‘No-Kill’ Policies Slowly Killing Animals 2020

When “no-kill” animal shelters and rescue groups are filled to capacity, which is almost always, they are left with two options: turn away more animals than they take in or warehouse animals, often in substandard, filthy, and severely crowded conditions, for weeks, months, or even years on end. Most, if not all, of the animals who are turned away from such facilities still face untimely deaths—just not at these facilities.

Instead they are cruelly killed by people who don’t want them, are dumped on roadsides and left to die from starvation or being hit by a car, or spend their short lives homeless, unwanted, and producing more litters of animals for whom no homes exist.

The lucky ones are taken to well-run open-admission animal shelters, where they either find a well-screened, permanent home or are painlessly euthanized in the arms of professionally trained, compassionate people. Here are some of the “no-kill” animal shelter failures that made headlines in recent years for making animals suffer a fate far worse than a kind death.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in December 2020

Bossier City, Louisiana

KTBS.com reported that authorities were investigating conditions at a dog boarding facility doing business as A Dog’s Place after receiving a complaint about poor conditions. According to the report, “Sources told KTBS 3 News, there were about 60 dogs kenneled there at the start of the week. About half of those came from Caddo Parish Animal Services. Caddo’s dogs were boarded before being transported out of state to rescues and adoption. We’re told that Caddo removed its dogs before the Bossier authorities arrived.” A spokesperson for the city reportedly “said in a written statement, ‘Bossier City Animal Control was notified by an employee with the Caddo Parish Animal Shelter that there were dogs being housed in poor conditions at A Dog’s Place. Bossier City Animal Control officers observed unclean conditions at the facility, including feces on some of the animals.’” KTBS.com apparently interviewed “[w]orkers at a nearby business who’ve been inside A Dog’s Place [who] describe[d] an ‘awful stench’ when they ventured inside the front of the place.” The investigation was ongoing.

Brookhaven, Mississippi

DailyLeader.com reported that area animal sheltering facilities, including the publicly funded one, were “full,” were “packed,” and had “no room” to accept animals. An animal control officer said that animals were being abandoned throughout the community and reportedly told the public that anyone seeing a dumped animal  “has to make a decision on what to do. ‘It’s up to them, but when they pick up a dog it’s going to be a challenge to get [the animal] to a rescue or shelter. I know it’s hard to keep passing them up, but it’s up to the people,’” she said.

Wyckoff, New Jersey

DailyVoice.com reported that New Jersey state authorities had filed a lawsuit asking a judge to shut down a self-professed animal “rescue” and service dog group doing business as Merlin’s Kids. According to the report, the state said the group’s owner, Janice Wolfe, “raised millions of dollars by falsely claiming an organization she founded that places rescue dogs as service animals is a charity … [and] unlawfully raised millions of dollars since 2008 without registering Merlin’s Kids as a charitable organization. . . . Meanwhile, tens of thousands of dollars characterized as donations went to hair styling, skincare products and artwork, along with a $10,000 purchase from a Lexus dealer. … There were also large cash withdrawals, as well as transfers to Wolfe’s personal accounts, among a host of suspicious payments that she was unable to explain.” Wolfe reportedly “bills Merlin’s [Kids] online as ‘a non-profit organization that transforms the lives of dogs by rescuing them from shelters.’” In a lawsuit, state authorities were reportedly “asking a judge for ‘the return of money unlawfully obtained from members of the public,’ along with civil penalties, attorneys’ fees and costs and an order “stopping the defendants’ unlawful practices.’ They’re also asking the judge to dissolve Merlin’s Kids, shut down its website, appoint a receiver, and permanently bar Wolfe from registering or operating any charity in New Jersey.”

Hamden, Connecticut

FOX61.com reported that Donna Scirocco, who neighbors said “used to work to rescue animals,” had been arrested and charged with six counts of cruelty to animals after authorities seized 26 cats, six dogs, two squirrels, and a blind owl found hoarded in her home. Hamden Police Captain Ronald Smith reportedly said, “For approximately the last year Hamden Police have received numerous calls of a stench coming from” the property. When a search warrant was executed, animal control officers found “a blind owl kept in a very, very small cage. We found a dead woodchuck on the floor of the cellar. There was an American Eskimo dog that was brought out of the house in grave condition. It was unlivable for both human and animals. It was that disgusting.” A court date was set in the case.

Newton, Iowa

NewtonDailyNews.com reported, “A Newton couple ha[d] been charged in the animal neglect incident in November where more than a dozen cats were removed from an abandoned property. . . . [L]ive and deceased cats … had been abandoned by their owners without food, water or adequate shelter since approximately Oct. 31. … All of the live cats were very skinny and officers could clearly see their ribs under their fur and see dirt or bugs around their face and head, even in the chilly weather, according to the report. Officers also found two deceased cats on the property and noted something had clearly been eating at their carcasses. Witnesses reported seeing the live cats eating the dead animals …. A licensed DVM performed examinations on all of the cats and determined three of the living cats were determined to be ‘emaciated,’ five were ‘very thin’ and two were ‘ideal.’ All 10 cats had ear mites and fleas. Of the two deceased cats, only one was able to be examined. The cause of death was ‘lack of nutrition’ followed by post mortem cannibalism. Jason and Tammy Breckenridge openly admitted the cats belonged to them. Jason Breckenridge said they left them at the residence when they moved out because they ‘did not know what to do with them.’” According to their websites, area animal sheltering facilities didn’t accept cats at all, were not accepting owner surrenders, or required appointments and fees to accept animals.

Springfield, Illinois

WANDTV.com reported that a dog who had been adopted from a limited-admission facility doing business as the Animal Protective League had starved to death after he was left in an abandoned home when the adopters moved. According to the report, “[t]he property’s landlord, Shane Sullivan, said these tenants failed to pay rent for four months. … Sullivan said he sent several notices to the tenants and posted a notice of entry. Twenty-four hours later he entered the property. According to Sullivan, what he saw in the residence was a sight he will never forget. ‘I saw feces, trash like the dog had been eating anything it could,’ Sullivan said. ‘It was just a mess.’ In all the mess, Sullivan found a dog – 4-year-old Sii. ‘[Sii] starved for quite sometime. It didn’t happen overnight,’ Sullivan said. … Sullivan said upon finding Sii, he immediately contacted Springfield police. This case is still under investigation by Sangamon County Animal Control.”

Middle River, Maryland

BaltimoreSun.com reported that the owners of a nonprofit group doing business as Colony Cats of Bird River and Beyond had “been sentenced to serve 60 days in prison and ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution to Animal Services after police found more than 220 cats, 74 of which were dead, in their Middle River home last year. Garriott J. Cox, 54, and Pamela J. Arrington, 52 … were found guilty on Nov. 11 of three of the 63 counts of animal cruelty and failure to provide food, drink and care.” (See the November 2019/Middle River, Maryland, entry below for details.) A judge reportedly “ordered the pair to be put on supervised probation for three years and prohibited from possessing an animal while on probation. And they must submit to an updated mental health evaluation and follow any recommended treatment.” According to the report, “Dead cats, found in varying states of decomposition, were stowed in coolers covered with flies, gnats and maggots in a shed on the property. The inside of Cox’s and Arrington’s home was covered in feces, urine and debris, with loose cats running around, police wrote in a report last year. … Arrington and Cox operated a trap, neuter, vaccinate and release program, a county program in which volunteers capture feral cats and have them vaccinated by Animal Services before they’re released. But instead of releasing the cats after they were neutered, Arrington and Cox would sell them to stores like PetSmart and PetCo, [Prosecutor Adam] Lippe said. ‘The ones that didn’t sell were left to die in cages,’ he said.”

Wilson County, Tennessee

WKRN.com reported that an area animal adoption group “says they are seeing an alarming number of kittens thrown out of cars. [The group] says they have seen at least 12 incidents of cats being thrown from cars in recent months.” A witness reportedly took one cat to the group after seeing him being thrown from a moving car. The animal sustained “major trauma,” including damage to his spinal cord. He was receiving treatment. A spokesperson for the group reportedly said that some kittens who had been taken in had “road rash on the face. It was always a back leg injury, so they tend to hit the ground in a certain way that’s indicative of how they were tossed. One was a whole bag. It was a Hefty bag and those were on the side of the road and somebody actually saw one of the kitties crawling out of the bag and we took the 4 of those in.” At the time of the report, the county’s public animal shelter stated on its website, “We do not accept owner turn-ins. We do not accept animals other than dogs.”

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in November 2020

Bristol, Connecticut

WFSB.com reported that the owner of a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Tenderheart Rescue was “facing charges after police believe multiple kittens have died in care and that she was caring for them illegally. Four pages of an arrest warrant show the founder of Tenderheart Rescue, 30-year-old Abigale Jones, accused of practicing veterinary care without a license. … According to the arrest warrant, Jones denied having any sick cats, but then told police she had a kitten die of distemper, which is highly contagious. She admitted to police she ‘administers medications and fluids to her animals although it’s not always under a veterinarian’s direction.’ … In the warrant, a woman told police she adopted a kitten for $50 from Jones and [the animal] died a day later. A vet clinic in Wolcott also told police, ‘they have seen two of Tenderheart Rescue kittens and mentioned that they know of a few kittens that have passed away in her care.’” BristolPress.com reported that an investigator “also spoke to someone who said she purchased two kittens from Jones. One of them died shortly thereafter and the other, which the woman said Jones told her was 8 weeks old, was examined by a vet and found to be just over 6 weeks old, the warrant said. The animal that was examined had a fever and tested positive for an intestinal tract infection, according to the warrant.” A court date was set.

Dallas, Pennsylvania

WNEP.com reported that a spokesperson for a selective-admission self-professed “zero kill” group doing business as Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge said that area animal shelters are often full and that so many dogs are abandoned by being thrown from moving vehicles that “we’re just used to it at this point.” A witness reportedly recently “saw [a] boxer mix get thrown from a moving vehicle and out into the street.” The spokesperson for the group said, “The dog chased the car for about a minute until he stopped and sat on the side of the road.” The group then admitted the dog.

Pueblo, Colorado

Chieftain.com reported that authorities had seized 78 cats from a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as AWR Cat Tails Rescue, Inc., and that its owner, Shelley McPherson, was charged with criminal neglect. According to the report, “Many of the animals displayed obvious signs of illness and in the days after the confiscation, two cats had to be euthanized and another died.” A spokesperson for the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, which was caring for the animals, explained, “Our veterinary team found cases of upper respiratory infections and ringworm, and due to lack of proper isolation and quarantine, most of the cats were exposed. Additionally, several of the cats will need dental surgery.” The investigation was ongoing, and additional charges against McPherson were reportedly possible.

