FUREVER YOURS - AN ADOPTION EVENT FROM SBACC

DEVORE, BIG BEAR, AND DOGS DAY INN ANIMAL SHELTERS

Are having the FurEver Yours Adoption Event

Saturday through Tuesday, February 11-14, 2012

Animals aRe First will pay the spay/neuter fees for your adoptions

(limit of two per family)

Adopters pay a minimum adoption fee, vaccination fee, and dog license

Approximately $35 for a dog adoption

Devore - 19777 Shelter Way, Devore

Big Bear - 42080 Northshore Drive, Big Bear

Dog Days Inn - 19575 Bear Valley Road, Apple Valley

VALENTINE DAY GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE!!

INTERESTING COMMENTS FROM THE ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY

This Grand Jury report is well worth a read. However, some notable statements will be highlighted here.

http://www.ocgrandjury.org/pdfs/dogstudy/dog-study.pdf

During a review of the County Animal Shelter operations, the 2007-2008 Orange County Grand Jury learned that animals have proper board and care, but they have a brief window of survival. A caveat concerning animals brought to the County Shelter is that they have less than a 50/50 chance of survival because, if not adopted within a short timeframe, they may be euthanized. In 2006-2007, the County Shelter euthanized over 13,000 animals at a cost of $322,478. The reasons can be attributed to several factors.

Some city and private shelters may suggest that owners drop off the pet at OC Animal

Care and the County Shelter will try to find a home for it. When this happens the

limited-access shelters (also called “no-kill” shelters) that suggest owners take their pet to the OC Animal Care are no longer responsible for what happens to the animal. They can continue to claim that they are a no-kill shelter all the while knowing that the animals they have rejected will most likely be euthanized.

First, the County Shelter is not in the business of selling animals. It is acting as a public health service to prevent rabies and other animal-borne diseases from affecting people. Some shelters can refer to themselves as a no-kill shelter because they know that they can refuse unadoptable animals which will most likely end up at the County.

The Grand Jury found that this results in something of a “blame

game.” The no-kill shelters can deny the pet owner’s request to take the pet knowing

full well that the County, an open-access shelter, must accept all animals.

THIS GRAND JURY SURE HAS "NO KILL"S NUMBER STRAIGHT!!!

NOT A HAPPY ENDING FOR DEVORE DOGS THANKS TO THE "ACTIVISTS"

Here is an email that was received awhile back. The pictures of these dogs are not included on this post but they were included in the email.

Sent: Sunday, February 20, 2011 6:16 PM

To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;

Subject: Rescued Dogs need Rescuing Again!!!

This is an emergency situation in L.A., CA!!!!! The dogs in the photos and many more, have been incarcerated at a boarding facility in the L.A. area for three or four months and they've lost hope! They were pulled from Devore Shelter by a well-intentioned rescuer, who got in over her head. Please look at the photos and the "Smilebox" and see the rest of their sad story!!!

Imagine ending up at Devore Shelter. Then being pulled by some kind person who promises to help you find a home. Imagine still being in a boarding facility three and four months later. These dogs ar suffering -- some are under a vet's care for being nearly starved to death! Some have fared better than others. Many are hungry and all have had little or no human contact for months and need to get out of this terrible situation immediately. These dogs are trusting us to help them. If every rescue who reads this appeal can help save even one dog, the emergency would be over!

The original rescuer has relinquished the dogs to English John, who has taken the responsibility of saving them, despite the fact he had nothing to do with pulling them. He says he will transport the dogs ANYWHERE to a good rescue and happy future!

Please take a look at the slide show on Smilebox (below) and see if there's anyone you can help -- please don't turn away from the longing in those beautiful faces!! All these dogs want is a warm, loving home with people to care for them! Right now, they're lost and lonely and in desperate need of help from the rescue community. Won't you help them, today, please?

Is this what you want for the Devore dogs?

THE HAYDEN BILL: HEAVEN OR HELL FOR SHELTER ANIMALS??

I just can't continue to call the "activists" by that descriptive name any more. Activist has always meant something positive to me and the current trend at Devore are more along the lines of pawns. Yes, I think that describes them perfectly so from now on, I will refer to the anti-Devore folks as pawns, pawns of "No Kill".

