By A California Reader
Sat, Dec 18, 2021 11:47 a.m.
News from Palo Alto
News from Palo Alto
This item from the San Jose Mercury News is probably behind a paywall, so I've attached the text (minus the photos) as a separate item. Even without reading it, you can get the gist of the story.
Seven mixed-breed pups in a group of twenty-eight died of heat stroke in an un-airconditioned van transporting them to another site, and as a result three shelter workers have been charged with animal cruelty.
This is an utter waste for so many reasons, the compounding of multiple stupidities.
1. Sorry that the pups died, but there is a huge oversupply of such animals: they could have been cheaply and more mercifully euthanized before this transport.
2. Moreover, why did they exist at all? These dogs were produced by negligent pet owners who failed to have their animals neutered.
3. Next, why bring criminal charges against the shelter employees for their poor judgment? This is an utter waste of taxpayer money and court time. The Pets in Need employees' real crime was being stupid—as was the initial hiring of them by the nonprofit. The G factor strikes again.
4. And lastly, now that the pups are dead--since we are such a "diverse," "vibrant," and "multicultural" country—why weren't the corpses butchered and made into tasty meals for immigrants from places where they raise dogs for food? We've got lots of them living here.
Taco Bell will probably receive the dog carcasses for processing.
ReplyDelete--GRA
The SJMN doesn't have a paywall -- I've never seen one, anyway; this story is available:
ReplyDeletePalo Alto shelter workers say ‘avoidable mistakes’ caused puppy deaths. ‘Putting them in that crate was the kiss of death’ -- Seven Labrador-pit bull mix puppies died during transport on Aug. 2, authorities said.
Dogs don't have sweat glands. That is why they pant when over-heated.
ReplyDeleteObviously the writer is not an animal lover. Dogs are wonderful creatures who just want to love and be loved--with the exception of some members of vicious breeds. Informed dog owners know that studies show that neutering increases the chances of the dog developing some kinds of cancers and joint problem. If you love your dog, don't neuter it--those hormones are there for a reason. As for increasing the populations of unwanted dogs, to prevent that, all you have to do is keep your dog home. Our dog is always with us--in the car, on vacation, and at home. He never runs loose to romance stray dogs. And at night he is asleep with us on our bed. And yes, my dog IS more intelligent than your fake president. FJB
ReplyDeleteUPDATE: Justice For 7 Puppies Deaths - Rescuers Animal Abusers R Paid Employees - Legal Fees Covered By Funds Donated 4 Animals ?
ReplyDeleteby: Janet Tipper
Recipients: Board of Directors - Pets In Need - Non-Profit Org, Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office, PIN Board President, Assoc. Of Shelter Veterinarians, PIN Interim Executive Director
365 SUPPORTERS 1,000 GOAL
https://www.thepetitionsite.com/485/479/520/justice-for-the-deaths-of-7-puppies-pets-in-need-paid-employees-1-even-got-a-recent-promotion/
Please copy and paste to bring up petition...
Thank You For Speaking Up and Being A The Voice of The Voiceless
Tues Oct 26th, 2021 :: 04:29 p.m. PDT
Community News Release: Animal Shelter Employees Cited for In-Custody Puppy Deaths
Police cited three employees of the Pets In Need Palo Alto Animal Shelter for their role in the deaths of 7 puppies who perished during transport from the Central Valley this summer.
On the morning of Tues, Aug 3,2021 officers began an investigation into the deaths of the 7 puppies that had occurred the previous day. The investigation revealed that on Mon. Aug 2,
a routine transport trip was made by Pets In Need.
The employees were gone 3 - 4 hrs on this trip and picked up 27 dogs including the 7 puppies. The puppies were from the same litter, were about 3 - 4 to months old, and weighed about 9 pounds each. The van lacked air conditioning in the rear cargo area, and the employees did NOT provide water to the animals during transport. The temperature in the Central Valley that afternoon was 100+. Upon arrival at the Palo Alto Animal Shelter, Pets In Need staff determined that the puppies were unresponsive. The employees immediately summoned assistance from vet staff, who attempted to resuscitate the puppies without success. All other dogs in the van showed signs of distress.
Detectives presented the case to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, who chose to file 2 misdemeanor charges (animal cruelty and neglect) against each of the 3 suspects. A Santa Clara County Superior Court judge signed arrest warrants on Oct 25, and on the afternoon of Oct 26, detectives cited and released the suspects in accordance to standard protocol for non-violent misdemeanor warrants.
Pets In Need Has Released This Info:
We stand behind our employees and are funding all of their legal fees...
Where does the funding come from?
Donations from you and me?
This is outrageous how can they support paying legal fees for these "animal abusers" ???
Facts:
The van's air conditioner functioned in front of the van only and did "not" send any cool air to cargo area where the animals were.
7 puppies were placed in a crate that was so small they were literally on top of one another. The top of the crate was covered with a towel - deprived of any air circulation during the 3 to 4 hour trip...none of the animals were allowed to get out of their cages...Never once were any given a taste of water...the 7 dead puppies were covered in vomit, urine and feces. The other animals that did survive suffered from heat exhaustion and had to have immediate care in order to save them.
Only due to a chance observation by someone not employed by Pets In Need did this story come to light - He reported what he saw to the authorities...I am left to wonder how many times had this neglect happened that were not reported ?
All 3 paid employees of Pets In Need should be charged and convicted of a felony for the 7 deaths and held accountable for the condition of the remaining animals. If found guilty, prosecuted harshly...and certainly be restricted from ever working in an animal care facility of any kind...
Please stand with me in behalf of these innocent puppies to keep these abusers from ever repeating such cruelty.
Update:
https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/12/17/palo-alto-shelter-workers-say-avoidable-mistakes-caused-puppy-deaths-putting-them-in-that-crate-was-the-kiss-of-death/