Pearl River, Louisiana

NOLA.com reported that authorities had seized 45 dogs from an animal adoption group doing business as It’s a Grey Area Greyhound Adoption Group, Inc., and that its owner, Leslie Ezkovich-Tierney, was charged with 45 counts of cruelty to animals. According to the report, the animals were seized after sheriff’s deputies “found the dogs, covered in waste and suffering from malnourishment and dehydration. Several also had sores caused by being kept in kennels for 20 hours a day. The investigation is continuing and more arrests are possible, according to the [sheriff’s office] news release.” No additional information was available.

Abilene, Texas

ReporterNews.com reported that authorities had seized approximately 35 cats and dogs from a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Paw Angel Animal Rescue. A news release issued by the city of Abilene reportedly revealed that “[t]he city has been investigating Paw Angel since Sept. 23 ‘when the City of Abilene Animal Services and Code Enforcement responded to a citizen complaint at the Paw Angel Animal Rescue about noise and smell,’ the release said. Upon initial investigation, Animal Services and Code Enforcement found approximately 75 dogs and 10 cats in the residential backyard.” Animal Services reportedly worked with adoption groups “to rehome the animals, the release said. [However], ‘[s]ince the initial investigation, Paw Angel Animal Rescue has continued to acquire animals.’” KTXS.com later reported that “rescue” owner Robert Sudbury had “reached a settlement with the City of Abilene” and would not be criminally charged in the case. He also reportedly “agreed to surrender two more cats … [who] the City said were ‘cruelly treated.’ In exchange, Sudbury will not have to pay any costs associated with the care of the cats.” Authorities reportedly called the living conditions for the animals “poor at best.” According to the report, “Sudbury said despite what happened this week, he will continue to help animals through rescue.”

Columbia, Tennessee

WDBJ7.com reported that authorities had seized 50 dead and 23 live animals from a property where they had been hoarded by Carolyn Bauer, a self-professed animal “rescuer” who, according to authorities, “was collecting the animals from other rescues and telling them that she would transfer them elsewhere but would take them to her home instead.” According to the report, “The Maury County Animal Control Director told WTVF the case was the most egregious situation he has ever worked and that the animals were in the worst shape he’s ever seen.” A spokesperson for an animal adoption group that was caring for some of the survivors reportedly said that the group “had to groom every surviving animal because of the smell and mangled fur.” WSMV.com reported that a spokesperson for the adoption group said the survivors also had “highly, highly infected ears to the point we could barely touch them.” Many of the dead animals had reportedly been found trapped in cages at the property. According to a first responder with the animal services department, Bauer “seemed oblivious to the fact there were dozens of deceased animals in the home.” According to the report, “Bauer has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and surrendered the surviving animals.” NewsChannel5.com reported that “[c]ourt records indicate that Bauer has done this before.” Maury County Animal Control Director Jack Cooper said, “The defendant in this case, was actually arrested in Davidson County more than 10 years ago for a similar offense.”

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in October 2020

Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, Canada

CBC.ca reported that a cat who was being fostered for a self-professed “cat rescue group” had been killed by the foster caregivers. A witness reportedly testified in court that the 13-year-old cat, named Mittens, had been turned over to the group after her guardian died. She was then apparently sent to a foster home, where, according to the witness, “[foster caregivers] Anderson and Rossiter took a small axe and an empty bag into the bathroom, where the cat was. She said when the couple came out, there was now something in the bag that Rossiter was carrying, and the cat was no longer in the bathroom.” According to the report, “Anderson, 39, is charged with one count of injuring or endangering an animal and two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Rossiter … faces one count of injuring or endangering an animal and one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. The one-day trial … began with testimony from the arresting officer, Const. Leon Sheppard, who presented two sets of photographs of the alleged crime scene. In them, he pointed to what he believed were blood stains on a bathroom floor.” It was later reported that Anderson and Rossiter had both been “convicted in provincial court … of injuring or endangering an animal. Charges of causing the cat unnecessary suffering were stayed.” A court date was set for sentencing.

Rising Sun, Maryland

FOXBaltimore.com reported that authorities had seized 45 live and two dead animals from the home of Crystal Romine, who ran a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Eden Rehab and Rescue. The animals were found in conditions described as “deplorable” and “included 17 cats, 3 dogs, 3 snakes, 1 guinea pig, 2 turtles, 1 tarantula, 2 birds, 13 goldfish, and 3 [betta] fish. The animals had limited access to fresh food and water.” The previous year, authorities had seized 63 animals from the “rescue.” (See the February 2019/Rising Sun, Maryland, entry below for more details.) Criminal charges were reportedly pending against Romine.

Roanoke County, Virginia

WFIRNews.com reported that a Ram utility van that was transporting 80 dogs in 50 crates had crashed on a highway. According to the report, “The van was traveling from Texas to a ‘No Kill’ shelter in Pennsylvania. … One dog died as a result of the crash.” The accident reportedly occurred at 1:20 a.m. on an interstate highway. The surviving animals were taken to a veterinary hospital for care. The van driver was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained. No additional information was available.

Portsmouth, Ohio

WSAZ.com reported that an animal adoption group reported that it had been “told about a box of kittens found abandoned and dead along” a highway. According to the report, “it’s just the latest instance of animal cruelty the shelter says they are noticing an increase in.” A spokesperson for the group reportedly said, “People come in and they come in at the last minute and say, ‘I’ve got these cats. I can’t keep them.’ If we don’t have room, it’s the alternative they either dump them or they take them to a bad place, or they get killed or something like that.” Full shelters in the area “cannot bring in new animals in need,” she said. Animals adopted during the COVID-19 lockdown were also reportedly being returned or abandoned.

Amarillo, Texas

NewsChannel10.com reported that a self-professed “no-kill” facility doing business as Amarillo Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals had been turning away animals. A spokesperson for the group reportedly said that area shelters were full and “forced to turn people away who bring in pets. ‘We’re seeing really an increase … we sometimes have to turn people down because we’re so full right now that we have to you know, end up turning people down.’ … There has been an increase in the number of pregnant dogs and cats, so shelters have been receiving many anonymous drop offs in [litters], only making their job more difficult. ‘Like I said, we have people call us constantly about three or four times a day, with [litters] of kittens being born under you know sheds in people’s backyards. Puppies being born, they don’t know what to do with them. . . . So, we’re seeing a lot of people bringing in pets, trying to bring in pets or strays that they find, and we’re just, we just get sometimes up to capacity,” she said. The city’s public shelter had recently been in the news after allegations about inhumane conditions at the facility and reports that it had been turning away animals “to keep the numbers looking good on paper.”

Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania

WNEP.com reported that a private facility with “no-kill” policies doing business as Griffin Pond Animal Shelter had announced that it was housing nearly 200 cats, almost double its capacity, and would “no longer be accepting the surrender of cats until further notice.” A spokesperson for the facility reportedly said it had “cats in pop-up cages throughout the shelter.”

Tulsa, Oklahoma

KTUL.com reported that 19 pit bulls had been removed from a self-professed animal “sanctuary” doing business as Underdog American Pitbull Terrier Sanctuary, Inc., after the owner was hospitalized. According to the report, the animals “were living on a five-acre plot of land, formerly used as an RV park.” Photographs included in the report showed a severe build-up of trash around the property, some dogs housed in nonoperational vehicles, one dog hiding underneath a dilapidated trailer, and one dog evidently kept in a shopping cart.

Rio Rancho, New Mexico

KOB.com reported that four dogs had been left outside a self-professed “no-kill” facility doing business as Watermelon Mountain Ranch over a period of a few months, including puppies who had been “thrown” over the main gates, according to a spokesperson for the facility. One of the animals had been left in a crate with a note that said, “She’s been neglected. She’s been starved. She’s in poor health. Someone please help her,” according to the spokesperson. The facility reportedly requires appointments before it will accept animals. According to its website, there’s also a fee required and additional restrictions on accepting dogs: “Your animal(s) must be in good health with current vaccinations complete with verifiable shot records; Your animal(s) will NOT be accepted if aggressive, feral or in poor health; Please note, we are a limited admission facility and can only accept animals based on space availability.”

Colleton County, South Carolina

WalterboroLive.com reported that a public animal shelter doing business as Colleton County Animal Shelter—which has restrictive policies, including only accepting animals “by appointment on a space available basis” and charging fees—”had a busy weekend” after three homeless or abandoned dogs had been hit by cars in the community. One resident said that neighbors told her that a dog had been “dropped off” in a neighborhood about a week before she was found hit by a car. “As I was coming home from work, I saw something in the road flopping around. I hoped it wasn’t a dog, but it was. … She couldn’t get her back end up. She had no collar and was skinny. … I don’t know why no one had helped her before this,” she said. After the dog was taken to the shelter, the resident said that “she was even more shocked to discover that the dog that she helped was pregnant because the animal was so skinny. Every car that passed would make her tremble. On the roadside, she had a seizure because of the shock and stress. She had a broken pelvis, and the injury caused her to go into labor. But because of the pelvis injury, she couldn’t birth the puppies. She had to have medical treatment to deliver them, [and] two of [the puppies] died. One survived, but the mother was in no condition to nurse.” Another dog had been found with such severe injuries that he or she had to be euthanized. A third dog was found at a garbage dump. The woman who found the dog said, “I was going to the dump when I saw something on side of road. At first, I thought the dog was dead, but then I saw [the animal] lift [his or her] head. … When I approached the dog, I saw that [the animal] was cold, so I covered [the dog] with a blanket and called 911 for animal control. The dog was bleeding and crying, so I moved [him or her] into my warm car and sat with [the animal] until animal control came. We discovered that the little dog had a broken jaw.” The dog was apparently receiving medical treatment.

