Rampaging Chimpanzee Killed, Dead Puppies and Disappearing Puppy Mill - all on the same property!

The Sheriff's Department had responded to a call Monday night on a request to help capture an angry chimp running loose on a highway outside Winston in northwest Missouri. When officers arrived, the 9-year-old chimp opened the patrol car door and grabbed the leg of a deputy, who fatally shot it, Chief Deputy Todd Watson said.

When Watson went to talk to the owners, he smelled a strong odor and heard barking from an estimated 100-200 small breed dogs.  The owners said they also had three other primates.

Watson returned with a search warrant the next day but only found 13 dogs and 2 cats, who appeared to be neglected and abused.  He also found nine dead puppies in the yard.  He did not find the dogs he smelled and heard the day before. 

Brent Hudson, 49; his wife, Cherace Hudson, 41; and their friend Mary Overton, 52, were jailed on $5,000 bond. They did not have attorneys, Watson said.

The three other primates have been recovered. The Humane Society of Missouri is offering a reward for information on the dogs that were seen Monday but gone from the property by the time officials returned Tuesday.

State Agriculture Department spokeswoman Misti Preston said the breeder never had a state license. The home was in a remote location, with no neighbors nearby.

Missouri Agriculture Director Jon Hagler, who has said he wants to put bad breeders out of business, said in a statement that such operators put the health and welfare of animals at risk and place legitimate pet breeders at a competitive disadvantage.

Source:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ 

*Update-April 3*


91 of the approximately 200 dogs have been found and custody has been transferred to the Humane Society.  


The Humane Society said that the breeds of the dogs include Yorkshire Terrier, Pekingese, Chihuahua, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher and Miniature Poodle.

Associate circuit court arraignments for the three people charged in the case - Daniel Hudson, 49; Cherace E. Hudson, 41; and Mary C. Overton, 52, all of Winston - will be Monday. All three are being held in the Daviess-DeKalb Regional Jail in Pattonsburg, with $5,000 bonds.



The three people involved were charged at that point with numerous counts of animal neglect and abuse, and with owning exotic animals without a license. After the discovery of the dogs on Thursday, improper disposal of dead animals charges were also added against the three accused.


Source:
http://www.citizen-observer.com/articles/2009/04/03/news/news15.txt

Low Cost Vaccinations in Grandview, Missouri-April 4

GRANDVIEW, Mo. - An annual program meant to help provide low-cost vaccinations for pets will take place Saturday, April 4 in Grandview.

The "Pets Helping People" event provides rabies vaccination for cats and dogs for $5 per pet and 2 canned good items. The event will also provide spay and neuter vouchers and microchips at a reasonable cost.

More than 400 pets were vaccinated last year and they are expecting a larger crowd this year. "The rabies vaccine is such a small part of what we are able to do. The pet needs the vaccine but the owner needs good information about health and wellness. It is a valuable opportunity to have face-to-face communication about the importance of spaying and neutering," says Dr. Abby Snyder from Grandview Animal Hospital.

"We know Pets Helping People has a positive impact on those of us who participate, the pets that are vaccinated that day and on those in the community helped by GAP." she adds.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Conn West Elementary, 1100 High Grove Rd. in Grandview. The City of Grandview is one of the sponsors, but you do not have to be a Grandview resident to participate.

I'm pet friendly-are you?

Jefferson City, MO - infoZine - The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced a new grant program to help with low-cost spay and neuter services to benefit unwanted dogs and cats. This program offers license plates available to all Missourians interested in making a donation to the Missouri State Humane Association. Each sale of the “I’m Pet Friendly” license plate will donate $20 to the Missouri Pet Spay/Neuter Fund administered by MDA.

“The Department of Agriculture has implemented this new program that will help humane societies, animal shelters and non-profit rescue groups spay and neuter dogs and cats and control the population of unwanted animals,” said Don Steen, director of MDA. “Anyone will be able to purchase the special pet-friendly Missouri license plate and is a way for everyone to become actively involved in communities working together to create solutions for pet populations.”

