped. 10:30 A.M. Thursday, Jan. 15 An employee at the animal hospital called the shelter to check on the puppy. BCAS informed her Briar Rose had been euthanized...that a decision had been made that no one but a BCAS employee was allowed to foster the puppy and that no one had been able to do so.
So, Briar Rose was euthanized sometime late Wednesday or on Thursday morning. This was done approximately two days after she was found, despite a required four day stray hold requirement. The four day stray hold is intended to give owners a chance to find and reclaim their pets. She was euthanized despite the fact that someone from a reputable rescue group who was rabies vaccinated and a Baltimore County resident was willing to foster and properly quarantine her. She was euthanized despite notification that a possible owner had been found. It appears no one from Animal Control followed up on this information in an effort to find the owner and verify whether the dog had been vaccinated for rabies. She was euthanized despite the fact that another area shelter had offered to take her. Here's an interesting additional fact. When strays come into a shelter, shelter employees give them a name. The name Briar Rose, however, is strangely coincidental. When the maintenance man spoke with the possible owner, he referred to his dog as Rose. How did the shelter know her name was Rose? Was it because the dog was microchipped? The possible owner said she was. If so, why wasn't the microchip information tracked down? I contacted Don Mohler, Chief of Staff for Baltimore County Executive, Kevin Kamenetz and asked for comment on this story. Mohler directed me to a comment the county posted on the Reform Baltimore County Animal Services Facebook page. It reads in part, "Carly Stokum and Jan Markowitz from Communicable Disease in the Health Department were consulted as per policy by me as to the disposition of the puppy. Because of exposure risk, they decided to not put the puppy into the community on a 6 month quarantine. The rules for the quarantine are not fair to the puppy's socialization and put the community at risk if the rules are not followed. We were advised to have the puppy euthanized and sent as lab specimen immediately. A very recent case of a similar situation illustrates the seriousness of these recommendations and the process in which they need to be implemented. A stray puppy with wounds of unknown origin and unknown vaccination status was found in Maryland and adopted by a family in another state. Within 2 weeks the puppy developed rapid onset of symptoms and was laboratory-confirmed rabid. This was a public health decision." Here is a link to Mohler's full comment on Facebook:
I spoke with Dr. Steven Rosenthal, a veterinarian and the owner of Chesapeake Veterinary Cardiology Associates. He serves on the AARF Advisory Board and went to see Briar Rose while she was in the hospital. Dr. Rosenthal described Briar Rose as, "bright, alert, playful, and personable to all staff members." He told me, "I find it unfortunate that this puppy that had a potential for a loving home was euthanized prior to full availability of all information of its health status and prior medical history. I'm not sure what the rush was." What would other shelters in our area do under these circumstances? I asked the Executive Directors of BARCS, the Baltimore Humane Society and the MD SPCA. Here are their responses: Jen Brause, Executive Director of BARCS: "When BARCS takes in a stray animal that has bite marks of unknown origin, we hold it for the stray hold period. The only time it would be put down before its stray hold period is up would be if the animal was near death and unable to be stabilized and/or if the animal was showing clear signs of rabies. Otherwise, if no one came to claim the animal and it was considered adoptable, we would either quarantine it for 6 months at the shelter or would transfer it to one of our rescue partners to carry out the quarantine."
Jen Swanson, Executive Director of the Baltimore Humane Society: "We feel if we had or could find a foster home for it, we would be ok with it. We wouldn't want it in the shelter, not because of rabies necessarily, but because of the lack of human interaction they would get being in quarantine, and just the fact that a kennel is not the same as a home, and could potentially cause stress-induced behavior problems. That said, if they (BCAS) contacted us about this we would do everything possible to make sure the animal didn't get euthanized." Aileeen Gabbey, Executive Director of MD SPCA: "We would do the hold period and work with interested rescues. Rescue groups are best for these tough situations."
My Conclusions Here's the question: Is this case an extraordinary circumstance or is it symptomatic of pervasive problems at the shelter? It would appear to be the latter. Clearly shelter employees and the Baltimore County Health Dept. employees who supervise the shelter failed at every level. Their decisions appear to have been governed by fear rather than best medical practices, informed decisions, and connection to other area shelters and rescue groups. It's a systemic problem that can be repaired only by leadership of the County Executive and the passage of pending County Council legislation to create a Shelter Oversight Commission. The Baltimore County Animal Shelter has made halting progress in recent months. But clearly that progress wasn't enough to save the life of Briar Rose. It's time for leadership that results in major reform.