The Pawns have been lamenting lately about the possible repeal of the Hayden Bill. Prayers would be answered if this turns out to be true. This has just been released, the video that has been talked about for years. This video was taken a year AFTER the Hayden took effect. Now once you have seen the video, ask yourself this, is this humane or is this cruelty? Let's not even mention that the Hayden paid shelters to euthanize. So when these Pawns are screaming to keep the Hayden, does that mean they support killing? Appears so to me.

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/entertainment/music/no-kill-hayden-law-overcrowding-california-animal-shelters-graphic-video

It is shocking that after the unconscionable suffering and painful injuries/deaths of animals crammed into overcrowded shelters and the dismal budgetary failure of former CA Senator Tom Hayden’s “No Kill” Bill in California, other states are now considering passing similar legislation without a close look at the Hayden Bill’s track record.

The video is graphic and was filmed a year after the Hayden took effect.

RESCUE'S MISTAKE STARTS ANOTHER UNTRUE RUMOR ABOUT DEVORE

Once again Devore is under attack about a Shar Pei that was euthanized. A group is claiming that it was euthanized when they had a hold on it for rescue. Below is the official response.

The dog was impounded to the shelter on 1-3-12, the intake condition was aggressive. It was held for owner redemption thru 1-8-12. No owner came forward.
On 1-5-12 there was a notation on the kennel record that the dog must be picked by rescue on the review date (1-8-12)
On 1-9-12, a Shar-Pai rescue (memo lists as Pei People Inc.) called the shelter about the dog and left an area code 888 phone number for contact.
On 1-10-12 the shelter tried to contact the Shar-Pai rescue group and the phone number went to a fax machine. The shelter was unable to make contact.
On 1-11-12, with no rescue having come for the dog and with no owner having been located, the dog was euthanized, as the shelter does not knowingly adopt out aggressive dogs to the public.

Doug Smith
Supervising Animal Control Officer-II
Shelter Services
Animal Care and Control
909-887-8055 - Shelter
909-887-7519 - Fax
www.sbcounty.gov/acc - Website

Now this appears to be one of those cases where the rescue was taking advantage, leaving this dog in Devore like it was a private boarding kennel. The rescue contacted Devore on the 9th, six days after impoundment but the dog wasn't euthanized until the 12th. Do the math. This group is in Lake Forest, does it take three days to drive to Devore from Lake Forest?

As for the fax number, yes, indeed, these links show that they do give out their fax number regularly. Even at that, why didn't they check up on that dog themselves knowing the time schedule?

AND JACK RUSSELL TERRIER - Pei People Shar Pei Rescue

Pei People Shar Pei Rescue. Adoption Questionnaire. Email info@peipeople.
com FAX (888) PEI-3225. Thanks for your interest in adopting a rescued pet. ...

http://www.peipeople.com/uploads/peipeoplequest.doc

- 2 - Pei People Shar Pei Rescue

Email info@peipeople.com FAX (888) PEI-3225. Thanks for ... other shelters or
rescue groups, and Pei People has no control over how these pets are placed. ...

http://www.peipeople.com/uploads/peipeoplequest.pdf
This is clearly a case of a dog dying because of a "rescue" group. They knew it was there, they were supposed to pick it up and didn't. Shame on them, not on Devore.

MORE INACCURATE RUMORS DISPELLED

These statements were made at the July 28th Board of Supervisors meeting.

Inaccurate Statement

San Bernardino County’s Animal Care and Control Budget is $30,000,000.

RESPONSE: The budget for the San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control Division of the Department of Public Health is $6,808,099 for fiscal year 2011-12. FRIENDS: Boy, if the budget were that $30 million, we wouldn't have a need for this blog and those activists wouldn't exist.

Inaccurate Statement

It is estimated the cost to capture, house and euthanize or adopt stray animals is $450.00 per animal in San Bernardino County.

RESPONSE: During fiscal year 2009-10, San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control (ACC) served 24,320 animals utilizing our two (2) animal shelter facilities and six (6) contract animal shelter facilities. Total budget for ACC during FY 2009-10 was $6,603,564. If you consider developing an average cost per animal, by dividing the total budget amount by the number of animals served, you could establish an average cost of $271.53. This methodology is extremely inaccurate, and the cost basis reflected in the ACC Division’s total budget includes program costs that are unrelated to apprehension, care and sheltering. As an example, the $180,000 utilized to fund the County’s spay/neuter voucher program is included in ACC’s total budget. If unrelated costs were removed from the total budget the per animal cost would be significantly lower. FRIENDS: All they can see is putting blankets in kennels without regards as to any costs involved, even just a small thing like that can cost the taxpayer. SBACC has to live within a budget.