To obtain an “I’m Pet Friendly” license plate, you must first pay a $25 contribution to the Missouri State Humane Association and be issued an emblem-use authorization. You can obtain your new plate through the Missouri Department of Revenue by submitting the emblem-use authorization statement with a $15 specialty license plate fee and an Application for Missouri Personalized and Special License Plate form.

Funds will be administered by MDA and paid as grants for low-cost pet spay/neuter services to benefit unwanted dogs and cats. Eligible humane societies, local municipal animal shelters regulated by sections 23.400 to 273.405, RSMo, and organizations exempt from federal income taxation under IRS Code Section 501(c) (3) may apply for the funds.

To learn how to make a donation to the Missouri State Humane Association to receive an emblem-use authorization, visit www.mostatehumane.org/. “I’m Pet Friendly” plates can be ordered by visiting dor.mo.gov/mvdl/motorv/plates/ or a local motor vehicle office.

Information about the pet spay/neuter grant program can be found atwww.mda.mo.gov or by calling (573) 751-3377.

Know how to Lobby for animals?

Lobbying Tips Workshop to be held in Springfield, Mo.

On Saturday, January 17, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation will be holding a Lobbying Tips Seminar in Springfield, Mo.

Get tips on how to lobby in the state legislature, learn more about the Alliance's legislative agenda for 2009, sign up to participate in Lobby Day in Jefferson City, and learn about upcoming Alliance events in Springfield!

The event will be held
in Meeting Room B, noon to 1:30 p.m., Main Library Center, 4653 South Campbell, Springfield, Missouri 65810. Phone: (417) 882-0714.

This event will be hosted by the Alliance's Springfield coordinator, Kris Hegle.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact the Alliance at mail@maal.org or Kris Hegle at kahegle@aol.com.

Please help these very cold kitties and doggies!

The animals at the Windsor Animal Control are staying in a building with no heat!  They are very, very cold in a small building in a small town.  Can you donate a small space heater or money to buy one?  I hate to hear of sweet kitties and doggies waiting for homes being so cold.  It is getting really cold now (especially overnight) in Missouri.  Click here for a list of space heaters on amazon.com.  They have cheap ones at around $15.


The shelter is located on County Line Road in Windsor. They have no set hours, however, they do their best to accommodate your schedule to show you their animals. Please call 1-660-525-1035 for an appointment and detailed directions. If there is no answer please leave a message and they will get back to you as soon as possible.

---

Windsor Animal Control-(WACO)
Corner of County Line Road
Willa Lane
Windsor, MO 65360
Phone: 1-660-525-1035 
Click here for a map

Email: windsoranimalcontrol@yahoo.com
Click here for a list of pets at this shelter 

Dogs being shot in Northland neighborhood

Tina Oaks said three dogs in two different families in one neighborhood were shot. Her son called her one day at work, frantic because Shiloh, the family's miniature beagle, was bleeding and unable to walk.  They took her to the vet and found that she had been shot and her back leg was shattered.  Her dog had been shot in their back yard in the 1200 block of Northeast 80th Terrace.


Tina Oaks called the police but they said this was a matter for animal control and that someone would call her shortly.  Within minutes someone from AC called her.  There was no witness and nobody knows who shot these dogs.  


Because there were no witnesses, the animal control says there is really nothing they can do.


They advised the residents to keep a close eye on their pets.


Source:
www.kctv5.com

Microochipping and Vaccination Clinic Belton, MO Dec 13

There is a Microchipping and Vaccination Clinic Dec 13, 11:00am-2:00pm: Microchip & vaccine event at Belton Tractor Supply, East 58 HWY (behind Quick Trip) Belton MO

Call for prices: (913) 671-PETS

Low cost vaccination and microchip clinic in Kansas City, MO Dec 6

Spay & Neuter Kansas City is holding a vaccination and microchip clinic on Saturday, December 6 from 10am-12pm at 6817 Stadium Drive (off I-70 & Manchester--in the Kansas City Tow Lot). $10/shot (for dogs: rabies, da2pp, bordtella and for cats: rabies, fvrcp) $15 microchip, $12 KCMO city tag (for pets that have been fixed), free dewormer if you bring an item for a needy pet.

