Memphis taxpayers were bled for $7.2 million to build a new pound containing 555 cages. The city has never filled them. Today, there are only 144 cats and dogs listed on PetHarbor as being housed at the Memphis pound:
This means that even if every single animal is in his own cage at MAS right now (which is probably not the case since litters are commonly housed together with their mothers), there are 411 empty cages. But MAS keeps killing healthy, friendly pets anyway.
This email exchange between a pound supervisor and rescuer Jody Fisher regarding a young dog she was networking will leave you cold:
On Oct 7, 2014, <DeKeishia.Tunstall@memphistn.gov> wrote:
Jody:
The animal referenced above has a note in the system stating that you are networking this pet.
Please be advised that this pet must be adopted no later than close of business today (6:45pm).
To date, no one has stepped forward.Thanks,
De Keishia___________________
On Tue, Oct 7, 2014, Jody Fisher wrote:
Thank you for your email. I am still networking her. Why does she only have til end of business today?
Jody_____________________
From: Jody Fisher
Date: Wed, Oct 8, 2014
Subject: Re: A271273 – 1 Year Old Female Black Lab
To: <DeKeishia.Tunstall@memphistn.gov>Please advise status of this dog. I did not receive an answer to my question- what is the answer?
Thank you
Jody_____________________
From: <DeKeishia.Tunstall@memphistn.gov>
Date: October 8, 2014
To: Jody Fisher
Subject: RE: A271273 – 1 Year Old Female Black LabJody:
This pet has been here since 9/18/14.
We are not a long-term holding facility.De Keishia
_____________________
From: Jody Fisher
Date: Wed, Oct 8, 2014
Subject: Re: A271273 – 1 Year Old Female Black Lab
To: <DeKeishia.Tunstall@memphistn.gov>I understand that MAS is not designed to be a permanent home for pets but so long as there is a cage available, can I not be allowed some additional time to network this dog?
Thank you
Jody________________________
From: <DeKeishia.Tunstall@memphistn.gov>
Date: October 8, 2014
To: Jody Fisher
Subject: RE: A271273 – 1 Year Old Female Black LabJody:
I cannot grant any additional time. The pet has been here for 3 weeks.
De Keishia
____________________________
From: Jody Fisher
Date: Wed, Oct 8, 2014
Subject: Re: A271273 – 1 Year Old Female Black Lab
To: <DeKeishia.Tunstall@memphistn.gov>I understand she has been there for 3 weeks but since her cage is not needed for another animal, I am asking for additional time to try to save her life.
Jody____________________________
From: <DeKeishia.Tunstall@memphistn.gov>
Date: October 8, 2014
To: Jody Fisher
Subject: RE: A271273 – 1 Year Old Female Black LabJody:
I’m sorry, but I am unable to grant any additional time.
De Keishia
Gee, ya don’t sound sorry.
But remember folks, don’t criticize, nobody WANTS to kill animals, we’re all on the same team and fuck all.