Indianapolis, Indiana

TheIndianaLawyer.com reported that the Indiana Court of Appeals had decided that “[a] south side Indianapolis animal shelter must face a lawsuit from an adopter whose child was attacked by a dog with a history of aggression. … In 2014, the Clinton County Humane Society received a dog named Grieg who was surrendered by his owner for not getting along with another dog in the household. Within the following year, Grieg was adopted out and returned by three separate owners, all of whom experienced aggression from the dog. According to one adopter, Grieg lunged and bit her 2-year-old son, causing the child significant injuries. After that event, Grieg was surrendered to Marion County Animal Control, where a second adopter returned Greig after [the dog] also lunged at him. Grieg’s third adopter, Mark Brown, returned the dog to the Southside Animal Shelter after [the animal] attacked Brown’s 6-year-old daughter, Brooke, who sustained injuries to her face that required surgery. … The Browns then sued Southside, Clinton County Humane Society, Indianapolis Animal Control Services and MCAC, alleging they were negligent. Brown also added claims that Southside committed fraud and constructive fraud when it represented that Grieg’s history was unknown on the adoption release.” The appeals court verdict reportedly overturned a previous court’s decision and determined “that Southside, as the owner and/or keeper of Grieg, had a duty to inform the Browns of Grieg’s ‘vicious characteristics’ so far as it knew, or to the extent such knowledge was ascertainable by the exercise of reasonable care.” Adopting out dangerous dogs is a common scheme used by facilities that prioritize “live-release” statistics over the welfare of individual animals as well as the community’s safety.

Jones County, Mississippi

Leader-Call.com reported that “[O]ne-time animal rescuer Miranda Kittrell will spend six months in jail, have to pay $3,800 in fines and serve 380 hours of community service after she was found guilty of 38 counts of animal cruelty in Jones County Justice Court on Thursday afternoon. Judge Noel Rogers handed down the sentence, one of the most severe ever meted out in Jones County. In addition, she will have to get a psychological evaluation and counseling at her own expense and is banned from owning a domesticated animal for 15 years. … Kittrell was charged in September after 38 dogs were found in horrid conditions on her Jones County property.” (See the August 2020/Seminary, Mississippi, entry below for more details.)

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in September 2020

Concord Township, Ohio

Cleveland.com reported that authorities had seized 161 live and nearly 50 dead cats from a self-professed “no-kill” animal “rescue” doing business as Caroline’s Kids Pet Rescue. According to the report, authorities obtained a search warrant and took a veterinarian to the property, where they “reportedly found unsanitary conditions in the pet sanctuary, saying most of the cats were in critical condition. Forty-nine dead cats were removed from the house and 161 were taken to the Humane Society for treatment for medical conditions such as upper respiratory infections, panleukopenia, stomatitis, flea infestation and ringworm. Painesville Municipal Court has ordered that the cats be surrendered to the Humane Society …. An investigation is under way and criminal charges are possible. In November 2016, the Humane Society seized 157 cats from the sanctuary after they were found to be in poor medical condition. Four employees were convicted on 24 counts [of] animal cruelty in the case. They received suspended jail sentences and were placed on probation.” (See the December 2016/Concord Township, Ohio, entry below for more details.)

Corpus Christi, Texas

KRISTV.com reported that authorities had seized more than 80 animals, including 76 cats, five ducks, and two dogs, from a self-professed “no-kill” group doing business as Pets and Animals Life Shelter (PALS) after they were found without adequate care in “unsanitary living conditions.” Caller.com reported that “[a]ll cats and dogs were [found] inside the home and some were kept confined with feces, urine and unsanitary water and food. Ducks were kept outside in enclosures with similar conditions,” according to authorities. Criminal charges were being considered.

Panama City, Florida

MyPanhandle.com reported that “[w]ith the humane society no longer accepting intakes and animal control limiting their hours,” private animal adoption groups had been inundated with homeless and injured animals. A spokesperson for an area adoption group reportedly said that the group was “getting calls from everywhere, lots of emergency calls …. Countless cat after cat with broken legs, legs we’re having to amputate, legs [we’re] having to surgically repair. But we’re also finding them emaciated or finding them hit by cars, it just seems like it’s daily that we get a call about another emergency.”

Los Angeles, California

KNX1070.Radio.com reported that “[a] woman is suing the city of Los Angeles, alleging she was bitten in the arm by a German shepherd while working as a volunteer at an animal shelter, then had to drag herself more than 200 feet with the animal’s mouth attached to her limb to get help.” For several years, the city’s sheltering system has been implementing increasingly dangerous policies in a bid to profess that its facilities are “no-kill.” The lawsuit reportedly “alleges negligence, negligent hiring, training and supervision, premises liability and dangerous condition of public property” and sought unspecified damages. The report states, “According to her lawsuit, [Kelly] Kaneko was serving as a city shelter volunteer … last Oct. 31 when she was told to leash [a] 100-pound German shepherd named Jax and escort him 250 feet, while alone, from his kennel to an area where a family could meet the dog and decide whether to adopt him. … While placing him back in his kennel and removing the leash, the dog suddenly attacked Kaneko, biting and latching onto one of her forearms, the suit states. Kaneko tried without success to free herself, but the dog intensified his bite, which penetrated her bone and arteries, according to the suit, which says no one at the shelter came to her aid despite her screams and calls for help. After five to seven minutes, Kaneko, fearing she would lose her entire arm, dragged herself the 250 feet from Jax’s kennel to the main office while he continued to bite into her limb, the suit states. One employee was at the main office, but the person was wearing earplugs because of the animal noise in the shelter and was unable to hear Kaneko’s screams, the suit says. Eventually, another employee saw what was happening and helped Kaneko remove the dog’s jaws from her arm, according to her court papers, which say she underwent surgeries and spent weeks in intensive care.”

El Paso, Texas

KVIA.com reported that a public animal shelter that had implemented “no-kill” policies had refused to accept an aggressive dog from a resident. The woman reported that the dog had fatally attacked another dog in the household. She said she was rebuffed when she contacted El Paso Animal Services. “I tried to surrender the dog, I called and they said that the program was not available anymore and that the dog was my responsibility and [the animal] was my property,” she said. The agency’s director, Paula Powell, reportedly said that appointments were required to surrender an animal, a common scheme used by selective-admission facilities to discourage people from taking animals to them. According to the report, when “ABC-7 asked if surrendering a pet was an option, Animal Services said it was the owner’s responsibility to surrender a pet via a veterinarian, or bringing them in themselves with an appointment.” No additional information was available. In August, KFOXTV.com reported that a group of residents had protested “outside El Paso City Hall demanding the city’s Animal Services Department do more when it comes to picking up stray pets. . . . Protesters claim that when a stray animal is found in the city, employees tell them to take care of the stray themselves or release them back into the community.” Powell denied the allegations.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in August 2020

Margate, Florida

Sun-Sentinel.com reported that a dog who had been adopted from a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Mastiff Rescue of Florida, Inc., had mauled an elderly woman to death. The dog had reportedly been released to the group by a public facility with “no-kill” policies doing business as Miami-Dade Animal Services. According to the report, two weeks after he was adopted, the dog attacked his elderly caretaker. He first attacked her ankle, and when she fell to the ground, “Smokey went for her jugular while her 57-year-old son beat back the dog with anything in reach, including his mother’s wheelchair. It was no use. His 84-year-old mother died Friday in the hallway near the bathroom, according to records released from the Margate Police Department. … While on the ground, she was bitten multiple times in the head and upper body.” The woman, Carolyn Varanese, had reportedly cared for the dog and “allowed Smokey to sleep in bed with her.” Her son “suffered injuries to the left forearm and bicep as well as several facial scratches and a laceration under his right ear” during the attack. The dog was impounded by Broward County authorities.

Summerville, South Carolina

ABCNews4.com reported that a dog had been found suffering from dehydration after he was left outside a self-professed “no-kill” facility doing business as Dorchester Paws. The group, which receives public funding, requires that an appointment be made at least two weeks in advance and that a $125 surrender fee per animal be paid before it will accept them from the public.

Los Angeles, California

LATimes.com reported that an animal adoption group had filed a lawsuit against a municipal animal sheltering system doing business as Los Angeles Animal Services alleging that it had been turning away lost and homeless animals. The lawsuit contended that the adoption group had been “overburdened and overrun” with homeless animals since two city shelters had closed. Its founder reportedly said, “I cannot cover for the West Valley shelter. We have a limit on how many animals we can have.” For several years, the city’s sheltering system has been implementing increasingly restrictive intake policies in a bid to profess that its facilities are “no-kill.”

Seminary, Mississippi

Leader-Call.com reported that authorities had seized “39 malnourished and abandoned dogs” from the residence of a self-professed animal “rescuer.” Officials reportedly described “conditions of the residence [as] ‘heartbreaking,’ as dogs were trapped inside and … some had died. … Sheriff Joe Berlin said Miranda Kittrell is facing her third offense involving neglected animals; she now faces more than 30 misdemeanor charges, he said.” A spokesperson for an animal adoption group that was caring for the dogs reportedly said, “Some of the animals had severe medical and behavioral issues.” According to the report, “In 2017, Kittrell, a founding member of the now-defunct Animal Rescue Team, faced charges of animal neglect and abuse when Jones County Sheriff’s deputies took 40 dogs and nearly 20 horses living in poor conditions from multiple properties. Kittrell was charged with 13 counts of failing to provide substance to the animals. Sources close to this current investigation say those animals were discovered on Kittrell’s property, and children had been there, too.” It was later reported that the residence had “burned down” in a fire suspected to have been caused by arson.

Portland, Oregon

KPTV.com reported that authorities had seized more than 100 animals from a self-professed animal “rescue” and boarding facility doing business as Woofin Palooza, LLC, including 52 dogs and 65 cats. According to the report, “Investigators said the dogs and cats were seized from the facility after determining the state and condition of the animals at the site. A forensic veterinary team … also responded to assist with medical triage of the animals. The dogs and cats are now being treated by the Multnomah County Animals Services veterinary team. The animals are considered part of an ongoing investigation. The case has been referred to the district attorney’s office and no further details were released Tuesday. The website for Woofin Palooza states they work to ‘save the pets in high kill shelters that are facing euthanasia due to over crowding and lack of homes.’”

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in July 2020

Amarillo, Texas

Mix941KMXJ.com reported that “a Facebook post that has now been shared over 750 times (at the time of this writing) … allege[d] mistreatment of animals and a lack of concern regarding safety for the animals and employees” at a public animal shelter doing business as Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare. According to the report, the post included gruesome photos and descriptions, including a “gut-wrenching stor[y] … of a dog who chewed through [his or her] own leg. Another is of a cat who, instead of being humanely euthanized, was left to suffer.” The post, which had apparently been written by a former employee, alleged that the horrendous conditions were created by practices instituted by the facility’s director, who “wants her numbers to look good, as if she has turned things around to be ‘no kill.’” It alleged that, “to keep the numbers looking good on paper, she also has closed open intake to strays found in the community. . . . Word is getting around about this new policy, even though management has never even bothered to make an official announcement to the tax paying public. Therefore, there are now packs of dogs roaming. … There are dozens of animals hit by cars all over town and on the highway, who if lucky, died instantly. Most aren’t so lucky. Most bleed out and suffer the pain of broken bones, crushed organs, knocked out teeth and popped out eyeballs from the impact before they die. I can say this with 100% certainty, because I have seen it firsthand as an officer when an animal has been hit. Now, there are even more animals hit daily due to the sheer number of loose animals roaming due to the policy of no longer picking up strays in the field.” The city reportedly provided a statement that gave excuses for the extreme pain and suffering caused to the animals in the photos shared in the post but did not deny that the facility was refusing to accept lost or homeless animals from residents, who fund the program.

