Beschreibung
The dogs & cats are shut out all day, in the outside runs. It doesn't
matter how hot, or cold, or what the weather is. Complaints have been made to the NC Dept. of Agric., but nothing is done. They claim the animals have shelter because a roof is over their head. They have nowhere to escape from the elements. I've seen excessive shivering, panting, and scratchng to get through the
guillotine doors to the other side. Puppies, kittens, senior, sick, & owner surrender accustomed to being inside. The inspection in December claimed the animals are allowed access to outdoor runs from 11:00-16:00 hours, they are not allowed, they don't have a choice. On the other side of the guillotine doors, warmth in the winter and cool air in the summer, an escape from adverse weather conditions. The inspection also says the kennel floors have a radiant subfloor heating system. I took temperatures of the floor this past winter, it must not have been working. The temperatures are now in the high 90's, with high humidity. The animals show signs of distress. Their reason is for cleaning purposes. These animal are being forced to live under inhumane conditions, with the temperatures falling well below 50 degrees and well above 85. No resting surface or houses to escape. Please investigate for the animals. It's bad enough they probably want have another day to run or play. Let alone spending their last days in these conditions when all that has to be done is open the guillotine doors. Let the public view the animals from the inside runs, an improvement for both. Most shelter do it that way. The picture was taken on a
cold windy day. You can see little puppies in the upper right corner huddled together to stay warm. Every day, it is the say way, no matter what the weather. This is nothing less than animal cruelty by the Rowan County Animal Control.
55 Kommentierens
marilyn harrison (Gast)
Do No Harm (Gast)
Shelter Manager Clai Martin has been approached numerous times on the weather conditions. Currently, we are experiencing the heat of summer. This upcoming week temperatures will range in the mid nineties. According to the NG AWS administrative rules for animal shelters, dogs should not be in temperatures above 85 degrees.
Another issue Clai Martin needs to consider is why he does embrace volunteer adoption programs at Rowan County Animal Shelter. He needs to get in touch with numerous animal control facilities within the state to learn more about the wonderful adoption programs they have started.
Why would Clai Martin want to keep killing lovable dogs and cats? Last year, and for the last decade nothing changes with the kill rate at this shelter. Something is terribly wrong.
Do No Harm (Gast)
Click on this link:
http://www.rowancountync.gov/GOVERNMENT/Departments/AnimalShelter/AdoptMe.aspx
This page NEVER has any pictures of dogs or cats available. Wonder why?
Karen Blaney (Gast)
doodlebug (Gast)
reply, "we don't have a volunteer program down here." Makes me wonder.
Starla Renee' (Gast)
doodlebug (Gast)
1 cat they knew I wanted to adopt, euthanized, and in the gas chamber. The cat was so sick,
it was a violation of the law to kill her in the gas chamber. And that's not all. Does that sound
like a staff that loves animals as they claim. I DON'T THINK SO!! Thanks for the votes and the
comments.
Vanessa (Gast)
marilyn harrison (Gast)
doodlebug (Registrierter Benutzer)
Karen Cantwell (Gast)
DO NO HARM (Gast)
What will each of you do? We can complain here, chastize and criticize. Time to roll our sleeves up and demand meetings with the county leaders. We elect them, and they serve us.
Your neighbors are abusing animals, and asking YOU to pay for them when they dump them in the shelter YOU PAY FOR.
ACT NOT REACT.
doodlebug (Registrierter Benutzer)
Facebook for Animal Welfare in Rowan County. We're trying to get organized and do just
that. You're right, and we could sure use you. Thanks!!
marilyn harrison (Gast)
Karen Blaney (Gast)
doodlebug (Registrierter Benutzer)
I will certainly post the meeting schedule, and everything else I know. A great big thanks to
each and every one that has expressed concerned and is willing to help!!!!!
