For those who have been following the sordid case at the Campbell Co pound, the TN Bureau of Investigation presented its findings to a grand jury this month. The grand jury determined no criminal wrongdoing took place. The former director has quit and no one will be charged. (Thanks Clarice for the link.)
A private citizen posted a threatened kill list of one on Craigslist and people freaked out. Pet killing facilities all over the country continue to threaten and kill millions of healthy/treatable pets every year – some in secret. Killing pets – and threatening to kill pets – is wrong regardless of who does it, how it’s done or how it’s announced or hidden. (Thanks Heather for the link.)
Bloomberg estimates there are 50,000 stray dogs on the streets of Detroit – a figure which seems incredible to me.
Santa Cruz Bullies and Buddies gives some simple tips for photographing shelter dogs.
The state of MA used to pay fishermen $5 per seal nose but that practice ended in 1965 and in 1972, seals gained federal protection under the law. Seal populations have since made a comeback, especially in the last decade. Nantucket fishermen consider them a nuisance because they eat fish but those who earn a living taking people out on seal watching excursions are enjoying the increased numbers.
All sorts of art that includes dogs (Thanks Clarice.)
No wonder the world hates us. We are uncaring barbarians who don’t even take care of our own!
You’re not the only one who thinks the 50,000-dogs-in-Detroit thing is incredible.
http://wamc.org/post/50000-stray-dogs-detroit-makes-no-sense
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013308220131
Someone sent me a wah post from MI Humane citing the 50k figure this week. More excuses to kill while simultaneously shaking down compassionate people for dough.
On Fri, Aug 30, 2013 at 11:34 AM, YesBiscuit!
Oh yeah, that’s Michigan “in-humane society” for ya. Detroit Bully Corps and other groups are doing some valuable work to help these dogs. Hate to even think what’s happening to the cats . . .
I was going to do the math, but those links beat me to it: that obviously made-up number would mean 360 dogs per square mile. I don’t think there’s even that many roaming the streets of Istanbul where spay/neuter is much lower and there’s actually a welcoming culture for street dogs.
I mean, if they’re going to make up ridiculous numbers, why not, like, “one MIIIIIIILLION dogs!” or something.
I don’t think it’s helpful for HSUS’s representative to speak of Detroit seeming “almost post-apocalyptic.” It strikes me as disrespectful to a city in distress.
Seriously. Lots of people there have lost hope and more are losing it daily. What they’re doing…not helpful.
It’s not just disrespectful, I suspect it’s deliberately intended to evoke fear. Look at what’s mentioned specifically – things like, Pit bulls and breeds mixed with them dominate Detroit’s stray population because of widespread dog fighting, and Mail carrier … told of using pepper spray on swarms of tiny, ferocious dogs. Yet further on down in the article, Many de facto strays are called pets by owners who let them wander. In other words, a lot of these supposed strays aren’t strays at all and probably aren’t that far from home.
Maybe they’ve been practicing the pinky thing…
Or one stray dog per two acres (about a city block) over the entire area of the city limits.
Erm, no.
If HSUS really believes this stray figure, why aren’t they catching them and AT LEAST neuter/vax’ing them (heaven forfend I suggest something crazy like find them homes)? It should be relatively easy – just walk around for 3 minutes, find a dog, walk 3 more minutes, find another dog… Or they may be lucky enough to find A Ferocious Swarm of Tinies (my new band name) and scoop up a bunch in one go.
There is an explanation for all of this from one of the founders of Detroit Dog Rescue about this (how this number came to be) and other relevant information. It’s on their facebook page . . .
As for H$U$, well they’re too busy counting their money from the recent fight dog bust, and figuring out how to use it to get even more. At the least, they could give lots of money to those who are on the ground doing something for these dogs. (I don’t even like to think about what’s happening to the cats in the city)
DISGUSTING! I’LL NOT GIVE MONEY TO HSUS. I WOULD RATHER HELP A REPUTABLE SHELTER OR RESCUE!!!
I wonder if the stray dogs have fricken laser beams strapped to their heads.
I’m glad there is some pushback on the 50 thousand stray dog story. When I first read it I just felt bad but didn’t think it through. I”m sure a lot of people didn’t. Once I actually saw what those numbers would mean the story stunk. And yes, i agree it’s to generate fear and not only that I’d say it’s meant to shake a finger of shame toward the urban poor, the victims in Detroit and elsewhere as horrid people who don’t care for their animals. The hatred toward the poor in this country is outrageous and as so many of us are now poor it’s even more disturbing. So, good example for why I should always think it through, thanks.
One of the founders of Detroit Dog Rescue responds to the claim of 50,000 stray dogs in Detroit.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/detroit-dog-rescue/my-response-to-50000-strays-and-my-views/657600744264671
I admit I’m following the President’s remarks at the moment so didn’t read this carefully but usually I can skim a piece and get the gist of it. I didn’t get if he/she thought the figure was accurate, inaccurate or what.
There are many strays, but the exact number is not important. What is important is that people realize the homeless dogs need help.
A documentary is being filmed regarding animal cruelty. 5000 DVDs will be distributed to animal shelters and film festivals nationwide. Funding has already been achieved. If you have any input regarding animal abuse at animal shelters, please call me at 928 208-0567 or email me at kathydon@citlink.net
Kathy,
Can you specify what sort of input you are looking for? I mean, I have an entire blog here which goes back several years but I am assuming you are wanting some other form of input although I am not sure what. It would be helpful if you could elaborate.
Thanks for the shout out for Santa Cruz Bullies and Buddies! I’m adding to it now, as I learn more about photographing shelter pets. :)