Plumstead Township, Pennsylvania

BucksCountyCourierTimes.com reported that authorities had seized “60 animals including chickens and sheep from what officials described as unsafe, unsanitary conditions at a Plumstead farm that billed itself as an animal sanctuary on Craig’s List (sic).” A first responder reportedly said that many of the animals had been found “living in filthy pens where the temperature was more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with no access to water. Four sheep that were rescued had ‘extremely thick, matted coats’ that had not been shorn in two years, and no access to food or water. … Some areas of the sheeps’ coats were so heavy they were pulling away from the skin, which was red and irritated. One sheep also had a chronic leg issue. … Eight cats and kittens appeared ill and were living in unsanitary conditions. …Workers also found a near-skeletonized dog corpse under a piece of plastic board.” The investigation was apparently ongoing.

Jonesville, Louisiana

WGNO.com reported that authorities had apparently seized 37 dogs and five cats from a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Catahoula’s Urban Tails (CUT) after they were found starving; in need of medical care; stacked in filthy, cramped cages, and living in their own waste. According to the report, “There was no drainage system in the warehouse so the animal waste often accumulated in the kennels without being properly hosed out. According to witnesses, the warehouse’s air-conditioning unit was not working properly and there was only one window unit for the entire 30 x 80 building, which was not running the day that [Stacey Alleman McKnight, director of Pointe Coupee Parish Animal Services] picked up the animals. The outdoor thermometer that was affixed to the side of the warehouse registered 114 degrees the day that the animals were removed, according to Ms. Alleman. A gray tabby kitten was housed in a birdcage. One volunteer said that the water to the warehouse was routinely cut off due to the failure to pay the water bill. … Ms. Alleman observed that all the animals were in very poor health and were severely malnourished and dehydrated. Two of the puppies tested positive for Parvo and died along with a third a few days after being rescued. Subsequent veterinary exams showed that the dogs were extremely dehydrated, infested with fleas, anemic, suffered from bloody diarrhea, internal parasites (a combination of round, hook, and/or whipworms). Ms. Alleman scored all dogs between 1 – 2 out of 5, and the vet who examined the animals concurred with those scores. All the adult dogs tested positive for heartworm disease and only one of the adult dogs had been fixed. According to Ms. Alleman, four of the five kittens were emaciated and two kittens had severe eye discharge. This horrendous lack of basic care occurred even though [veterinarian and CUT Director Kelly Hudspeth’s] veterinary office is within walking distance of the warehouse where the animals were housed.” Alleman reportedly said, “In my 20 years in the rescue community and as the director of two animal shelters, I have rarely seen such a complete disregard for life and an overall lack of care on every level.” An investigation was ongoing.

Los Angeles, California

LosAngeles.CBSLocal.com reported that “California Attorney General Xavier Becerra Wednesday filed suit against a Los Angeles-based animal rescue and adoption agency for allegedly misleading donors and improperly soliciting donations. The suit names Little Love Rescue and Brittany Littleton—the agency’s founder and director—alleging that the nonprofit sought donations without being registered with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts and misrepresented the condition of rescued animals in order to solicit donations through online platforms. The suit alleges that Littleton misrepresented the condition of a dog named Luna, claiming that the animal needed spinal surgery when [she] did not. The suit also alleges that Littleton misled donors by falsely claiming that Little Love Rescue was tax exempt.” Becerra reportedly said in a statement, “Unfortunately, charity rip-offs abound.”

Cliffside Park, New Jersey

NJ.com reported that a visitor to a self-professed “no-kill” facility doing business as Bergen County Protect and Rescue Foundation had filed a lawsuit against the company “claiming she suffered serious injuries when she was attacked by a dog that handlers should have known was vicious.” According to the report, the victim said she was attacked by a pit bull at the facility and “claims she suffered permanent injuries in the attack, is under the care of a doctor and is taking prescribed medications.” The facility’s founder, Vincent Ascolese, was reportedly “a former animal control officer in Bloomfield” who had been “charged in 2015 with animal cruelty after the death of a deer whose throat was allegedly slashed, according to a published report on NorthJersey.com. Acolese later pleaded guilty to disorderly person charges, according to the report.” The facility reportedly “closed its Cliffside Park location in October 2019.” The plaintiff was “seeking unspecified monetary damages, along with interest and costs of the lawsuit.”

Hamilton Township, New Jersey

Trentonian.com reported that “[a]t least two women” had been attacked by a pit bull called Lucky who was up for adoption at the Hamilton Township Animal Shelter. According to the report, the facility had “moved toward what is commonly referred to as a no-kill animal shelter model, which may partly explain why Hamilton Township still attempted to place Lucky up for adoption in May despite his documented history of bad behavior.” According to attorney Stan R. Gregory, who was representing one of the women in a tort claim against the township, the dog had been confined at the facility “since September 2019. … In April, somebody said, ‘This dog isn’t friendly.’ And in May, my client comes in and gets bitten by this dog, suffering a severe injury. Severe.” According to an incident report, Gregory’s client and her husband visited the public facility in May “for a meet and greet with Lucky. ‘Before the dog approached the couple,’ the report states, ‘they were advised to go slow with Lucky, so they let the dog approach them.’ The report appears to corroborate all of the facts from the tort claims notice.” When the plaintiff petted Lucky, he reportedly “‘bit and vigorously shook’ the victim’s arm, according to the report. . . . The wound [the plaintiff] suffered could be described as a ‘high level 4 bite’ on the Dunbar Bite Scale,” according to a professional dog trainer consulted in the case. The attack caused “so much damage that a plastic surgeon had to be called to the hospital to repair the wounds,” the tort claim notice states. Documents obtained by the outlet reportedly described another incident in which a woman had “suffered a ‘puncture, bruising and inflammation’” from being attacked by Lucky three months earlier, in February. Lucky had reportedly since been euthanized.

Salem, Ohio

WFMJ.com reported that authorities had seized more than 200 animals from a self-professed “no-kill” animal “sanctuary” doing business as Alchemy Acres Animal Sanctuary after they were found hoarded in conditions described by prosecuting attorney DanaMarie Pannella as “absolutely horrific.” Pannella said that many animals required medical attention. “‘The scope and the volume that need veterinary care is extremely overwhelming,’ she said. ‘Conditions ranging from skin conditions to flea infestations to emaciation.’” Three animals had died since they were seized. According to the report, “Pannella also filed a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s office regarding the owner’s for profit operation, Whispering Pines Castle LLC. Stephen Sacco who operates Alchemy Acres, is also the statutory agent and incorporator of Whispering Pines Castle LLC, according to the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

Pannella says donors to that operation have complained to the humane society in the past. She wants the state to look into the finances of both the LLC and the non-profit Alchemy Acres.” The hundreds of dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals who were seized were receiving care. WFMJ.com further reported that no charges had yet “been filed and humane agents are still investigating who is responsible for the care of these animals. A hearing will be scheduled to determine the custody of the animals.” SalemNews.net later reported, “The four members of the Sacco family who serve on Alchemy Acres Animal Sanctuary board have pleaded no contest to neglect charges after 197 animals in bad shape were seized from an animal shelter they operated in Perry Township. After entering no contest pleas to a single count of animal neglect, county Municipal Court Judge Tim McNicol found Stephen, Julie, Emily and Katie Sacco guilty during Friday’s hearing. The Saccos were sentenced to three months in the county jail, but their sentences suspended and were placed on probation for five years and each ordered to pay a $750 fine. As part of the plea deal, the Saccos were required to relinquish ownership of the seized animals but will be allowed to keep their personal pets. As part of their probation, the Saccos are prohibited from owning, operating or being associated with an animal rescue or animal related organization or business. They also agree any law enforcement officer or humane agent can inspect any non-residential property or buildings they own or control to confirm no animals are being kept there. … As part of the agreement, the humane society agreed not pursue charges against anyone else on the board of Alchemy Acres or the volunteers involved in the organization.”

Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada

CBC.ca reported that a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Furbaby Rescues Society had “come under fire from former customers who say they thought they were adopting fully-vetted dogs from [open-admission animal shelters] in California—only to end up with sick dogs from Mexico. Furbaby Rescues owner Krystle Jores charges as much as [CA]$1,100 for a vaccinated and fixed puppy …. Ashley Kipping of Squamish says she spent [CA]$3,900 to keep her dog Kihei alive, after [the dog] started hemorrhaging from a tick-borne illness endemic to Mexico. . . . Lorrie Carlson of Victoria shelled out [CA]$1,600 in vet fees when her newly-adopted dog Lily came down with a mystery illness. . . . They were among eight former customers who spoke with CBC News about their experience with ailing dogs adopted from Jores.” Veterinarian Jefferson Manens reportedly expressed concerns about diseases that may stem from the importation of dogs from Mexico and suggested that people adopt local dogs who need homes. “There’s a large population of dogs that need to be adopted in B.C. and in Canada,” he said. A lack of regulations was cited as a problem by a local animal advocate. “It is the Wild West,” she said, adding that there are “no standards that organizations must meet in order to do this work.”

Santa Ynez, California

SantaMariaTimes.com reported that a business called Hollon’s Hounds, which also owns a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Milton’s Mutts, had been approved to house dogs at a property that included “an existing horse barn, a pole barn and two stables, where the dogs will be housed.” An appeal had reportedly been “filed by Elizabeth Gullo, founder and executive director of the nonprofit C.A.R.E.4Paws … who said the appeal was based on her experiences while living on the site. Gullo said she saw dogs left unsupervised and going without food and water, with feces and urine not cleaned up, dogs being adopted out without first being altered and dogs going without veterinary care. She said the facility had operated without licenses and permits and Animal Services officers had responded to complaints about the operation eight times between July 2017 and April 2020, which she said seemed excessive. During public comment, veterinary technician Angela Adan, who also had lived at the site, repeated many of Gullo’s claims.”