If you have a pet that is not fixed please email emilyc_rad@yahoo.com or call
816-353-0940 to set up an appointment for a low-cost spay/neuter. We recommend that pets get fixed between 8 weeks and 6 months to avoid associated health and behavioral problems from arising.


**If you read this after the date listed, contact the organization/clinic.  Often times, they offer these services on a regular basis.  If not, these clinics may offer the low cost clinics once a month.  You can use the same contact information listed above.**

Pet Photograhy in St. Louis 11.15

On Saturday, November 15 the Alliance will be hosting a private photo shoot with professional photographer, Marian Brickner.

Ms. Brickner recently photographed puppy mill survivor stories for our "Misery in Missouri" exhibit. These stories will be featured on their web page and in upcoming marketing materials.

Supporters are invited to have their pet photos taken beginning at 8:30 AM at the Alliance office (5340 Delmar, 63112). Appointments are necessary and can be scheduled by calling the Alliance office at 314.361.3944.

Each photography session will be $30 and will last approximately 15 minutes. Each session includes one 5 x 7 photograph. Half of all proceeds goes to the Alliance. Disc with additional poses will be available for purchase.

Click here for a map and directions

Low Cost Vaccination Clinic 11.8 Kansas City

Spay and Neuter Kansas City is hosting a drive thru low cost rabies/microchip clinic on

Saturday, November 8th, 2008
6817 Stadium Drive
Kansas City, MO 64129
10am to 12pm.


Rabies vaccinations are only $10 and Microchip Identification Chips are only $15. KCMO Pet Licensing will also be available at this clinic. Licenses are $12 for altered pets.

Volunteer Help Needed!

If you can help with the upcoming vaccination clinic at our new clinic please email Jennifer Shive at jshive@sbcglobal.net

We need help with administration, traffic control, issuing tags and veterinary assistance.

City Council Not Quick to Ban Pit Bulls

There was no movement Monday night by the Joplin City Council to ban any particular breeds of dogs to try to reduce aggressive-dog behavior and bites.

Instead, council members informally agreed to look at making changes to the city’s animal-ownership ordinances that would forbid tethering or chaining as a means of securing dogs, require mandatory neutering and spaying, and strictly cite owners for violations of the ordinances.

Members of the Joplin Health Department’s advisory board are to make specific recommendations for council authorization.

The topic of changing the city’s dangerous-dog ordinances drew representatives of several groups: postal workers, the Joplin Humane Society, the Tri-State Kennel Club, veterinarian and health-board member Ben Leavens, and police Chief Lane Roberts.

Read more here...

Do you have some extra love?

FOPAS Volunteers & Community Friends Needed to Save our Strays!

Due to the change in seasons and current economic conditions, FOPAS is in desperate need of foster homes for our cats and dogs. With limited space available at the shelter, without your help we will need to turn animals away. Your support will save lives!

What is a foster home? FOPAS provides food and medical while the foster family provides love and an indoor home until the cat or dog finds a forever family. Long and short term commitments are available. We ask that you transport the animal to Saturday adoptions and/or be available to meet a FOPAS volunteer with the potential adoptive family evenings or weekends.

Fostering is a rewarding experience and helps us know more about an animal's behavior so we can match with the best possible home.

If you are interested, please contact Leslie at friendsofparkville@hotmail.com. Thank you in advance for your friendship and support!

Missouri, Say Yes to Senate Crackdown on Dog Fighting

Missouri, Say Yes to Senate Crackdown on Dog Fighting

SB 819—Increases Penalties for Dog Fighting
Sponsor(s): Senator Scott Rupp
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: Call your Missouri state senator TODAY to urge support for this bill.

SB 819 would give the Show Me State stiffer laws against dog fighting. The bill would add dog fighting to the list of offenses that are subject to the Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act. It would increase the penalty for being a spectator at a dog fighting event, and allow law enforcement officers making a lawful seizure to take possession of dogs and property used in the violation.

The bill has passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and has been placed on the Senate calendar. Although there is strong bipartisan support for this bill in both chambers of the Missouri General Assembly, a group called the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners has been actively working to defeat the bill.