Brenda Kirby
marilyn harrison (Gast)
doodlebug (Registrierter Benutzer)
the ones on the office side of animal control have spent several hours in high temperatures with no shade. I was at AC this past Wednesday and took the temperature of the cement floor in the runs, 11:10 am. It was 100.3 degrees, and I showed it to the staff. The facility is built in such a way that this would be very easy to fix. Why is it being ignored.
doodlebug (Registrierter Benutzer)
compassion they claim to have for the animals. Compassion means doing everything possible
to get animals adopted, not make excuses and throw them in the gas chamber. Volunteers have
offered to do it for them. A discussion at the August 9 BOH meeting was encouraging, but that
didn't last long. A sub-committee was suppose to meet and discuss ways to increase adoptions,
hasn't happened yet, and won't happen until September 29. What are they waiting on, don't they
realize how many animals are being killed that could have been saved? Check out the Animal
Shelter website, click on Adopt Me. There's nothing there, not one single dog or cat. It's time the
actions of animal control measure up to the claims they make. Compassion & caring are not
adjectives I would use to describe RCAC, not yet. From requiring the animals to be exposed to excessive heat & cold, to doing nothing to increase adoptions, in turn reducing the numbers
euthanized. There is definitely a need for CHANGE IN OPERATING PROCEDURES!
doodlebug (Registrierter Benutzer)
6:30pm at the Rowan County Health Dept. It seems they are still relying on Faithful Friends to pull
animals from AC, but they have limits too. And besides, a FF Board member attended the August 9 BOH
meeting with a letter, clearly explaining their intentions, and I quote, "We are happy to meet with you now but believe that our actual joing participation, if at all, may be several years down the road. We would encourage RAC to actively maintain a current website on which pets are listed for adoption." The reason for not using volunteers is outdated, and volunteers have offered to run the website for adoptions. Maybe the BOH just doesn't understand how important it is. More adoptions would mean DECREASED EUTHANASIA. I will try to post the letter and the minutes from the Sub-Committee meeting/Adoption Issue, so you can see for yourself. Attend the next BOH meeting, October 11, 2011,
at the Rowan County Health Dept. Show support for changes that need to happen, the animals need a voice. We need to work on getting rid of the GAS Chamber too.
Jane Tzilvelis (Gast)
Jane Tzilvelis (Gast)
Jane Tzilvelis (Gast)
doodlebug (Registrierter Benutzer)
I also have a problem with the way AC staff decides which animals are killed in the gas chamber of are humanely euthanized by lethal injection. Just recently they handled a hoarding case, very poorly I might ad. By trapping and use of the choke pole. Then AC staff decides if an animal is sick or near death, determining which ones are humanely euthanizsd. Needless to say, most were killed in the gas chamber. With upper respiratory infection, matted eyes or no eyes, runny nose and open sores. Does the gas chamber sound like the humane way for these animals to be killed. No Vet, not even the county vet checked them. No adoption attempts. Catch & kill, that's the way it was. RCAC doesn't even post their adoptable animals on a PetFinder site, nor do they manage their own adoption site. Adoptable animals are being killed every day. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEM? WHERE IS THE COMPASSION THEY OFTEN SPEAK OF?
doodlebug (Registrierter Benutzer)
I also have a problem with the way AC staff decides which animals are killed in the gas chamber of are humanely euthanized by lethal injection. Just recently they handled a hoarding case, very poorly I might ad. By trapping and use of the choke pole. Then AC staff decides if an animal is sick or near death, determining which ones are humanely euthanizsd. Needless to say, most were killed in the gas chamber. With upper respiratory infection, matted eyes or no eyes, runny nose and open sores. Does the gas chamber sound like the humane way for these animals to be killed. No Vet, not even the county vet checked them. No adoption attempts. Catch & kill, that's the way it was. RCAC doesn't even post their adoptable animals on a PetFinder site, nor do they manage their own adoption site. Adoptable animals are being killed every day. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEM? WHERE IS THE COMPASSION THEY OFTEN SPEAK OF?
doodlebug (Registrierter Benutzer)
Jane Tzilvelis (Gast)
Form a volunteer group to meet with each commissioner separately and together. Bring photos and pictures of animal shelters in North Carolina that have teamed up with the community. A good example is Wake County Animal Shelter Volunteer Program. Go on their web page and print out their community events, volunteer guidelines to become a volunteer, waiver of liability form, petfinder site, and every bit of data on their site. Contact their paid volunteer coordinator.