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in June 2020

Airdrie, Alberta, Canada

CBC.ca reported that former volunteers and foster caregivers for a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as EJ Rescue Canada were alleging that the group hadn’t given adequate care to animals on transport trucks and in its custody, had hoarded dogs, and had falsified information on documents when importing animals from the U.S. According to the report, “The ex-volunteers say they struggled to find enough fosters and adopters. They say they also struggled to keep up with feeding, providing bathroom breaks and play time, and cleaning up after the sometimes dozens of dogs that ended up staying at the daycare/rescue facility. . . . Some of the ex-volunteers’ top concerns revolve around the dogs’ transportation into Canada, both in terms of transit conditions and falsified information in documents provided to border officials.” In 2019, while transporting a planned 32 dogs from an adoption group in Arizona, an additional 11 dogs were allegedly “packed” into a van, leaving inadequate space for air to circulate. A former volunteer reportedly said that “[o]ne older terrier, who had been tucked up in a corner, died before they even reached the border.” In May 2020, GlobalNews.ca reported that two people and 14 dogs had died when a “cube van” transporting dogs from Arizona to EJ Rescue Canada careened off the road in Idaho. (See the May 2020/Shelley, Idaho, entry below for more details.) CBC.ca reportedly interviewed an individual or family that had adopted a dog from the group “who says they were left with a hefty vet bill because they say they were never told about pre-existing conditions. Others say they were told a dog was younger than [he or she] really was, which allowed EJ to collect a higher fee. . . . Other fosters told CBC News that they couldn’t contact EJ or convince staff that their dog needed medical attention—whether it be for trouble walking, diarrhea or a wound suffered in a fight.” Volunteers reportedly said that large dogs were kept in cramped crates and that the group imports more animals than it can adequately care for. Six former volunteers reportedly said that “many people have complained to the SPCA about EJ Rescue—including them after they left—but say nothing changes …. They say the SPCA sometimes notified [owner Trina] Demeria before they came to inspect; other times, [former volunteer Twyla] Johnson and another staff member say they would have to stall the SPCA and to give Demeria and the volunteers enough time to clean up, hide dogs, or move them into foster homes.”

Austin, Texas

FOX7Austin.com reported that a public “no-kill” facility doing business as Austin Animal Center was “accepting very few healthy stray animals” and residents were “being encouraged to leave the animals on the street in the hope they’ll wander home, or take them in themselves.” The policy started as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic but reportedly could be made permanent. According to the report, “An internal memo from late April shared with FOX 7 Austin shows Austin Animal Center chief Don Bland outlining plans for the shelter’s future. Those plans include turning away strays, and only taking in sick and injured animals and those with serious behavioral problems.” A concerned volunteer at the facility reportedly explained, “Animals are gonna be left on the street, people are not gonna have the ability to get these animals to a safe place [and] the community is going to be left doing the job that Austin Animal Center is paid to do.” Program manager Mark Sloatz reportedly said that the facility was “looking for ways to keep intake down.” FOX7Austin.com later reported that local residents were “calling out the Austin Animal Center after a video posted online showed someone trying to surrender a stray dog and being turned away. In the video posted on Facebook Thursday, a staff member can be heard telling the person with the stray dog, ‘If you can’t keep her, and no one on your Nextdoor or Austin Lost and Found Pets can hold onto her, you probably should just let her go where you found her.’ . . . In another part of the now-viral video, the same staff member said, ‘There’s no need for her to be in a kennel without receiving proper care here.’” (The full video can be viewed here.)

La Grande, Oregon

LaGrandeObserver.com reported that authorities were investigating the former director of a self-professed “high-save” facility doing business as Blue Mountain Humane Association, who may have “embezzled funds and committed other criminal acts.” Local authorities had reportedly “partnered with the FBI to look into rumors and accusations against John Brinlee, including for embezzlement and false advertising.” Current board members allegedly believed Brinlee could have stolen up to $250,000. The group had reportedly held a contract with Union County to provide sheltering services on and off since at least 2011. At a county meeting in 2016, residents reportedly “voiced frustrations with the shelter. Some community members were upset the shelter would not take sick animals, and others shared their personal experiences, one of which involved the director getting upset with a customer and staff. Jodi Lambert, who manages the Eastern Oregon Pet Lovers Facebook page, shared the story from a message she received: ‘BMHA told them to let the cat go because they couldn’t take [the animal], couldn’t afford the vet fee, and they would put [the cat] down anyway,’ Lambert said, according to meeting minutes.” The cat reportedly had a broken leg, and what became of him or her wasn’t reported.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in May 2020

Great Falls, Montana

GreatFallsTribune.com reported that authorities had seized 172 animals from inhumane and dangerous conditions at a self-professed “no-kill” animal “sanctuary” doing business as Hooves Paws and Claws, Inc., “following a structure fire on [the owner’s] property on May 6.” Owner/operator Pamela Jo Polejewski had reportedly “been charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty, a felony, and four counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals.” An unknown number of animals had reportedly died in the fire. KRTV.com reported that the surviving animals taken into custody included 52 dogs, 29 chickens, 21 waterfowl, 19 cats, 14 goats, 12 rabbits, 11 horses, six pigs, three turkeys, two parakeets, a tortoise, a ferret, a cockatiel, and a fish. Charging documents reportedly alleged that authorities had found “many dogs … in multiple makeshift kennels throughout the property [that] were not suitable for the dogs to live in” as well as “a cage full of kittens, multiple small fenced areas with dogs, more dogs running loose on the property, and goats running loose on the property. The cage full of kittens appeared to have so many kittens they barely had any room to move around. The floor of the cage was not visible due to the number of kittens present.” A veterinarian on scene reportedly found “a mini-horse on the property whose feet had not been cared for and were so long that they had curled, causing deformities to the horse. The veterinarian also found inside one of the trailers a deceased bloated dog with a necrotic mouth. … The veterinarian stated that the trailer confinement was cruel to the animals as there was no food or water, the animals were confined with the dead dog and an over-abundance of fecal matter, and they were unable to escape the trailer. An adult dog was removed from the trailer that had a severely disfigured face due to an infection; the veterinarian elected to immediately euthanize the dog to end [his or her] suffering. … Many of the cats/kittens were suffering from eye infections that if left untreated can result in the loss of the eye(s).” The report revealed that “records indicate that the organization was involuntarily dissolved by the Secretary of State in December 2018” and that “Polejewski has been charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty, and four misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. … She faced similar charges in Great Falls back in 2006.” GreatFallsTribune.com reported that 176 animals had been seized in the recent case. KRTV.com reported, “This is at least the third time Polejewski has faced similar charges in a courtroom.”

Shelley, Idaho

EastIdahoNews.com reported that 14 dogs had been killed and 16 remained missing after a vehicle transporting them from Arizona to Canada crashed, also killing the driver and passenger. According to the report, “Eighteen surviving animals were found and are being cared for by local veterinarians and the Blackfoot Animal Shelter.” AZCentral.com reported that the founder of a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Who Saved Who Rescue in Arizona and her boyfriend were killed in the crash. No other vehicles were reportedly involved. The group reportedly removed animals from the public animal shelter in Maricopa County.

Texarkana, Arkansas

WAVY.com reported that the public animal shelter in Texarkana had been turning away residents who tried to surrender animals for whom they couldn’t—or wouldn’t—care. The turn-away policy was changed after authorities discovered “five puppies, deliberately drowned at a local park.” A plastic crate was also found at the park. The city’s animal control director reportedly said that the animals had likely been drowned one by one in the crate: “We believe they placed the puppy in it, closed the lid, and then held the crate under water until they [believed] the puppies were drowned, and then drug it back out and then removed the body, and then would go on to the next one.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects had yet been identified.

Elliott County, Kentucky

LEX18.com reported that authorities had seized more than 100 animals from a self-professed  “no-kill” animal “sanctuary” doing business as The Trixie Foundation after they were found “living in poor conditions and receiving improper care.” The animals reportedly included 104 dogs and four cats. According to the report, owner/operator “Randy Skaggs is cited with 12 counts of improperly disposing of dead animals. Police say more charges are pending the results of veterinarian records.” According to a first responder, “There was a dog … they had to call the vet for immediately. She had to be euthanized. She was lifeless but still breathing.” Many of the animals reportedly had “visible health problems, including severe eye infections and large tumors on their mouths and bodies.” (See the March 2018/Elliott County, Kentucky, entry below for information about previous criminal charges against Skaggs.)

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in April 2020

Tulpehocken Township, Pennsylvania

ReadingEagle.com reported that authorities had seized three horses from a self-professed animal “sanctuary” doing business as Eden Farm Equine Sanctuary, Inc., “due to neglect.” An affidavit reportedly “listed in graphic detail the problems one emaciated horse, Dahlia, was suffering. According to a statement provided by Dr. Christina Vittoria of Willow Creek Veterinary Center, Dahlia was about 100 pounds underweight during an exam at Eden Farm on March 17.” A volunteer at the “sanctuary” had reportedly contacted authorities, “concerned that three elderly horses were suffering, and 14 cats and seven dogs (six in the home and one in the barn) at Eden Farm were malnourished and not well kept.” He reportedly said that “there [wa]s an overpowering ammonia smell coming from the home due to what [owner Gayle] Cooper had described as having fourteen (14) cats and six (6) dogs inside the home, this ammonia has caused the floorboards in the home to rot/wilt from being damp for so long.” The investigation was ongoing.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in March 2020

Hamilton Township, Pennsylvania

WNEP.com reported that 10 cats had died in a fire at a self-professed “no-kill” facility doing business as Camp Papillon Animal Shelter. The animals had apparently been confined to a building. The cause of the fire was reportedly not known. No additional details were available.

Woodstock, Virginia

NVDaily.com reported that Erica Stinson, the owner of a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as River’s Edge Senior Sanctuary and Rescue, had been “charged with two felony counts of torture of an animal resulting in death, two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals and one misdemeanor of inadequate care for animals.” An investigator reportedly said in an affidavit “that she responded to the [Stinson’s] residence on Feb. 27 for a welfare check with Adult Protective Services. [The investigator] states she made contact with Stinson who operates River’s Edge Senior Sanctuary and Rescue. ‘The (residence) where the animals were housed was covered in feces with a strong smell of urine,’ [the investigator] states.” Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Amanda Strecky reportedly said she wanted the court to move forward with a civil seizure request to seize additional animals from Stinson, “given the condition and age of the remaining animals. ‘These animals are very elderly and they need a lot of care and the bills are already extensive to the Sheriff’s Office,’ Strecky said.” She reportedly also said that a “large number” of additional charges were expected to be filed against Stinson as well as against one or more co-defendants. According to the report, “Stinson voluntarily surrendered a total of 35 animals to the Sheriff’s Office …. However, three more animals were not signed over … and an additional five to seven animals remain at Stinson’s residence, Strecky said.” An affidavit filed in the case reportedly said, “During the search warrant, [the investigator] observed animals to be living in bad conditions as well as several animals needing immediate medical care.” An earlier report revealed that two dogs and a cat had been found in such bad shape that they had to be euthanized.