Time is running out to pass this important piece of animal welfare legislation. Please call your state senator as soon as you can to urge support for SB 819. You can look up your senator’s phone number here (make sure you call your state senator in the Missouri General Assembly, not your federal senator in the U.S. Congress). When you call, please remember to thank your legislator for taking your views into consideration.

In addition, please take a moment to add your comments to the following letter of support and submit it to your state senator. It is very important that you personalize the letter so it will stand out.

(Sponsor) Senator Scott Rupp
State Capitol Building
Room 426
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-1282
FAX: (573) 526-4766

Click here to be taken to the ASPCA site to send your email.

Piedmont, MO shelter totally destroyed; PLEASE HELP!!

Piedmont, MO shelter totally destroyed; PLEASE HELP!!
UPDATE FROM PIEDMONT, MO ANIMAL CONTROL FLOOD:

HSUS IS TRANSPORTING ALL ANIMALS FROM PIEDMONT TO THEIR MACKLIND SHELTER. WE WILL MEET THE TRUCK. ALL PAWS IS TAKING ALL THE DOGS, BUT WE NEED FOSTER HOMES FOR 13 CATS. THE TRUCK WILL BE ON MACKLIND THIS AFTERNOON. PLEASE CONTACT BEV AT ALL PAWS RESCUE AND/OR JAN SIENER (314-605-1497) TO COORDINATE WHO CAN TAKE THE 13 CATS.

PIEDMONT ANIMAL CONTROL IS A TOTAL LOSS. NO COMPUTER, FAX, PAPERWORK -- ALL DESTROYED. IF YOU CAN SEND DOG AND CAT FOOD, MEDICAL SUPPLIES (WORMER, ANTIBIOTICS, BETADINE AND LATEX GLOVES), IT WOULD BE APPRECIATED. SLIP LEADS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT BESIDES FOOD. FRESH WATER IS ALSO DESPERATELY NEEDED. CRATES ARE NEEDED. BLANKETS, TOWELS, AND SHAVINGS WOULD BE ALSO APPRECIATED. PAPER TOWELS, TOILET PAPER, SOAP, AND ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP ALSO ARE NEEDED.

OFFICE SUPPLIES -- PRINTER, COMPUTER, MONITOR ALL GONE. DESK DESTROYED. FILE CABINETS DESTROYED. CELLPHONE, SMALL SUPPLIES, PAPER, PENS, ETC., CHAIR WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

GEORGEANN GRIFFIN AND I ARE GOING TO BEG FOR WHATEVER WE CAN TAKE WITH US NOW, WE WILL BE HEADING THERE IN ABOUT 1 HOUR.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR OFFERS OF HELP! I COULDN'T RETURN ALL THE EMAILS AND PHONE CALLS, THERE WERE SO MANY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL FOR YOUR KIND OFFERS OF HELP!

PIEDMONT ANIMAL CONTROL'S ADDRESS IS:
115 W Green St
Piedmont, MO 63957
ALL SUPPLIES THAT CAN BE MAILED, PLEASE SEND THERE. DONATIONS ARE, OF COURSE, HUGELY NEEDED AND APPRECIATED AT THIS TIME.

THANK YOU!!
SUE RHOADES ACT NOW! RESCUE
JAN SIENER ACT NOW! RESCUE
GEORGEANN GRIFFIN PAWS

Kansas City Animal Lovers! Help KC's Animals!

I read a very interesting article today and thought I would share the important points and my response.

According to kcpetconnect.com:

• The Missouri Department of Agriculture has condemned the current building that houses Animal Control.
  
• The current animal shelter at 4400 Raytown Road was built in the 1970s as a prefab building. It was supposed to last about 20 years. It is now over 30 years old. We need a new shelter!
• The animal shelter houses about 175 animals. There is no area for prospective adopters to get to know the dogs or cats they are interested in. There is a small, cramped area where some medical treatment is provided and spay/neuters are done offsite.
• Last year, KC Animal Control took in approximately 9700 animals. Of these only 1300 were returned to their owners. But 1400 were adopted out to new homes. That is terrible! The kill rate is 83.3%!! According to the ASPCA, the national kill rates are 60% for dogs and 70% for cats. Our kill rate is much higher than the average.
  