If Rowan County says they have no money for a volunteer coordinator and program, then lets take a look at the sale of money from selling dead cats. Ask the county manager to create a shelter fund to be used specifically to purchase items for the shelter and animals. Get a petition going that requests the county hire a volunteer coordinator. Rowan County has an 80% euthanasia rate. The taxpayers need to be addressed. Find out which zip codes in Rowan County are producing the most animals. Wake County did a study like this. Go door to door in those communities with a volunteer team to discuss the problems of pet overpopulation. Provide leaflets with information where people can get low cost spay neuter. Bring a list of places you want this information posted in the county. Meet with local veterinarians one at a time with your team members. You cannot do it alone. Together we can change animal control operations to reflect the mindset of the twenty first century. The clock of compassion is set at an early hour in Rowan County. It will take the work of many to move it forward.
Gary L Page - County Manager (Gast)
Jane Tzilvelis (Gast)
Mr. Page, as you can see, animal advocates are concerned about Rowan County Animal Control bonding with the North Carolina citizens interested in adopting and pulling their unwanted and abandoned companion animals. We appreciate your good will to voice your thoughts here.
In 2011, Rowan Animal Shelter killed 3113 dogs and many more cats. Each animal that was killed had a life. Each animal deserved the best opportunity to be adopted. You stated that Rowan passes state REQUIRED inspections.
We, the animal advocates expect more "than what is required," when it comes to our companion animals. We expect community, team work, and the chance work together with shelter employees in a viable county driven and guided volunteer program. Will you extend us a hand and make that happen in Rowan County?
Jane Tzilvelis (Gast)
Mr. Page, as you can see, animal advocates are concerned about Rowan County Animal Control bonding with the North Carolina citizens interested in adopting and pulling their unwanted and abandoned companion animals. We appreciate your good will to voice your thoughts here.
In 2011, Rowan Animal Shelter killed 3113 dogs and many more cats. Each animal that was killed had a life. Each animal deserved the best opportunity to be adopted. You stated that Rowan passes state REQUIRED inspections.
We, the animal advocates expect more "than what is required," when it comes to our companion animals. We expect community, team work, and the chance work together with shelter employees in a viable county driven and guided volunteer program. Will you extend us a hand and make that happen in Rowan County?
Jane Tzilvelis (Gast)
Mr. Page, as you can see, animal advocates are concerned about Rowan County Animal Control bonding with the North Carolina citizens interested in adopting and pulling their unwanted and abandoned companion animals. We appreciate your good will to voice your thoughts here.
In 2011, Rowan Animal Shelter killed 3113 dogs and many more cats. Each animal that was killed had a life. Each animal deserved the best opportunity to be adopted. You stated that Rowan passes state REQUIRED inspections.
We, the animal advocates expect more "than what is required," when it comes to our companion animals. We expect community, team work, and the chance work together with shelter employees in a viable county driven and guided volunteer program. Will you extend us a hand and make that happen in Rowan County?
Olivia Swink (Registrierter Benutzer)
Jane Tzilvelis (Gast)
Who is bad mouthing the staff? Who is angry at me Olivia Swink? There is no one to discredit. The issue is this: Let us start a volunteer program at the shelter - a country driven volunteer program with rules and regs for the volunteers to include a waiver of liability.
Let us lower the euthanasia rate via spay neuter in Rowan County. Many NC shelters do not let animals leave the shelter before being spayed and neutered. Rockets go to the moon. The internet offers us the technology to create streamline seamless communication. We are living in the year 2012.
I am delighted to hear that the staff is cordial, and Ms. Swink experienced a pleasurable event at Rowan County Animal Shelter. What you expressed about your visit is positive; alas you and I are not the victims: we will go home from the shelter and have our dinner, continue our lives. The high kill rate at Rowan County Animal Shelter must be addressed. Don't you agree?
You appear angry. Your statement: "You should be the change you wish to see in the world...."
Ms. Swink, let us not bring this down to a personal level. This is not the issue - what I do or you do to make the world a better place.
Each companion animal had a life to live, enjoy, however meager or small or dim someone thought it might be. It is up to us, to work together to bring the government of Rowan County together with the citizens. We want a volunteer program - an opportunity to save the lives of 6000 being killed each year at Rowan County Shelter.
I am aware that large numbers have little effect on the public nowadays. After all, we deal in the trillions with debt. We have become numb to hearing and seeing large numbers. Each number was a life. Each number had a heart, lungs, took an in breath and out breath. America evolves.