Oswego, Illinois

KendallCountyNow.com reported that authorities had arrested Michaelene A. Majestic, “the founder, chief executive officer and chief operating officer” of a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Just Giants Rescue, Inc. Majestic was reportedly “arrested on four counts of felony theft for the alleged misuse of the rescue’s funds.” If convicted, she could reportedly face up to five years in prison. The court case was ongoing.

Port Washington, New York

LongIsland.News12.com reported that former employees of a self-professed “no-kill” facility doing business as North Shore Animal League America “say they were directed by their superiors to hide the biting history of animals and use euphemisms instead—phrases like ‘resource guarding’—which means a dog protects … food or possessions.” According to the report, about a month after adopting a dog named Ringo, the adopter was attacked by him: “He just lunged and started shaking my arm … All my flesh was pulled back, I was bleeding profusely all over the street,” the adopter said. The dog was later euthanized. “In the paperwork [the adopter] says she received from North Shore, Ringo was described as a playful, puppy-like dog. But documents given to News 12 by former North Shore Animal League employees paint a different picture. … They show that Ringo bit workers or volunteers at the shelter three times, sending one to the hospital about seven months before he was adopted.” The adopter said she wasn’t told about any of those attacks. The report went on: “Records from the whistleblowers show a German shepherd mix named Kobe bit multiple people, including an 81-year-old woman who needed 30 stitches. Despite this, the dog was adopted or fostered several times. There was no mention of any previous attacks in the paperwork that News 12’s whistleblowers say were given to clients.” Nobody from the facility would talk to reporters.

Pocatello, Idaho

IdahoStateJournal.com reported that cases of animal abandonment had “skyrocketed,” according to a local animal adoption group. A spokesperson for the group reportedly said, “We have been scraping neglected animals off the pavement this year, literally in some cases. One problem is that all of the shelters and fosters in our entire surrounding area are full. It’s so bad that we are getting a ton of calls from other rural communities outside of Bannock County looking to surrender animals.” One dog, who was found lying on the side of a road, was suffering from “both demodectic and sarcoptic mites with secondary infections of his mangy skin, and had significant wounds to the top of his head and torso.” According to a foster caregiver, “[E]very time he moved his skin would crack and bleed everywhere.” He was reportedly receiving treatment.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in Februrary 2020

Des Moines, Iowa

KCCI.com reported that the owner of a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Unbreakabull Bullies “who was arrested last year for having 17 dogs in a home has been arrested again …. Tina Petraline is facing charges for animal neglect, theft and harassment.” Authorities reportedly said that she had “provided someone with puppies that were coughing and covered with fleas. One of those puppies died. Another dog in her possession allegedly had to be put down for lung cancer and heartworms. Officers said Petraline had not cared for the dogs.” (See the November 2019/Des Moines, Iowa, entry below for more information.)

Henderson, Louisiana

KATC.com reported that an individual had “witnessed a small white single cab truck briefly stop on the bridge and toss a bag into the water.” He then reportedly retrieved it from the water, “and inside the bag were eight live newborn black lab mix puppies.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified. The puppies were taken to an animal adoption group and were apparently expected to survive. At the time of the report, the St. Martin Parish Animal Services Shelter stated on its website that the facility accepted surrendered animals by appointment only and charged $50 per animal.

Charlotte, Tennessee

WKRN.com reported that authorities had seized 16 horses and 32 dogs from a self-professed animal “rescue” after they were found in distress and in conditions described as “deplorable.” Dogs were found inside two sheds on the property, and an eyewitness reportedly “described the conditions as cramped, with little food and water. ‘The smell of urine … You already know it’s bad before you walk in,’” the witness said. One of the horses was in such bad shape that he or she had to be euthanized. An investigation was apparently ongoing.

Pompano Beach, Florida

Local10.com reported that city officials had filed a lawsuit against a self-professed “non-profit animal shelter” doing business as Cats and Brats to stop the group from housing more than 60 cats at a residential property. The property was reportedly within the city limits, where the law prohibits residents from harboring more than four animals at a residence. A court date was reportedly scheduled for sometime in April.

Union County, Florida

WCJB.com reported that authorities had seized approximately 70 animals from a self-professed animal “rescue” after they were found in “grossly unsanitary conditions.” According to the report, “Several dogs were caged in unkempt rooms filled with everything from dirty laundry hampers to instant pot cookers. … The investigation crosses state lines with some of the animals belonging to Dragon Paws Rescue which operates in Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. The organization’s license was suspended and animal cruelty charges have been pursued.” TheLedger.com reported that a “search warrant of the property revealed animals suffering from multiple untreated medical conditions, severe signs of neglect and unsanitary conditions, investigators said. Deputies found unclean wire cages, stacked upon one another and animals living in their own feces. For some animals, the untreated medical conditions led to infection and loss of limbs,” according to a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office. 11Alive.com reported that one of the dogs seized had been released to Dragon Paws Rescue, Inc., by a county animal shelter in Georgia after he’d been hit by a car in July 2019 and was found suffering from “bi-lateral femur fractures, a fractured pelvis and rib, and a ruptured bladder,” according to a first responder at the raid in Florida. Dragon Paws reportedly posted an online fundraiser to provide him with veterinary care, but when he was found at the Florida property in March 2020, he had chewed tissue off his leg after he was evidently denied medical attention. The Florida property owner, who was reportedly acting as a “foster” for Dragon Paws, told authorities that the family had “duct taped [the leg] to his body” because “they didn’t know what to do.” After the dog was removed from the property, his leg was amputated and another fundraiser was reportedly undertaken to pay for the surgery. A spokesperson for a group that assisted in the raid said, “There were dogs that had fundraisers specifically for spay and neuter that when taken off property had not been spayed or neutered …. Forget the fact that we have [dogs needing medical attention] there. The basics were not taken care of.” Every dog found was reportedly malnourished and infested with fleas and hookworms, according to first responders. A criminal investigation was ongoing.

Berkeley, South Carolina

Live5News.com reported that a “South Carolina leader is now taking a Tri-County nonprofit to court after a Live 5 investigation showed it was soliciting donations despite being suspended by the Secretary of State.” The state had reportedly “issued a legal warning to Suzanne Melton, the CEO, for failing to turn in forms for 2016, 2017 and 2018. The Secretary of State also does not have a current registration statement for the nonprofit. According to Doug Renew, the Secretary of State’s Chief Investigator, Suzie’s Zoo Sanctuary for Special Needs Kitties owes the state $6,000 in outstanding fines.” According to the report, the “sanctuary” is Melton’s backyard, where 88 cats had been confined to pens and sheds.

Ulster, New York

DailyFreeman.com reported that a self-professed “no-kill” animal facility doing business as Ulster County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals had been warehousing some animals for years. A cat who had been warehoused there for six years reportedly had a medical condition that required a “10-minute infusion of liquids” three times a week and was extremely “shy.” A pit bull who had been at the facility for three years was described as “fearful of new things, including toys and kitchen appliances.” A worker said the dog was so terrified at one time that “he jumped up in the air with all four paws off the ground.” Visitors were reportedly either not allowed or able to touch him when he exited the kennel where he was kept because of his explosive excitement. Another pit bull had been warehoused at the facility for four years. The report said that “she has special needs. There are places on her body where she just does not like being touched.” Visitors were also either not allowed or able to touch her when she was allowed out of the kennel to which she was confined.

Boynton Beach, Florida

WPBF.com reported that two dogs who had been adopted from a public animal shelter with “life at any cost” policies doing business as Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control had been found dead “in crates inside a dumpster.” Sun-Sentinel.com reported that the suspect, Devonna Hinds, had “adopted Paris, a 6-year-old white miniature poodle, on Aug. 10, 2018, and six months later adopted Karma, a 3-year-old white/brindle pit bull, according to the arrest report. Both dogs had satisfactory health and weight when they were adopted, the report says. Hinds kept the dogs outside in plastic crates and deprived them of food and water, the report says. A necropsy revealed that under Hinds’ custody, Paris lost 5% of her body weight and Karma lost 20% of her body weight by the time they died. Karma was bony and emaciated, with sores on her body and legs, extremely long toenails, and her coat was dirty, dry and sparse, the document says. She was also infested with hookworms. Paris … had little body fat and protruding ribs, according to the report. She had overgrown nails, dirty ears, dental tartar and her coat was dirty and matted. Neither dog had food in their digestive tracts, the report says. The veterinarian concluded that the dogs’ poor physical condition suggests they were ‘neglected over a long period of time and deprived of basic life-sustaining needs, specifically food, water and medical care,’ the report says. The dogs ultimately died while Hinds said she was gone on vacation on Nov. 21, 2019. The temperature that day was 81 degrees, and it would have been hotter inside the plastic crates, the report says. The vet concluded in the necropsy that because the dogs were deprived of food and water and exposed to the elements outside, they died of dehydration and heat exposure.” According to the report, “Hinds adopted a new dog the day after she found hers dead. When she went to Animal Care and Control to pick up her new dog, Boynton Beach Police officers were waiting.” She reportedly “told officers that she remembered feeding both dogs in their crates outside in the backyard, and when she returned both dogs were dead in their crates. … She put the crates with the dogs’ bodies in the trunk of her car and hauled them to Boynton Beach, where she saw a dumpster across the street from the high school and decided to throw the crates there ‘without a second thought,’” according to the arrest report.