If you care about these animals please send a quick email to the city council. Below, I have provided text that you may copy into your own email. Please sign your real name-this has more of an effect. You can copy this exactly, change it up a little--or write your own. Try to stay with facts rather than your emotions.

Ex. I am so sad that all of these animals have been killed for no reason!
Better: I am appalled that my taxpayer dollars are being used to kill animals rather than care for them.

Dear (Insert name of city council member):

It has come to my attention that the city needs a new shelter. The shelter at 4400 Raytown Road is nearly 30 years old. I suggest Corporate Sponsorship and/or a tax. If we have corporate sponsorship for stadiums and convention centers, why not an animal shelter? As a taxpayer and voter, I will be following how the city handles this. Our city should set the example for the country and have an animal shelter that others envy.

I appreciate your response.

Sincerely,

(Leave space to sign name) I always sign my name so that they know this isn't one of many "form" letters sent out by one person.

Your name
*************

Dear (Insert name of city council member):

I recently became aware of the poor condition of the animal shelter at 4400 Raytown Road. It is appalling that we are allowing our city's animals to live in a building that was condemned by The Missouri Department of Agriculture, according to kcpetconnect.com. I would support a tax that would increase the wellbeing of the animals in the city's care.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

(Leave space to sign name) I always sign my name so that they know this isn't one of many "form" letters sent out by one person.

Your Name

*When I write letters, in addition to my return address on the envelope, I put my address below my signature AND my typed name. In case the envelope is lost or damaged, they still have your address and can respond to you if they'd like (or if you ask them to).

Click here to go to the City Council page

The address below is the same for all City Councilmen, they do have different phone numbers.
To address the envelope, just write their name between The City Council Office and City Hall, 24th Floor. Signing your *real* name adds legitimacy to your letter.

The City Council Office
City Hall, 24th floor
414 E. 12th St.
Kansas City MO 64106
Phone: (816) 513-1368
Fax: (816) 513-1612

The Mayor's Office
City Hall, 29th floor
Phone: (816) 513-3500
Fax: (816) 513-3518

Tell Lawmakers to Ensure That Animal Cruelty Is Treated as a Serious Crime

The Tracking Animal Cruelty Crimes Act of 2007 would require the FBI to add animal cruelty as a separate category in its crime data reporting system. Contact your senators and ask for their co-sponsorship and support of this bill!

The link between animal cruelty and other forms of societal violence is a national concern. The practice of dogfighting perfectly illustrates this connection, as it is almost always linked to illegal drug and weapons violations, gambling, aggravated assault and gang violence.

Laws that enable law enforcement agencies to address animal cruelty increasingly improve the lives of animals. However, reported incidents of animal cruelty are still not getting the attention they deserve because there is no national system designed to track these crimes. Instead, when local and state police agencies report animal cruelty incidents to the FBI, they are labeled “other offenses.” This in turn makes it nearly impossible to access and respond to even the most basic information about animal cruelty crimes and their perpetrators.

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) wants to change this. Today, Sen. Menendez introduced the Tracking Animal Cruelty Crimes Act of 2007, which would require the FBI to add animal cruelty as a separate category in its National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Doing so will help law enforcement agencies track animal cruelty crimes, which will help stop the cycle of violence and allow researchers to study animal cruelty’s connection to other forms of societal violence. This critical bill ensures that animal cruelty is finally treated as a serious crime.

The American Humane Association supports this legislation. Tell your senators to co-sponsor and support the Tracking Animal Cruelty Crimes Act of 2007!

Puppy Mill bill dies in House. WHY?

How is it that the state and national legislatures can be so caring of one thing which is fairly inconsequential and let another important bill die?

House Bill 3192 was created to put a stop to puppy mills in Oklahoma.

A puppy mill is considered a dirty, trashy place where one or several breeds of dogs are kept in deplorable conditions with little or no medical care that ensures puppies are always available.

The Humane Society of the United States considers a puppy mill a breeding facility that produces purebred puppies in large numbers with problems like overbreeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of human socialization, overcrowded cages and the killing of unwanted animals.