You and I are here discussing this issue. What can we do, Ms. Swink, to get a volunteer program going in Rowan County? There is no winner. No loser. We are here together to work interdependently. We are not islands separated by the name of our county, state, or country.
You appear concerned with "politeness" when death is in your face? My face? Politeness is the isue or a volunteer program. Perhaps you can take the lead on this.
Olivia Swink (Registrierter Benutzer)
My response regarding politeness was directed at Vanessa who speaks of "scum of the earth", Starla Renee who refers to people as "worthless and useless", Karen Cantwell who actually seems to think "the person running the facility enjoys hurting animals" and various others. This really seems like a circular way of thought and the message they send only hurts the cause.
How can you solve problems within the government, such as a high euthanasia rate when the community that sustains it has not been dealt with?
If Rowan County won't accept a volunteer program why not work to inform the public yourself? Why not create some informational flyers stating the reason for spaying and neutering with additional information regarding low cost clinics and pass them out yourselves? Perhaps speak to veterinarians about lowering the fees they charge or having their own low cost clinic to help people be able to afford the operation. If you feel like your hitting a brick wall why not try an alternate method? We can't keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect different results.
Jane Tzilvelis (Gast)
The dog in the photo was killed on December 2, 2010. I contacted Rowan County Manager Gary Page asking why the dog was still shown on Rowan County Petfinder in January, February, and March of 2011. One year ago, Gary Page and Clai Martin stated they were "short of staff," and that is why no animals were posted on Petfinder. Today, I went back to look and see if the dog was still posted on Rowan County Petfinder. This dead dog is still posted on Petfinder in the year 2012. There are still no animals posted on Rowan County Petfinder other than this dead dog. This is terrible.
Please read the adoption page and shelter policy page below. Note that Rowan County Animal Shelter will not take deposits on impounded animals. We need to find out why?
I have been to many shelters in North Carolina that "welcome" deposits on impounded animals. Many shelters also take additional deposits from numerous people on the same impounded animal in case the first deposit falls through. By not allowing deposits, it appears the shelter is not working together with the public for the benefit of saving the lives of our unwanted and abandoned pets. Read policy quoted below:
"Our adoptions operate on a first come, first serve basis. Therefore we do not accept down-payments towards an animal nor will we hold an animal for an individual." "The $70 adoption fee is the same for the general public as well as a rescue organization."
http://www.rowancountync.gov/GOVERNMENT/Departments/AnimalShelter/Adoptions.aspx
http://www.rowancountync.gov/GOVERNMENT/Departments/AnimalShelter/Policies.aspx
What rescue organization can afford to pay $70 adoption fees?
In 2010, Rowan County took in 6713 cats and dogs. They killed 5,563 animals. They have not applied for state spay neuter funding. Since 2001 annual report data, the numbers of animals impounded and euthanized at Rowan County have pretty much remained the same.
There are many citizens in Rowan County that do want a Citizen Animal Advisory Committee and a volunteer program at the shelter. It appears to me, that Rowan leadership is condoning high euthanasia rates by their very act of omission. They are refusing to team up with citizens to get animals adopted.
http://www.ncstatefair.org/2011/competitions/webgraphic/HH028/1785_MICHAELWRIGHTHH028/about.htm
Statement on Rowan County Animal Shelter Page:
"Over the past five years our department has worked hard and earned the respect from law enforcement agencies, court officials, county representatives and the general public. Professional knowledge, education and training; updated equipment, official uniforms, improved vehicles and a new facility have all contributed to a more proficient Animal Control system to help serve Rowan county citizens. The perception of an Animal Control Officer has changed dramatically over the years. We have gotten away from the public's misconception of the "dog catcher" riding around looking for strays and picking on poor innocent dogs. The catcher stigma is gone and we are now recognized as Animal Control Officers."
I would like to know what methods of inquiry Rowan County Animal Control is using to survey the general public about the lack of photos on Petfinder, lack of a county driven volunteer program, and a euthanasia rate of 80%?
I was delighted to read about the House Select Committee on Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals 2004 that I went down to the General Assembly archives and learned that Shelter Manager Clai Martin was a member of that astute committee; yet there seems to be no bonding with the public, advertising of shelter animals on television, or in news ads about Rowan County Animals. Correct me if I have wrong information. It appears that nothing is being done to get the animals adopted. It is vital that the county leadership join hands with the citizenry on this matter - not just what is REQUIRED TO DO.