Houston, Texas

HoustonPress.com reported that a self-professed “no-kill” animal “rescue” doing business as Mr. K’s Halfwayhouse for Hounds & Kitties Too Pet Shelter had “been picking up dogs from municipal shelters in and around Houston and sending them to a Connecticut shelter with a history of animal cruelty. According to one source close to the operation, the Texas dogs transported along this route number in the hundreds. Connecticut authorities say the nonprofit rescue, Mr. K’s Halfway House for Hounds and Kitties Too, doesn’t have a license to bring animals into the state, but that hasn’t stopped Mr. K’s from transporting animals over the past 18 months. The animals are delivered to the SPCA of Connecticut, run out of a foreclosed home that is set for court-ordered auction in March. The home doubled as the residence of former director Fred Acker, who was convicted on multiple counts of animal cruelty in 2014 and 2016, and sentenced to one year in jail. However, he disappeared while out on bond pending appeal, and is now a fugitive.” (See the September 2016/Milford, Connecticut, entry below for more details.) According to the report, “When told that an animal rescue in Houston was sending animals to the SPCA of Connecticut, [animal control officer] Umstead opined, ‘I wouldn’t send a flea down to that place …. This is what blows my mind, is that you’ve got all these rescues in the south, that think, ‘Oh, everybody in New England is great, and we’re going to ship all these truckloads of dogs up there,’ and they have no clue who they’re sending [them] to.’ … Almost from the beginning, Garrett and Mr. K’s Spokesperson Rocky Fiore greeted questions about dogs’ destinations with hostility.” Despite repeated efforts to obtain interviews and records, the investigative reporter was unable to obtain clear answers to many questions, including where dogs released to the “rescue” ended up, how they were removed from county facilities that had reportedly ended agreements with the group, and how they were imported into other states without the required licenses. His report concludes: “As always, the rescue could use donations. Just don’t ask them, or the Harris County Animal Shelter, where the animals are going.”

Cambridge, Ohio

Daily-Jeff.com reported that a resident who was operating a self-professed animal “rescue” at her home had been charged with cruelty to animals after authorities seized 48 dogs from conditions described as “deplorable” at the property. Three children were also removed from the home, which was reportedly condemned by the health department. According to the report: “Authorities also located multiple cats, pigs, turkeys and chickens along with a cow and goat on the property. Several dead animals were reportedly found lying on the ground behind a chicken coop.” The “rescue” operator was unable to tell authorities how many dogs were confined at the property. Inside the residence, “authorities observed numerous dogs and puppies living in crates and cages that contained feces and urine. Dogs of various sizes were located in cages stacked in the children’s bedrooms and living room where crates were three high in places. … [O]ne medium size crate contained three adult dogs. … Paperwork for the rescue operation was not in proper order, according to authorities. … The dogs and crates were removed from the residence and transported to the dog shelter in an enclosed trailer. Five ‘very sick’ puppies were reportedly taken to a local veterinarian where they later died.”

Washtenaw County, Michigan

MLive.com reported, “Facing multiple felony animal cruelty charges for failing to care for 71 animals in their home, Augusta Township Supervisor Brian Shelby and his wife have both pleaded guilty to lower misdemeanor charges. Brian Shelby, 65, pleaded guilty, Feb. 3, to seven misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty toward two to three animals, while his wife, Tammy Shelby, 58, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty toward two to three animals, court records show.” The charges were reportedly the result of a 2018 investigation that resulted in the “seizure and surrender of 37 cats, nine dogs, 13 chickens, 10 exotic birds and two peacocks from the Shelbys’ home after investigators … determined the animals were living in unsanitary conditions, records show. Investigators found excessive feces, urine, and debris littering the yard and inside the home. Many of the dogs and cats were locked in filthy plastic kennels, forced to step and lie in their own waste, investigators said. Most of the house did not have electricity or ventilation, and there was little food on the premises, investigators said. The exotic birds, including five cockatoos, two macaws, two conures and an Amazon parrot, were closed up in a room without light or ventilation, they said. ‘Mr. Shelby claimed he was helping homeless animals. This case highlights a common problem whereby people claiming to be rescuing animals are more akin to hoarders, causing direct and serious harm,’ Humane Society of Huron Valley CEO Tanya Hilgendorf said in a written statement. ‘Good intentions don’t justify or excuse animal cruelty. A good reminder to the public to do your homework before working with any animal group. No rational and caring person would have walked through this home and willingly left an animal here,’ Hilgendorf said.” A sentencing hearing was scheduled.

East Milton, Florida

PNJ.com reported that because a public turn-away facility doing business as Santa Rosa County Animal Services didn’t have space for approximately 60 sick and neglected dogs, “it will take four or five trips and several months before all of the dogs can be removed” from the terrible conditions in which they were hoarded. The owner of the dogs had reportedly agreed to surrender them to authorities. According to a county spokesperson, “none [of the dogs] had received veterinary care or socialization and all of them had varying degrees of mange.” The report described some of the terrified animals who were reportedly expected to be held by the county for “six to eight months”: “One dog, a yellow Lab mix named Milk, recoils at human touch and sticks her nose in the corner of the kennel whenever a human tries to enter to pet her. Another dog, … Pretty Boy, cowers in the corner and won’t let humans come near him.” The dogs’ owner was not facing charges.

Galesburg, Illinois

Galesburg.com reported that a woman who abandoned a cat in a travel carrier in a garbage receptacle at an apartment complex told police that she’d tried to surrender the cat to a self-professed “no-kill” shelter doing business as Knox County Humane Society but that it wouldn’t accept the animal. According to the report, “A resident of the complex told police they had seen a woman walking toward the garbage area with the cat in the carrier, then soon after returning without it. The cat carrier belonged to a local veterinary office and, upon speaking with the vet’s office, police confirmed that the woman had been loaned the carrier when having a cat spayed in December. The woman told police she had been having issues with the cat, which she got her son for Christmas. She said her son had no interest in the cat and the people she got the cat from refused to take her back. She claimed that the Humane Society would not take the cat, and when she tried to just let the cat go, a neighbor returned [her]. According to the police report, she grew angry at the cat and ‘put her hands on the cat.’ She told police that the last straw was when the cat destroyed the last roll of toilet paper. She admitted to then putting the cat in the carrier and placing [her] in the garbage, because she did not want to risk anyone bringing the cat back to her. The woman was arrested for animal cruelty and was given a notice to appear at the Knox County jail.” After she was found in the garbage, the cat was apparently taken in by the same facility that had turned her away. A spokesperson reportedly said that the animal “was very scared when first brought to the shelter. She would hide in a corner and cry unless held.”

Austin, Texas

KXAN.com reported that it had received new images of alleged filthy and inhumane conditions in which puppies suffering from the painful and highly contagious parvovirus were kept at a self-professed “no-kill” facility doing business as Austin Pets Alive! According to the report: “A current staff member at the shelter, who asked to be kept anonymous, shared the images, saying animal waste piles up and that puppies are often caged in their own filth ‘without adequate food and water.’ … ‘Everybody who works there feels the same way, and they all know. Just nobody ever does anything about it,’ the staff member said. ‘I tell my managers and still they never do anything about it. All the veterinarians know but nothing ever gets done about it.’” A spokesperson for the group reportedly “confirmed the images were from the shelter” and “couldn’t say with certainty how many puppies are currently being held in the parvo ward.” The outlet reported that it had “requested a formal interview with Dr. Ellen Jefferson, executive director of Austin Pets Alive! as well as the parvo ward manager. KXAN has also formally requested a copy of the parvo ward cleanliness protocols” but had apparently not been provided with the requested interviews or documents.

Millville, New Jersey

6ABC.com reported that a person driving along a road had noticed a wire crate. The individual apparently stopped and found that it contained a dead pit bull. Authorities were called and reportedly “found a brindle pit bull mix, around six to nine months old. The dog was wearing a small sweater, and had [a] collar, leash and two pieces of fabric that investigators believe was used for bedding. ‘People have put their animals in cages, tied them to trees dumped them in the woods, dumped them in areas and normally they end up dying from starvation,’ said Kathleen Leary, South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter Director of Operations. Leary said animal abandonment occurs frequently throughout Cumberland County …. A necropsy revealed the cause of death was human neglect.” According to its website, the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter requires those who want or need to surrender an animal to make an appointment, be placed on a waiting list, and pay a fee of up to $200 per animal. Apparently, it may also only accept dogs who have been deemed adoptable by the facility.

Troy Township, Ohio

Cleveland19.com reported that two puppies had died and an adult dog was badly burned in a fire that destroyed a barn “that was used as a dog kennel” at a foster home for a self-professed animal “foster group” doing business as Geauga Mama Dogs and Pups, Inc. According to the report, “Geauga Mama Dogs and Pups said one of the dogs started to deliver in the driveway by the barn as it burned. She was taken into a home where she gave birth to 10 puppies.” Another dog was badly burned and was reportedly “now at a veterinarian hospital in need of medical care ‘for a long while,’” according to the group.

Reports Showing How ‘No-Kill’ Policies Harmed Animals in January 2020

Fresno, California

YourCentralValley.com reported that a “local no-kill rescue group” had turned away nine cats who were suffering from scabies infestations (mange). The cats’ owner evidently told authorities that she could not care for the animals and had contacted local “no-kill” groups but they’d been “unwilling to take the cats in a timely fashion due to a lack of space and/or their medical conditions.” An open-admission animal shelter doing business as Central California SPCA accepted the animals and provided them with needed care, including medical treatment for the painful, highly contagious condition.

Louisville, Kentucky

WHAS11.com reported that a dog had been found tied to a fence at a public turn-away facility doing business as Louisville Metro Animal Services. He was reportedly “unresponsive, facing hypothermia from the cold, and severely dehydrated. He also weighed up to 20 pounds less than what he should.” He was receiving treatment. Surveillance footage showed a man tying the dog to a fence and leaving him with a blanket, food and water, and a chew toy before driving away. At the time of the report, the facility’s website stated, “Louisville Metro Animal Services is not accepting owner-surrendered, large breed dogs. LMAS may be able to accept small, owner-surrendered pets by appointment only. LMAS does not accept other owned animals. … Owners who surrender a dog will be charged a $45 impoundment fee. For owners who surrender a cat, there will be a $35 impoundment fee. There may be additional medical costs depending upon your animal’s veterinary records.”

Ionia County, Michigan

WZZM13.com reported that two dogs who had been adopted from a self-professed “no-kill” animal “sanctuary” doing business as Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary had been returned, apparently after years of neglect. According to the report, “Tic Tac was malnourished and needed several infected teeth removed. Komino had to have emergency surgery on his remaining eye, which was close to rupturing.” The report included a Facebook post in which the group described the dogs’ condition: “Komino is shut down, cries nonstop, has been in great pain for who knows how long due to his remaining eye, which we removed recently along with infected teeth. … Tic Tac just wants closeness and will look into your eyes and whine, she cries in her sleep, she had many infected teeth pulled so she’s pretty swollen now.” The group was reportedly “trying to raise money for their medical expenses.”