Inaccurate Statement

No other shelter system in Southern California euthanizes animals within one (1) to two (2) weeks of impoundment.

RESPONSE: Several animal shelters including San Bernardino City and Riverside County animal shelters have reduced their animal holding period back to seventy-two (72) hours to be consistent with the suspension of the Hayden Bill. San Bernardino County operated animal shelters still hold animals ninety-six (96) hours, not including the day of impoundment, with rare exception, as provided within California State law. Other animal shelter facilities are, in fact, only housing animals for one (1) week or less, as provided for within California State law. FRIENDS: The question bears asking why these activists aren't demonstrating in front of those shelters with less adoption hours?

Inaccurate Statement

San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control does not have staff assigned to the task of serving as “rescue group coordinators.”

RESPONSE: Both of the lead Supervisors at our Devore Animal Shelter serve as “rescue group coordinators.” The County has in excess of ninety (90) charitable non-profit 501 (c) (3) organizations that are enrolled as “rescue group partners.” The enrolled organizations can coordinate their requests with one (1) of the assigned animal shelter Supervisors, who will determine if an additional amount of time can be granted to a respective animal to allow a rescue group to pick up the animal. FRIENDS: Coordinate is the key word here, not something like placing a hold on every pet in the shelter even through the rescue group has no desire to receive the pet(s). This places an undue burden on the shelter system, creates overcrowded conditions in the kennels and waste taxpayer funds.

Inaccurate Statement

Animals admitted to the Devore Animal Shelter do not receive “vaccinations” for D.H.L.P. & P. or Bordetella (kennel cough).

RESPONSE: All animals are vaccinated upon admission for potentially life threatening diseases, with the exception of those animals which are vicious, aggressive, may be sick or showing signs of a recognized illness upon admission. Dogs are vaccinated with DA2PPVL vaccine which protects against the following diseases: Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, Canine Parvovirus , and Leptospirosis and they also receive a Bordetella vaccination. Cats are vaccinated with FVRCP vaccine which protects against the following diseases Feline Viral Rhinotracheiti, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. FRIENDS: Also keep in mind that although vaccinations may be administered, it takes time for them to take effect. Pets can become ill in that time.

Inaccurate Statement

San Diego County has half the budget allotted to their Animal Services Department, when compared to San Bernardino County’s Animal Care and Control Division.

RESPONSE: The County of San Diego has allocated $15,343,329 to their Animal Services Department in FY 2011-12. This is more than double the amount allocated to San Bernardino County’s Animal Care and Control Division. FRIENDS: Well, what can one say about this only that these activists have flat out lied on this one. Wonder what their purpose was in doing that?

Inaccurate Statement

Animal are sent to “Pet Fairs” without full Veterinary Care.

RESPONSE: Animals sent to Pet Fairs are examined by veterinarians who provide service to the County and are spayed or neutered prior to being taken to the Pet Fair. If the animal has a diagnosed illness, it is not a candidate to be taken to a Pet Fair. The unfortunately reality is the animal may be incubating or harboring a disease which is undiagnosed at the time of examination or surgery. Animals may become ill after being sterilized, due to the fact they were admitted to the shelter with an illness and were not showing or displaying signs of the ailment at the time the surgical procedure was performed. FRIENDS: Refer back to the comment I made on vaccinations. Dealing with animals is not black or white, lots of grey area.

Inaccurate Statement

The County’s Animal Shelter in Devore has an extremely high euthanasia or “kill” rate.

RESPONSE: The number of animals euthanized at the Devore Animal Shelter is consistent with other animal shelter facilities serving San Bernardino County. See below chart for 2010 CY statistics: FRIENDS: And these stats would go right along with the unemployment rate of 14% and SB being one of the poorest counties in California. Poor people don't spend their money on adoption fees. The economy forces people to surrender their pets to shelter. Uphill battle.

