Regular readers may remember the tragic story of Sadie, an injured dog who suffered for months at the hands of Louisville Metro Animal Services before finally being euthanized by rescuers. Heather Adkins, an employee at LMAS during the time Sadie was there who later became her foster owner and advocate, was smeared by the city of Louisville after she went public with Sadie’s story. Due to public outcry, the city appointed an ad hoc committee to investigate what happened with Sadie. The committee’s report was released Wednesday and can be read here.
Terrible: The committee found “that by the clear and convincing evidence made available, the LMAS Department did knowingly neglect Sadie by failing to provide proper health care for the animal in a timely fashion”. Despite the finding, there is no recommendation that the appropriate authorities should determine whether criminal charges should be brought in the case.
Also Terrible: The committee was not only denied access to records and certain personnel involved with Sadie’s case by Mayor Greg Fischer’s office, it also found that the administration lied to the public in an August press release in an attempt to whitewash the neglect. Despite the corruption and fraud apparent throughout the office, there is no recommendation that the appropriate authorities should determine whether criminal charges should be brought against anyone in the administration.
More Terrible: After the city retaliated against Ms. Adkins for going public with Sadie’s story and she ultimately left her job, the Fischer administration stamped her personnel file with the words DO NOT REHIRE, while promoting and shielding those who were instrumental in Sadie’s neglect. The committee recommended that Ms. Adkins’ personnel file be corrected, exonerating her of any wrongdoing, and that the mayor’s office issue a public statement clearing her name. The committee also recommended that the city enact a whistleblower protection ordinance and that there should be more oversight into LMAS donations.
Cherry on Top Terrible: At the same time the committee was scheduled to release its report, Mayor Fischer “abruptly called a news conference” to announce that he does not back a $10.10 proposed minimum wage and that poor people need to learn how to live on $8.75 an hour – the most he’s willing to back. Some noticed the uh, coincidence:
A Democratic council member said the mayor was trying to “distract” from the findings, while a Republican called the timing “unusual.”
Astonishingly, Mayor Greg Fischer later e-mailed a response to the media regarding the report:
“The council found some weaknesses during its review and we’ve already responded with improvements to our donation and open records policies,” Fischer said in a statement. “It’s very unfortunate what happened with Sadie. We remain committed to moving forward and helping save as many animals as we can.”
Found Some Weaknesses. I like that. Although I’d like it better if it was the name of a prison wing housing everyone guilty of neglecting Sadie, smearing her advocate and shielding her abusers. It’s going to be a bumpy ride as the Fischer administration moves forward, what with all those bodies under the bus.
(Thank you Clarice for the links.)
Sounds very much like the environment that Miami-Dade Animal Services in South Florida operates in, sadly!!!!
Ug, the worst kind of power – ego-driven, foot-stamping, not-gonna-do-it-don’t-wanna type.
It is not and it cannot come to good.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, abusers collect paychecks and continue on their way, whistling a happy tune.
Not even “I’m sorry if anybody was offended.” What motivates mayors and other officials to cling to pound employees, instead of cutting the employees loose and making changes that reflect well on themselves? It doesn’t make political sense, let alone common sense.
More political punchdown all because the people who had the power to help an injured dog did not care enough to do their jobs.
The Mayor on down should be jailed for 35 years.
Hot damn, Louisville got spanked bad. Unfortunately I am sure that the powers that be will continue to hide behind the shields of their various offices to avoid any consequences of their actions (or inactions). No more spanking! Asskickings should begin forthwith.
The more I know, the more frustrated and angry I become. It’s happening way too many places and now that people like Shirley are shining a light on these dark places, we are finding nothing but corruption, arrogance and contempt for the very animals they are supposed to care for. Makes me physically ill.
I’m so disgusted at the lack of care for animals at Shelters! Isn’t this the reason exist? It’s time to take seriously the neglect and killing of animals at shelters! Don’t they know how this affects their perception in the eyes of the public! The abusers need to be punished harshly so that others know we won’t accept this abuse any longer! No more kicking these actions under the rug and in effort to save their own asses! They disgust me and I hope those involved are punished severely!