Final Fact: An employee of the pet hospital that treated Briar Rose says she was notified by her superiors that the lab results showed that Briar Rose did not have rabies. I have emailed county officials to verify this. They have not responded. Because of the serious nature of this post, I have not included any new Save 90 ads. They will resume with my next post. Below is a list of those who have advertised on previous posts: Chesapeake Contracting Needles and Threads of Ruxton Bare Necessities Edie Brown Associates The Mark Building Company Studio of Makeup BJS Insurance Parsonizing Dry Cleaners Graul's Market Zibazz Hair Studio Linens and Lingerie Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection Nationwide Nissan The Jewelry Lady The Big Screen Store and The Sofa Store Barre at the Quarry The Lichter Group The Little Shoebox Window Consultants, Inc. Matava Shoes
As I'm writing this post, I have a cameraman from WJZ over my left shoulder. Unusual company, to be sure. Channel 13 came to my home to do a story on Save 90. Many of you have seen the story, but in case you haven't, and would like to watch, here's the link. http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2014/12/19/familiar-face-pours-her-passion-for-animals-onto-the-page/ New Save 90 ads: Before we talk about this post's subject matter, I want to thank my newest Baltimore County advertisers: The Little Shoebox, Window Consultants, Inc., and Matava Shoes. Their ads will appear below the text of this post along with a thank you video from the latest animal rescue group to get a check from Save 90, as well as a new tally of money raised so far. Now the news...And there's lots of it. First the good news. And it's really good. Efforts to bring change to the Baltimore County Animal Shelter have moved onto a new stage. They came front and center at the meeting of the Baltimore County Council. Newly re-elected 2nd District Councilwoman Vicki Almond has been a very strong supporter of change for the Baltimore County Animal Shelter. She spent a great deal of time and effort crafting a bill to be introduced at the first meeting of the newly (re) elected County Council. The legislation, if approved, will establish a Baltimore County Animal Services Advisory Commission. The Commission will consist of 11 members; each of the seven Baltimore County Council members will appoint one member to the Commission. The other four will be appointed by County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. Of the four members appointed by Kamenetz, one must be a licensed veterinarian, one must be a representative from an animal welfare organization, one must be a person who operates an animal shelter, and the fourth must be an at-large member from the public. Councilwoman Almond sees this Advisory Commission as just a first step toward major change. Watch this video to hear what Councilwoman Almond has to say about this bill.
I'll write more about public/private partnerships in the weeks ahead. At BARCS, it means Baltimore City has a partnership with the shelter and provides some of its operating budget (that's the public part). But BARCS is a 501 c3 (that's the private part) and is responsible for raising the rest of the money it needs to operate. At the time I interviewed, Councilwoman Almond before the bill was introduced, five of her 6 fellow Council members had signed on as co-sponsors of the bill. By the time she introduced the bill at the County Council meeting, all 6 of her fellow Council members were on board. This measure will be veto-proof. The next step for the legislation is discussion at a Council work session on January 27th at 2 PM. The County Council will hold a final vote on the bill at the Feb. 2nd County Council meeting at 6pm. This truly is a first step toward change. It's huge. Now we must keep this moving forward. Please go online, find out the name of your County Council representative. Call his or her office to express support for this bill and/or write an email. If council members don't hear from their constituents, they'll conclude that people don't care about this issue. You're reading this blog. Clearly you do care. Let them know it. Legal News: Three Baltimore County citizens have filed suit against Baltimore County over the Baltimore County Animal Shelter. The suit is a mandamus action, meaning it is asking the court to order Baltimore County to do things it is obliged by county law to do at the shelter but is currently failing to do. For example, it alleges the shelter routinely fails to walk or exercise dogs, fails to provide for the adequate socialization of cats, and fails to provide environmental enrichment for the animals.