Animal Shelter Total Dog/Cat Admissions Dogs/Cats Adoptions Dogs/Cats Euthanized

Town of Apple Valley 4,884 1,179 (24.1%) 2,903 (59.4%)

Barstow Humane Society 2,488 830 (33.4%) 1,448 (58.2%)

Big Bear Animal Shelter (County) 705 301 (42.6%) 267 (37.8%)

City of Hesperia 7,799 1,974 (25.3%) 5,171 (66%)

City of San Bernardino 17,873 3,914 (21.9%) 12,484 (69.8%)

Devore Animal Shelter (County) 15,496 3,882 (25%) 10,468 (67.5%)

Town of Yucca Valley 3,480 524 (15.1%) 2,456 (70.5%)

City of Needles 576 103 (17.9%) 336 (58.3%)

Inaccurate Statement

San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control lacks a volunteer program at the Devore Animal Shelter.

RESPONSE: Volunteers are utilized in program areas in which the volunteer’s needs and expectations are a “good match” with the volunteer assignment provided. Our intent is to make sure the needs of both the volunteer and the organization are achieved. As such, those individuals wishing to assist in animal placement are assigned to assist in providing volunteer support during one (1) of our scheduled forty-eight (48) off-site pet adoption events. Work release volunteers are assigned to perform various tasks directly at the Devore Animal Shelter. Those wishing to gain experience in enforcement activities, can apply to be a “Reserve Animal Control Officer.” Those individuals wishing to support the Devore Animal Shelter are referred to one (1) of the many non-profit, charitable 501 (c) (3) organizations that are enrolled as “rescue partners” with the shelter. The animals at the Devore Shelter benefit, the volunteers benefit because they are working for an organization that is established to rescue pets and the community benefits by placing additional animals with our rescue partners. FRIENDS: With this atmosphere created by the activists, would you trust these people in the shelter? I don't want them anywhere near it myself.

GOOD JOB ACO SHELLY PRICE, A FINE EXAMPLE OF OUR ACOS

Recently there was a piece going around about another ACO from SBACC who was being praised for her compassion. I've never met a SBACC ACO that wasn't compassionate and caring. Well, here is another and I, for one, want to thank her for being there for these people.

http://www.newsmirror.net/articles/2012/01/13/opinion/letters/doc4f0e4edf4707f083953315.txt

Animal control officer does the job

Shelly Price, officer at San Bernardino Animal Control is worth her weight in gold.

Living just off Wildwood Canyon Road, residents have their heartstrings torn out on a regular basis. Despicable, unkind residents dump their animals at our back doors, supposedly trying to beat the cost of adoption.

This past week our whole neighborhood joined in a supreme effort to catch a very small mother terrier and her even tinier daughter. They were scared to death of us and mother dog was courageously protecting her baby from us and was committed to doing so to the very end.

What to do? I remembered that I had Shelly Price’s phone number as she is the Animal Control Officer in our area. She quickly responded and was at my door to help. Not being able to get close enough, with mother dog on the defensive, Shelly returned to her facility for a cage. My thoughts were that a cage would never work with both of them barking and running from us.

A few minutes later Shelly returned to my front door saying, “I got them; mother hopped in the cage as soon as I put it down.” It was such a relief to everyone as darkness was approaching, weather forecast below freezing for the night. Need I mention the coyotes would be out in full force any moment?

Shelly Price saved our day temporarily. Now we are appealing to our fellow residents for help. These tiny, sweet, white/tan creatures now have their yearly shots and are now ready for adoption at Devore Animal Shelter. They are both females, mama may be about 12 pounds, daughter around 7-8 pounds and totally devoted to each other. Should you work, they would have companionship until you arrive home. Believe me, they are very cute!

As you will agree, they deserve a nice, warm, loving home to start the new year off right and they will give back your love 10 times over.

Both are in cage #44 at Devore Shelter, waiting to be rescued. Devore can’t hold them forever, so if you call 887-8055, tell the attendant on duty that “they may possibly be adopted,” a call will be made to you before their demise, giving you time to act quickly.

As for me, I now have my third abandoned animal and I am loving every second I spend with her.

Please join me by allowing these little pups to bring even more joy into your lives and in doing so, fight animal cruelty. Remember, time is of the essence; don’t waste a second calling 887-8055. Go to 19777 Shelter Way, Devore, located just below where the 15 and 215 meet. Open most days at 10 a.m. Please help.