Dalton, Georgia

TimesFreePress.com reported that a dog had been warehoused at a self-professed “no-kill” shelter doing business as the Humane Society of Northwest Georgia for more than 10 years. She was described by a volunteer at the facility as “a bit territorial,” reportedly “gets jealous,” and has “been known to growl and bite.” The dog had evidently been adopted and returned more than once. The volunteer reportedly said that “she’s not entirely sure how [the dog] would adjust to being in a home with other animals. ‘Nobody’s adopted her long enough for us to see.’” The facility where the dog had been confined for the last decade was described as a “3,000-square-foot shelter [that] had dark sheds that held overcrowded kennels, outdated cages, and outdoor areas that became muddy.”

St. Augustine, Florida

ActionNewsJAX.com reported that 21 animals had died in a fire at a property where they were hoarded by a couple who were reportedly “fostering five cats and rescued 15 of their own. Two of their dogs were also inside.” According to the report, after the fire and a successful online fundraising scheme, one of the owners “is coming up with a plan for their new house that will allow her to foster and rescue more cats and dogs.”

Newark, Delaware

NewarkPostOnline.com reported that a pit bull who was being fostered for an unnamed self-professed animal “rescue” in Pennsylvania had pushed his or her way through a front door and attacked a small dog who was being walked on a leash by his or her guardian. According to the report, the smaller dog “suffered serious injuries and had to be taken to an animal hospital for emergency surgery, but … is expected to survive.” The property owner, whose daughter was fostering the pit bull, “was charged with keeping a vicious animal and allowing a dog to run at large.” The pit bull was reportedly returned to the group in Pennsylvania. No additional information was available.

Langley, British Columbia, Canada

AldergroveStar.com reported that authorities had seized 20 animals—nine dogs, five birds, three cats, two rabbits, and a pig—from a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as 1ataTime Rescue Society. According to the report, “Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, reported all of the animals removed met the definition of ‘distress’ under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. ‘There were concerns in the complaint about dogs being crated for long periods of time, and with one exception, the dogs were crated without access to water when our officers arrived,’ Moriarty commented. … It wasn’t the first time the SPCA has raided the house. In 2016, the agency took 88 animals, 45 dogs, 18 cats, and 24 farm animals including goats, chickens, ducks, and a turtle. In 2012, the SPCA seized 52 dogs and 19 cats from [“rescue” owner Sandra] Simans’ Burnaby residence.” (See the September 2016/Langley, British Columbia, Canada, entry below for more details.) Workers reportedly wore hazmat suits to remove the animals. BC.CTVNews.ca reported that “Moriarty said it was ‘extremely frustrating’ that the SPCA was once again dealing with the same individual. ‘[Simans] was ordered to pay the BC SPCA costs of care, [to] the tune of [CA]$81,000. We haven’t seen a cent of that,’ Moriarty told CTV News. … ‘We will absolutely be recommending charges and we can hopefully see a situation where she does get a ban on owning animals in the future,’ said Moriarty.”

Thawville, Illinois

FOXIllinois.com reported that Corinne DiLorenzo, the founder of a self-professed animal “sanctuary” doing business as Earth Animal Sanctuary, was “facing a Class 4 felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty.” The charge came after “[h]undreds of animal carcasses were discovered in a shallow grave at the former sanctuary” the previous summer. According to two individuals who knew DiLorenzo, “there have been more than 600 animals [who] died while in DiLorenzo’s care with the possibility of more unaccounted animals.” FordCountyRecord.com reported: “Melissa Pena, a former board member for the Earth Animal Sanctuary, and two others visited the property, discovering ‘nothing short of a horror story,’ Pena said on the sanctuary’s Facebook page. ‘There was an oblong-shaped ditch filled with bag upon bag upon bag of the remains of dead animals,’ Pena said in the Facebook post. ‘There were the remains of pigs that had been dragged out on a tarp or blanket and dumped in the hole. We saw skulls and bones of large pigs, medium-sized pigs, goats of various ages, cats, dogs, birds/waterfowl and rabbits. There were small bags inside of larger garbage bags as well as bags that contained multiple species of animals. We saw various states of decomposition. There were layers of animals, and after about an hour of ripping through bags with my hands, I couldn’t do anymore.’” According to the report: “Following a suspicious fire at the property in September 2018—in which eight pigs, six ducks, six geese and 20 chickens perished—the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office began investigating complaints about the welfare of the hundreds of animals that had been rescued and brought to the property, investigative reports show. … While visiting the property, investigators found unsanitary conditions in DiLorenzo’s home, where multiple animals were being kept, and ordered her to clean up and make various repairs to her home in order for her son to be able to return and live there. They also issued her a ‘humane care’ citation after finding two malnourished pigs with ‘skin issues’ believed to be caused by straw mites in an outbuilding.” ChicagoTribune.com reported, “One of the public agencies that had associated with EARTH Animal Sanctuary was DuPage County Animal Services, which had placed more than 70 animals there since 2014, in part because the sanctuary accepted barn animals, said Laura Flamion, operations manager for the agency. … ‘I don’t think we had been alerted to anything concerning,’ she said.”

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh.CBSLocal.com reported that state authorities had launched an investigation into a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Four Paws Elkhound Rescue after adopters reported that “they adopted puppies from [the group who] were underfed, sick, covered in feces and hours away from death.” One adopted puppy “quickly deteriorated and had discharge in his eyes and nose. … [He] died the same day he was brought home.” He and six other puppies had reportedly been imported from animal shelters in Texas. According to the report, “Just two weeks after the litter arrived in Pittsburgh, only one of the seven puppies [was] still alive. KDKA confirmed the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture launched an investigation following our call and their conversations with the impacted families. KDKA also learned humane agents out of Westmoreland County opened an investigation and are looking into search warrants.” Another adopted puppy from the litter “wound up at the vet just one hour after meeting her new family. ‘And they told us the dog was in critical condition,’” said the adopter. That puppy died just days later. The surviving puppy reportedly “tested positive for Giardia, causing malnutrition and digestive issues. He also tested positive for canine herpes, a virus nicknamed ‘fading puppy syndrome.’ Lastly, he tested positive for Bordetella, a bacteria associated with upper respiratory infections.” He was expected to survive.

Ellisville, Mississippi

HattiesburgAmerican.com reported that “more than 70 animals found neglected” at a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Safe and Warm Animal Rescue Mission had been removed. A spokesperson for an adoption group that took in the animals reportedly said, “Some of them were emaciated, malnourished, dehydrated … and out of the 22 we pulled (Jan. 1), 19 of those had some form of malnourishment. After medically assessing the dogs, we didn’t see any reason for them to be underweight other than they weren’t fed.” The “rescue” had allegedly shut down. WDAM.com reported that the adoption group spokesperson said, “They’re dehydrated. Some of them had some wounds from … dog attacks. One of them had a gunshot wound that had healed incorrectly, and he needed some antibiotics and he may need surgery.” It wasn’t reported whether authorities had been alerted or if charges would be pursued.

Volusia County, Florida

News-JournalOnline.com reported that authorities had seized nine cats and seven dogs from a self-professed animal “sanctuary” doing business as Journey’s End Animal Sanctuary. According to the report, “records show that multiple employees and volunteers over the past several months have contacted the county with concerns about living conditions that resulted from too many animals, more than 100 at least, and not enough staff. Officials arrived at Journey’s End about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday to look for animals that Rachel Barton, the lead shelter veterinarian with Tallahassee Animal Services, recommended be taken into immediate custody, Kevin Captain, a spokesman for Volusia County, said. … After visiting the facility in August, Barton wrote in a forensic veterinary statement that the sanctuary had ‘dangerously exceeded its capacity for care, resulting in undue animal pain and suffering. Staffing is inadequate to meet the basic needs of the animals each day, let alone their advanced medical needs,’ Barton wrote.” A spokesperson for the county reportedly said, “What we found during our investigation is that medications were often expired, improperly dispensed and inadequate.” The county issued an order in July requiring the facility to provide animals with adequate care and reduce the number of animals at the property. The order also reportedly “noted issues with housing conditions for dogs and cats, a lack of routine veterinary inspections, health conditions not being fully managed, and a lack of appropriate vaccinations and licensing.” (See the August 2019/Volusia County, Florida, entry below.) According to the report, Barton “wrote that the situation at Journey’s End is a classic example of rescue and exploitation hoarding. ‘There is broad neglect of their personal health and hygiene, animal health and hygiene, accumulation of clutter and debris and general decay and disrepair of the household,’ Barton wrote. ‘Rescue hoarders often claim they are being persecuted and will typically reject assistance from outside groups.’” The county attorney’s office planned to “file a petition for a hearing on the custody of the animals [who] were removed.” News-JournalOnline.com further reported that county authorities “said the cats were infested with fleas and ear mites and have numerous infections, and the paralyzed animals had infected pressure sores and urinary tract infections” and had “posted several dozen pages of records” and disturbing photos “in an effort to show the community why it felt it was time to take action.”

Phoenix, Arizona

ABC15.com reported that authorities had determined that a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Woofs, Wiggles n Wags was operating “in violation of the city’s zoning and code ordinances.” According to the report, “[i]n October, ABC15 uncovered questionable conditions inside the rescue, which operates out of home near 52nd Street and Cactus Road. Photos surfaced online showing underfed dogs, dogs cramped in cages, blood and rat feces on the floor.” (See the October 2019/Phoenix, Arizona, entry below.) Reportedly, “[t]hrough a public records request, ABC15 received documentation showing numerous complaints filed by residents against the home. Documents state in November, an inspector visited the owner, Melanie Murphy, and told her by boarding and selling animals there, she was in violation of the city’s zoning and code ordinances.” Murphy was reportedly appealing a notice of violation.

Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville.com reported that 18 cats, a hamster, and a sugar glider had died in a fire at a self-professed animal “rescue” doing business as Dreidel’s House Cat Rescue. One cat was reportedly missing, and 16 animals survived at the single-family home where they had been hoarded. Responding firefighters reportedly fought “flames and pull[ed] animals out of the smoke filled interior of the house. The ones that showed any signs of life were treated with oxygen,” according to the “rescue” owner. It was suspected that the fire started in the home’s kitchen.

Morrisville Borough, Pennsylvania

LevittownNow.com reported that authorities had found 24 homeless cats hoarded in an unheated car by a man who said he “had been trying to keep them out of the elements.” It was believed that the animals had been found abandoned at an apartment complex. A spokesperson for a local animal adoption group reportedly “said she is aware there are cat colonies in the area … and it’s not uncommon for people to leave their felines behind when they move from nearby apartments.” The animals were surrendered to authorities and were “being treated for various ailments, including fleas, dehydration, and being underweight.”

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