The suit, which is not seeking financial damages, has been filed on a pro bono basis by a large Washington, D.C. law firm called Covington and Burling. I spoke with two of the attorneys involved, Kamila Lis and Bryant Lee. They told me the suit includes a number of witnesses who have come forward with statements about what they've seen and experienced at the shelter. Said Lis, "Our facts are strong and our case is strong. Otherwise we wouldn't have brought the case." Don Mohler, Chief of Staff for County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, was quoted in a Baltimore Sun newspaper article on Saturday, saying the lawsuit is "absolutely absurd." The county refused additional comment today. More legal news: You may have read about the recent animal fighting ring bust in Baltimore City. Many dogs were taken in that bust, and six of them are at the Baltimore County Animal Shelter. Because of the pending legal case, they've been placed in something called, "Administrative Hold." That means they may be at the shelter for quite a long period of time while the dog fighting case makes its way through the legal system. According to Baltimore County Health Dept. spokeswoman, Amanda Knittle, "All animals held in custody are cared for by our ....professional animal care staff and veterinarians. Adoptability decisions will have to wait until their status is resolved." Here's the problem. There's a good chance those animals will be caged for weeks and possibly months while prosecutors work on this case. Being caged for that length of time is obviously not an ideal situation at all. Save 90 hopes Baltimore County will seek out rescues willing to take these dogs and keep them in foster care while the case is resolved. Now a story of volunteerism and of diamonds in the rough: If you've ever been amazed by before and after pictures in beauty magazines, you know what a little sprucing up can do. But those pictures don't begin to compare with the transformations that can take place in an animal shelter. Many shelters don't have the money to have a full-time or even part-time professional groomer on staff. That's where volunteers come in...people like Animal Groomer Chris Goldsmith who volunteers her time at Anne Arundel County Animal Control. Animals often arrive in shelters dirty and matted. They don't exactly put their best paw forward to potential adopters. Chris helps peel away this outer layer to show the beauty of the animals that lies beneath. Take a look.
Robin S. Catlett, Administrator of Anne Arundel County Animal Control says, "Our shelter staff, volunteers and the animals greatly appreciate Chris donating her time and services to helping the animals in need. She has had a positive impact on countless animals since she began volunteering with our shelter." I often criticize the Baltimore County Animal Shelter, but here I have to give them great credit. One of the shelter's staff members has duties that include grooming. For those shelters that don't have groomers on staff, volunteers like Chris Goldsmith make all the difference. Now, for the latest Save 90 ads: Thank you to The Little Shoebox, Window Consultants, Inc. and Matava Shoes:
Because of money raised through its advertisements, Save 90 has written its 5th check for $750 to an area animal rescue group...this one to Bella's Bully Buddies:
Here's the growing list of Save 90's advertisers...I hope you'll support them: Chesapeake Contracting Needles and Threads of Ruxton Bare Necessities Edie Brown Associates The Mark Building Company Studio of Makeup BJS Insurance Parsonizing Dry Cleaners Graul's Market Zibazz Hair Studio Linens and Lingerie
Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection
Nationwide Nissan The Jewelry Lady
The Big Screen Store and The Sofa Store
Barre at the Quarry
The Lichter Group
The Little Shoebox
Window Consultants, Inc.
Matava Shoes
Because of Save 90's advertisers, Save 90 has now raised $4100 for area animal rescue groups. Thank you. If you or someone you know owns a Baltimore County business and would like to advertise on Save 90, please have them contact me at debstone01@comcast.net.
A lot of news to report on this post...perhaps the most since I started writing Save 90. I have news about the Chief of Animal Services job, remarks by Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz on a radio show last week, as well as Save 90's second video on rescue. In the first video on my last post, we saw how rescues work hand in hand with animal shelters. This time, we'll examine how rescue organizations accomplish their work, how they pay for it, and how they change the lives of so many animals. First I want to thank Save 90's newest advertisers: The Big Screen Store and The Sofa Store, Barre. at the Quarry, and The Lichter Group. You'll find their ads below the text of this post as well as a tally of funds raised through these ads for animal rescue groups. Now, some news: On my last post, I reported that Baltimore County was going to begin interviewing applicants for a new Chief of Animal Services. One of those applying for the job was Jen Swanson, now the Executive Director of the Baltimore Humane Society. Last week, Jen got a phone call from the county, informing her that her interview was cancelled. To learn why, I emailed Monique Lyle, the Public Information Officer for the Baltimore County Health Dept. which runs the county shelter. Lyle replied, "We did not attract a sufficient number of candidates to evaluate so we have cancelled all interviews. We are evaluating how we want to move forward." When I asked how many had applied, she answered that about a dozen had done so. That would seem like a rather large group of applicants. And, as I mentioned earlier, the list included someone who currently runs a shelter in our area, Jen Swanson. I don't know who the other applicants were, or their qualifications, but it's difficult to understand why county officials didn't think it worth their time to interview Swanson and learn what she would bring to the table. Says Swanson, "I'm very disappointed. I really thought I had a good shot at it, and I was looking forward to getting in there and helping save animals while also protecting public safety." A staff member of one Baltimore County Council member wrote a local animal advocate about the matter, "I have been given the impression that the County Executive and Dr. Branch are looking for a candidate that is in step with their political philosophy as it relates to Animal Services. That may be why Ms. Swanson, as qualified as she might be, is not being chosen." Here's the only way I can interpret this: anyone with differing views on how the shelter should be run has absolutely no shot at getting the job. That's disappointing to say the least because, while there have been some improvements at the shelter, and construction has begun on a new shelter facility, it's not what's needed most. What is called for is a change in philosophy, a move toward a mindset like the one that guides BARCS, the shelter in Baltimore City. BARCS is the equivalent of the Baltimore County Shelter in that it's an open admission shelter. It must accept every animal surrendered by pet owners as well as every animal picked up as a stray on the streets of the city. BARCS takes in almost two and a half times as many animals as the Baltimore County Shelter. Yet it accomplishes so much more...more rescue coordination, more volunteers, more fosters, more enrichment, more concern over each animal's life. While Baltimore County's euthanasia rate is 50%, BARCS' euthanasia rate is just over 20%. For reasons I cannot comprehend, that kind of operation is apparently not in step with the county's political philosophy as it relates to Animal Services.