I was also surprised to read the following statement on the Rowan County Animal Control main web page:
"Our Animal Control Officers use equipment such as catch poles, cat grabbers, snake tongs, mace, and a 120,000 volt stun baton."
How about a statement about how Rowan County Animal Control is "working together with the public" to get animals adopted? Is it important for the public to know what sort of equipment Rowan County Animal Control uses?
Education is the key. It works both ways. We are fortunate to be educating Rowan leadership right here in this comment box about what is MORE THAN REQUIRED. The clock of compassion is in the early hour in Rowan County when it comes to unwanted and abandoned pets. We must act!
Without dialogue, without a Citizen Animal Advisory Committee nothing will change. Why did Rowan leadership dismiss the idea of such a committee last year. It takes team work to evolve.
Jane Tzilvelis (Gast)
The dog in the photo was killed on December 2, 2010. I contacted Rowan County Manager Gary Page asking why the dog was still shown on Rowan County Petfinder in January, February, and March of 2011. One year ago, Gary Page and Clai Martin stated they were "short of staff," and that is why no animals were posted on Petfinder. Today, I went back to look and see if the dog was still posted on Rowan County Petfinder. This dead dog is still posted on Petfinder in the year 2012. There are still no animals posted on Rowan County Petfinder other than this dead dog. This is terrible.
Please read the adoption page and shelter policy page below. Note that Rowan County Animal Shelter will not take deposits on impounded animals. We need to find out why?
I have been to many shelters in North Carolina that "welcome" deposits on impounded animals. Many shelters also take additional deposits from numerous people on the same impounded animal in case the first deposit falls through. By not allowing deposits, it appears the shelter is not working together with the public for the benefit of saving the lives of our unwanted and abandoned pets. Read policy quoted below:
"Our adoptions operate on a first come, first serve basis. Therefore we do not accept down-payments towards an animal nor will we hold an animal for an individual." "The $70 adoption fee is the same for the general public as well as a rescue organization."
http://www.rowancountync.gov/GOVERNMENT/Departments/AnimalShelter/Adoptions.aspx
http://www.rowancountync.gov/GOVERNMENT/Departments/AnimalShelter/Policies.aspx
What rescue organization can afford to pay $70 adoption fees?
In 2010, Rowan County took in 6713 cats and dogs. They killed 5,563 animals. They have not applied for state spay neuter funding. Since 2001 annual report data, the numbers of animals impounded and euthanized at Rowan County have pretty much remained the same.
There are many citizens in Rowan County that do want a Citizen Animal Advisory Committee and a volunteer program at the shelter. It appears to me, that Rowan leadership is condoning high euthanasia rates by their very act of omission. They are refusing to team up with citizens to get animals adopted.
http://www.ncstatefair.org/2011/competitions/webgraphic/HH028/1785_MICHAELWRIGHTHH028/about.htm
Statement on Rowan County Animal Shelter Page:
"Over the past five years our department has worked hard and earned the respect from law enforcement agencies, court officials, county representatives and the general public. Professional knowledge, education and training; updated equipment, official uniforms, improved vehicles and a new facility have all contributed to a more proficient Animal Control system to help serve Rowan county citizens. The perception of an Animal Control Officer has changed dramatically over the years. We have gotten away from the public's misconception of the "dog catcher" riding around looking for strays and picking on poor innocent dogs. The catcher stigma is gone and we are now recognized as Animal Control Officers."
I would like to know what methods of inquiry Rowan County Animal Control is using to survey the general public about the lack of photos on Petfinder, lack of a county driven volunteer program, and a euthanasia rate of 80%?
I was delighted to read about the House Select Committee on Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals 2004 that I went down to the General Assembly archives and learned that Shelter Manager Clai Martin was a member of that astute committee; yet there seems to be no bonding with the public, advertising of shelter animals on television, or in news ads about Rowan County Animals. Correct me if I have wrong information. It appears that nothing is being done to get the animals adopted. It is vital that the county leadership join hands with the citizenry on this matter - not just what is REQUIRED TO DO.