HB 3192 would have targeted breeders that raise dogs in these conditions.

The problem is that no one would second the motion, so it has been killed for the year.

Oklahoma has more than 600 breeders registered with the Department of Agriculture. The only state with more is Missouri.

This bill would ensured that breeding facilities are kept at an acceptable standard by having veterinarians grade them. If the facility did not pass inspection, the breeder would be unable to sell the animals.

Since 2000, more than 10 breeders have had their operations shut down. This is 10 out of 600. How many more puppy mill-like conditions exist in the 590 others?

The public cannot know until we have licensed inspectors to view them all. Meanwhile, state health inspectors have more important things to do than drive out to the ‘boonies’ to check them out.

Allowing veterinarians to be licensed and to do it would make it a more plausible idea.

Of course, they can only inspect registered dog breeders, and many breeders sell their animals to pet shops without having to show any sort of “clean bill of health.”

While there are problems with any bill introduced or law enacted, this one could have at least been given more of a chance to develop before being shot down.

The real problem I have with the legislature is that it is ready and willing to pass laws to allow Burns Hargis to become president early and move into his house months before he was supposed to — but a bill like this, which is meant to actually protect not only the animals in this state, but also the responsible breeders and owners who love them — is allowed to languish.

Is it really so important that Hargis takes office early?

I understand that it will allow him to weigh in on the budget, but to make something like that such a priority when those same legislatures don’t give a damn about the welfare of our animals is not only sad, but despicable.

I am in no way stating that the bill introduced to help elect Hargis is not useful or does not have the good of OSU at its heart, but surely people can see the fallacy shown by brushing off another important issue so easily.

Perhaps if animal rights supporters had more money to throw around, much like the way a college brings in revenue for the state, this would be a different story.

Unfortunately, those who support animal rights have more important things to spend money on than lobbying their legislature — like their animals.

Gladstone, Missouri keeps bull terriers on list of dangerous animals

By MIKE RICE

The Kansas City Star

Bull terrier dogs will remain classified as dangerous animals in Gladstone.

For several months, a Gladstone couple — Kirk and Kim Forslund — have raised objections to the city’s inclusion of the breed in its legal definition of pit bulls.

That legal definition was established a year ago when the City Council approved a revised animal control ordinance that classified pit bull breeds as dangerous animals. It also established regulations for new owners of pit bull breeds.

Council members agreed to have city staff review the ordinance last month after Kirk Forslund presented letters from area veterinarians that stated bull terriers are not dangerous.

But on Monday, city staff maintained that bull terriers should not be removed from the dangerous animal classification.

“I’m sure there are some bull terriers that have been socialized and trained,” said City Attorney David Ramsay, “but our animal control officer did not feel there was enough evidence to exclude them from the city’s ordinance.”

The Forslunds, who have spoken at several council meetings, have said they are active members of the Bull Terrier Club of America and Bull Terrier Club of St. Louis.

They have said that the council members who approved the breed-specific ordinance ignored numerous findings that bull terriers are safe.

In a memo to the city, Sgt. Jeff Self, supervisor of the Public Safety Department’s animal control unit, wrote that, through his research, he found that bull terriers were originally bred for bull baiting and ring fighting. And they can be aggressive toward dogs, cats and fleeing animals.

Self added that bull terriers also are included in pit bull ordinances in Liberty and Grandview.

Under the city’s ordinance, pit bull breeds also include Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, or a mix or combination of any of those breeds.

Owners of a dangerous dog are required to have a $300,000 homeowner’s liability insurance policy. The ordinance contains a grandfather clause that exempted owners of pit bull breeds that were licensed with the city when the ordinance was passed.

Councilwoman Carol Rudi, who voted against the breed-specific ordinance last year, said Monday that she still does not support such legislation but would stand by the council’s decision not to amend the ordinance.

To reach Mike Rice, call 816-234-5903 or send e-mail to mrice@kcstar.com.

Court date for woman charged with neglect of chained dogs--please attend if you can!

The picture above is one of the dogs' necks.