Jackie Kinnel

Yucaipa

THE PROGRESSIVENESS OF THE DEVORE SHELTER

San Bernardino County is one of the poorest counties in the country and the poorest in California. Since 2006, the unemployment rate has risen from 4.8% in 2006 to a whopping 14.3% in 2010. http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/eab/socio_economic_files/2011/San_Bernardino.pdf

The people population has increased by 19.1% since 2000. http://hidesert.kpsplocal2.com/news/news/census-report-san-bernardino-county-saw-191-population-increase/68087

Just from the above information, one can easily see the uphill battle for SBACC and Devore. People who are poor don't adopt from shelters, they just go next door for a free puppy or kitten. People who have lost their jobs, their homes, aren't going to adopt. They are surrendering their pets instead.

Let's look at some figures now. In 1999, the number of dogs impounded by SBACC was 10,617. If you use the increase in people population of 19.1%, one would expect dog impounds to rise over the past 10 years. But the number of dog impounds for 2010 were less at 9,373. Cats are a slightly different story. The number of impounded cats in 1999 were 4,852 and in 2011 fiscal year the number had risen to 5,963. This does fall in line with the people population growth.

Adoptions of dogs from 1999 fell at 10% but have risen to 48% since. Return to owner rates for dogs have always been good but cats don't fair as well. Most shelters that I check on have a less than 2% return to owner rate for cats. Devore is now offering free microchips to those who adopt in hopes of improving the return to owner rate.

Along with all of this is the influence of the national award winning spay/neuter voucher program. Most people don't know that SBACC's program has been copied in other areas. The program started in 2001 and it is obvious from the above figures that it has worked beautifully. Dogs fair better than cats because of licensing. Canvassing helps to educate pet owners as well as bringing in monies. Cats are not licensed, and thus we see they will continue to be a problem.

The SBACC spay/neuter voucher program was recognized by the National Association of Counties as a wonderful effort between government and the private sector. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Association_of_Counties

This award winning program has continued since 2001 without any cuts and continues to serve the citizens of San Bernardino County regardless of income. You can thank our highly informed Board of Supervisors for recognizing a success when they see one.

If you compare these stats to those of other shelters in California, Devore looks pretty darn good. Add in the population factors and Devore is very close to the top of the list of shelters with positive outcomes who serve low income communities.

ABC NEWS IS NOT DOING ANY STORY ON DEVORE

Contrary to the "activists" on a Facebook page and another disgusting blog proclaiming that ABC is going to do a story on Devore, it ain't so. Contacting ABC News has assured the Administrator that there is nothing being done to submit a story for airing. And neither are they planning to do so.

The standard line was given to the activists, "Thanks for calling, if you have information send it to the general email address and we'll take a look at it." So these activists with a general email address, in their usual manner of distorting things, took that to mean there would be a story.

The activists have already bombed once before about getting a story with NBC Channel 4. The Channel 4 reporter came to Devore and said it was the cleanest shelter. Plus he added that the kennels were as warm as his house.

The only story that ABC would do is how the activists are misguided and Devore would come out smelling like a rose. I do wish they would do that story and maybe someone will let ABC know there is a much bigger story. And that story would be about how misguided activists are turning people away from shelters with lies and unproven accusations. Be worried, you activists, this may turn on you like a snake and bite you.

ANSWERS TO A COMMENTER REGARDING TRANSPORTS FROM DEVORE

A comment came in and I did not publish it until I had answers to the questions asked. Keep in mind that Animal Control has to follow the law, just like any of us. If we don't like what we see, we need to focus our attention on changing the law, not on condemning the shelter that only carries out the law. I hope that your questions are answered, you may not like the answers but that is what they are. If those aren't the answers you want, then the next step is to campaign to change the law.

I have been asking people to look at this website and we have some questions. Would you please write back and, if you can, answer our questions, but if you do not know the answer to our questions, would you please tell us how to find out the answers to these questions. Thank you. Also thank you for telling us a different side of the story about shelters. Anonymous said that some rescues are coming to Devore and loading up 30 - 50 animals in a van and no one knows where they are going or what is happening to them. Why would Devore do that? California Food and Agriculture Code Section 31108 (b) states, “Except as provided in Section 17006, any stray dog that is impounded pursuant to this division shall, prior to the euthanasia of that animal, be released to a nonprofit, as defined in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, animal rescue or adoption organization if requested by the organization prior to the scheduled euthanasia of that animal. In summary, the County is required to release any dog or cat to a nonprofit rescue organization if requested by the organization, prior to euthanasia being performed. If rescue groups are not in full compliance with all laws in their respective jurisdiction, they can be denied pets, up until the time they come into full compliance. This California State law applies to all municipal animal shelters.