I was also surprised to read the following statement on the Rowan County Animal Control main web page:
"Our Animal Control Officers use equipment such as catch poles, cat grabbers, snake tongs, mace, and a 120,000 volt stun baton."
How about a statement about how Rowan County Animal Control is "working together with the public" to get animals adopted? Is it important for the public to know what sort of equipment Rowan County Animal Control uses?
Education is the key. It works both ways. We are fortunate to be educating Rowan leadership right here in this comment box about what is MORE THAN REQUIRED. The clock of compassion is in the early hour in Rowan County when it comes to unwanted and abandoned pets. We must act!
Without dialogue, without a Citizen Animal Advisory Committee nothing will change. Why did Rowan leadership dismiss the idea of such a committee last year. It takes team work to evolve.
Olivia Swink (Registrierter Benutzer)
Once again I pose these questions:
"How can you solve problems within the government, such as a high euthanasia rate when the community that sustains it has not been dealt with?
If Rowan County won't accept a volunteer program why not work to inform the public yourself? Why not create some informational flyers stating the reason for spaying and neutering with additional information regarding low cost clinics and pass them out yourselves? Perhaps speak to veterinarians about lowering the fees they charge or having their own low cost clinic to help people be able to afford the operation. If you feel like your hitting a brick wall why not try an alternate method? We can't keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect different results."
Why don't all of the people who want to volunteer actually get together and work to educate the public about spaying and neutering with or without the counties help. You could start saving lives TODAY instead of waiting for someone to make a decision to do something tomorrow.
Jane Tzilvelis (Gast)
Hi Olivia,
I am doing the work. This is not about me or you. We are dialoguing tranparently here for the benefit fo all. I live in Durham. Where do you live?
Would you like to work together on a Rowan flyer?
I am working in various counties. I have enjoyed sharing my perspective with you.
Jane Tzilvelis (Gast)
Ms. Swink, do you live in Rowan County? If you do, please know that I spent one week on Craigslist asking people from Rowan come forward to help out.
Perhaps you can get a group together, and I will participate. We can call local businesses and churches and expose the cruelty going on in Rowan County. Operating in the dark with the doors closed is easier. Catch and kill, no volunteer program, no petfinder.
Let's roll up our sleeves together, Ms. Swink.
Olivia Swink (Registrierter Benutzer)
Jane, from my understanding a flyer has already been created and is distributed regularly, a FB page has now been created and petfinder has animals posted everyday which is connected to the county website. The adoptions number are drastically on the rise and progress is being made everyday. Rowan County has an entire community networking these animals right along with the Shelter staff. I'm not sure what else we could ask for other than some decent spay/neuter laws.
This Shelter has heated floors during the winter and the animals are able to come inside where they can access additional heaters after the inside runs are cleaned. During the summer the same is done with fans to keep the animals cool on the inside. Thanks to some amazing people many of the animals now have dogs beds and cat houses.
I have met the workers and have never met more compassionate, caring, empathizing people in my life. So what's next? Let's hope legislation will provide some decent s/n restrictions to the public.
Olivia Swink (Registrierter Benutzer)
stormster (Gast)
Mary Sinacore (Gast)
Mary Sinacore (Gast)
Sylvia Wolford (Gast)
angel100 (Gast)
Catdogloverforever1 (Registrierter Benutzer)
DixieVeganDarling (Gast)
ranaeq123 (Gast)
Debbie Morgenstern (Gast)
I am not from your state. I am from Washington State and my state believes that every HEALTHY animal deserves a chance of a new life. We are a NO KILL STATE. Our state believes that if the animal is healthy and adoptable, they stay in the shelter until they are adopted. They don't give them kill dates. If there is an animal that is injured to a point of non-helpable or too aggressive or too sick.. that is the only time they will be put down. That is what is called a "mercy killing". But just to kill an animal for (one of my favorite excuses) lack of space....NO.
This is a helpful link for you to look at: http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/guides/ Please, take the time to look at it. It's very helpful.
I hope that no one is offended for me to put in my two cents. Thank for listening
beautysmistress (Registrierter Benutzer)
splescia (Gast)
Debbie Morgenstern (Gast)
Clai Martin@rowancountync.gov. These should help.
Ian Leemans (Gast)
Mary Sinacore (Gast)