On to the title of this post: Rescue Groups-How They Do It Two point seven million. The Humane
Society of the United States estimates that's the number of healthy animals killed in U-S animal shelters in2012. It's just a number...until you
think about each individual healthy life that ends prematurely with an injection or inside
a gas chamber. In my last post, we looked at the ways
rescue organizations help reduce the number of animals killed in animal shelters.
Now let's see how rescue groups carry out their life-saving work. I spent time with the volunteer members of Animal Allies Rescue Foundation, also known as AARF, one of the animal rescue groups in the Baltimore area. AARF has saved almost 500 animals since it formed in 2012. Take alook.
Animals that land in shelters and are taken out by rescue groups are all too often victims of the shortcomings of human beings. It's our job as caring people to do what we can to help them heal and stop their suffering. That's what rescue groups are all about. Here's where Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz comes in. On Dec. 3rd, he was a guest on the C4 show on WBAL Radio. A caller asked why the shelter is killing so many animals. Her approach was confrontational and not constructive. She stood little chance of getting a good response as a result. That said, here is what Kamenetz had to say: "You have to really understand what the role is of Baltimore County. We take animals of last resort...the animals that no one else wants. No one else wants to adopt them or they're abandoned or they're disfigured and we then always have to take those animals. A lot of private shelters, when they reach their capacity, they stop taking new pets in." These are not animals of last resort. The shelter is a place of last resort for them. They are not the animals no one else wants. They are the animals someone doesn't want. It's clear from the video above, rescue groups do want these pets, so much so, in fact, that they raise thousands upon thousands of dollars to get them medical care. Then they give them to families who want to take these pets home and love them forever. My first rescue, Arthur, was a perfect example. You'll see his picture above. Ironically, I found him at the Baltimore County Animal Shelter about 25 years ago. He had been picked up on the streets as a stray. He was filthy, his hair matted from root to end. At first glance, it was difficult to imagine anyone wanting him. I had him groomed and took him home. He was beautiful and sweet and I loved him until he died 13 years later. Is it possible that our county officials don't see what's underneath the dirt, the matting, the injuries, fear, and anxiety? Do they really believe these animals are different from pets that come from breeders? The only difference between them is the fact that shelter pets have been unwanted, neglected or abused. It's true, our Baltimore County shelter cannot pick and choose which animals it accepts. It must take in every animal that comes through its doors. But that's not an excuse for placing too little value on each life. Not every one of them can be saved. Some are too sick, too old, or too aggressive. But if we believe it's worth trying to save as many a possible, that is a shift in perspective. It has the potential to move us along the road to saving 90.
Now for Save 90's latest ads from The Big Screen Store and Sofa Store, Barre. at the Quarry, and the Lichter Group.
Here's the growing list of Save 90 advertisers:
Chesapeake Contracting Needles and Threads of Ruxton Bare Necessities Edie Brown Associates The Mark Building Company Studio of Makeup BJS Insurance Parsonizing Dry Cleaners Graul's Market Zibazz Hair Studio Linens and Lingerie
Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection
Nationwide Nissan The Jewelry Lady
The Big Screen Store and The Sofa Store
Barre at the Quarry
The Lichter Group I hope you'll support these businesses. Their ads have contributed $3910 to Save 90. As a result, I'm preparing to write my 5th check for $750 to an area animal rescue group. More on that in the next post. If you know of a Baltimore County business owner who might like to advertise on Save 90, please ask them to contact me at debstone01@comcast.net. Special thanks to Jennifer Kahn for her help on Save 90 this week!