(Click on the pictures to see a larger image)

These were two males that the outreach program came across a few months ago. Their situation was pretty bad and we put in a call to AC. They eventually confiscated the dogs and charged the owner with neglect. When the dogs were removed, it was discovered that they were in even worse shape than we first thought.

There has been one court date so far, this is the second. At the first one, the woman pled not guilty.

Kansas City Municipal Court (courtroom G)
case name: Danita Hudson
9 a.m. Feb. 21
1101 Locust
11th & Locust, downtown KC MO
immediately east of City Hall
parking to the north

TRAGEDY IN KANSAS CITY

TRAGEDY IN KANSAS CITY

by April Rosenthal

January 16, 2008

Buddy was a blond, 13 year old cocker spaniel. As usual, his owner let him out of the house to use the bathroom on January 3^rd, 2008. Unfortunately, Buddy did not come back. His owner spent a frantic week calling everyone she could think of about her dog but could not find him. She is 87 years old and has no car so she could not go out to the Animal Shelter on Raytown Road to look for him. Finally, on January 9^th, she called the Lost Pet Registry and talked to me. I took down the information for the Registry and then I listed it on kcpetconnect.com. I sometimes do that for people who do not have a computer.

On Friday morning, I got an email from someone at KC Animal Control (I thought) describing a dog who had been picked up by Animal Control. I verified with the owner that this was her Buddy and immediately sent two emails to the petadoptions@kcmo.org email address I was given explaining that the owner was coming to pick up the dog by Saturday January 12, 2008. I also called and left a voice mail since no one answers the Animal Control phone.

I took the owner to the shelter on Saturday afternoon only to be told that Buddy had been euthanized on Friday despite my emails and phone call. The owner broke down and cried. She is 87 years old and this was her only companion. She did not even get a chance to say good bye. I took her home and I will never forget the sight of her walking to her door with her shoulders bowed in grief, clutching Buddy’s collar and leash.

I was very upset myself and I filed a complaint with the Action Center on Monday. I did receive a phone call from Lesly Forsberg, Director of Animal Control. She explained that Buddy had been hit by a car and was in very poor condition. The decision was made to put him out of his suffering. Animal Control never bothered to check my email s or voice message, so they never knew the owner was coming. Ms Forsberg was also upset about the incident and promised to compensate the owner by giving her another dog when she is ready to adopt. We are waiting to receive that promise in writing.

Ms Forsberg went on to explain that they are trying to make changes at Animal Control. She said that anyone trying to contact AC about coming in for their pet should call her at 816-513-9814, the animal technician or the Outreach Education Coordinator She talked about how the current shelter dates back to the 1970s and is inadequate for the current task of confining lost and stray animals. That may be. But Animal Control needs to be responsive and responsible to the citizens of Kansas City.

It is nearly impossible to reach Animal Control by phone. You have to call the Action Center and then they take the complaint or try to transfer you. If you do reach a human they only whine and tell you to come out to the shelter. If you go out there to claim your pet, the process is complicated. You have to go into one building to get a card with your pet information, take that card to the front office in another building to pay fines and then go back to the other building to pick up your pet.

The personnel are difficult to deal with. I think it would be easier dealing with al Qaeda than dealing with Animal Control personnel.

One of my dogs was taken there in September because she nipped someone. I was standing there and talked at length with the AC officers and gave them her vital information. When I went to visit her, they had her listed as the wrong breed and as a stray! I called or visited every day to ensure she was not euthanized by accident.

Mayor Funkhauser, you sent out emails on Election Day about your pro pet owner stand. That is precisely why I voted for you. I am not interested in dog parks or new animal shelters at this point. I want a change in procedure at Animal Control! I do not want to EVER hear or see an elderly person grieving because their pet has been euthanized by Animal Control by mistake again.

Let's get this information out there! We have to stop things like this!

Here are the ways to get in touch with the Animal Control Facility that was responsible for the death of the 87 year old's only companion.

Animal Health and Public Safety Division 4400 Raytown Road Kansas City, MO 64129 Phone: (816) 513-9800 Fax: (816) 513-9822 petadoptions@kcmo.org

Please send an email, letter or make a call. We have to let these people know that we know what they did and we do NOT approve.