Do other shelters allow people to pick up van loads of animals without knowing where they are going or what is happening to them? See response above, yes other shelters in California must release animals to rescue groups prior to euthanasia being considered.

Are there laws to protect animals while they are being driven to where ever they go? Yes, there are a variety of laws which pertain to the humane transport of animals and the inter-state transport of animals. If animals are transported across state lines, they must be vaccinated and accompanied by a "health certificate” which certifies the animal is healthy. The laws pertaining to animal transport are regulated and enforced by the Federal Government.

How long are the animals in cages? The time period can vary. Do they have food and water while they are in cages? They should have access to water during their trip.

What if they go to the bathroom in their cage; how long do they sit there? Again, the time periods can vary. Do they have blankets? There is no state or federal law, that I am aware of, that requires animals transported in vehicles to be provided with blankets. People may elect to give the animals blankets, but it is not a legal requirement.

Is there a law that says the van must be air conditioned or ventilated? The van must have proper ventilation.

Who checks out the van? The interstate transportation of animals is regulated by the Federal Government, but State and Local law enforcement officials may also be empowered to enforce animal transportation regulations. The laws will vary in each respective State and jurisdiction.

How often is it checked out? Again, this can vary based upon each jurisdiction and the provisions available within that respective jurisdiction, city or State.

Are the animals checked out before they are put on the van? Animals transported across State lines must have an interstate health certificate signed by a State Licensed Veterinarian which declares the animal to be in good health.

What happens if an animal gets sick during the drive? The driver of the vehicle is the responsible party to ensure the animal’s needs are met during transport.

How is it separated from other animals? Again, this can vary based upon the individual who transports the animal and the provisions this individual has made to ensure the animal’s welfare and needs are addressed during transport.

Have any animals ever died while being driven from place to place? I do not believe any agency tracks this statistic. This question would need to be addressed with the specific transport individual and/or agency.

How many sick animals arrive at the new shelter? Again, I do not believe any individual agency tracks this statistic. This question would need to be addressed with the receiving animal shelter and/or agency that receives the animals from the respective transport program.

Have any animals ever died after arriving at the new shelter? Please see the response to the questions listed above.

Where does one stop to let 30 - 50 dogs go to the bathroom?! Again, locations can vary based upon route of transport and/or the individual or organization coordinating the transport.

What if one is sick? This was addressed earlier in the similar question listed above.

Will the sickness stay in the ground so when they stop again the disease will spread to the other dogs or to other peoples' dogs? In theory, the animals should not be sick due to the fact that they receive a physical examination prior to transport and a State Licensed Veterinarian must sign a health certificate to certify the animal is healthy. If the examining veterinarian has provided the service required in this process, the animals should not have any contagious diseases. Those animals who have such diseases would not qualify to be issued a “health certificate.”

Why don't shelter workers go to where these dogs are supposed to be going to make sure they really got there and the animals are not being "hoarded"? In many cases, resources are not sufficient to allow shelter staff the opportunity to conduct this type of personal visit or examination. Most transport organizations are able to personally see the receiving facility and the animal control agency who provides services in the receiving facility’s jurisdiction would be the responsible entity for ensuring all laws are followed within their communities.

Administrator said dogs were taken from Devore to a hoarding kennel where they became sick and emaciated and no charges were filed. Why were they allowed to be taken there? As stated earlier, California State law requires government agencies to release animals to non-profit rescue organizations. If the agency has violated a law and has been convicted of a criminal violation involving animals, their rescue status can be suspended or denied. If the non-profit “animal rescue organization” is in good standing, local governments cannot deny the organization an animal that may be euthanized. California State law is very clear in this regard.

Why were no charges filed? It would be the responsibility of the animal control agency or local law enforcement agency to determine if sufficient evidence exists to warrant the filing of criminal charges. We think something needs to be done to protect these animals. We agree, but there are many “grey areas” within the law. Stronger laws should be considered or existing laws amended to address the concerns you have highlighted.

We hope your website will let the right people know there is a problem and someone needs to do something about it. You can do something about it. If you live in a State that is receiving animals and know of a situation that warrants investigation, please report it to your local animal control agency or humane society.

The bottom line is that Devore and any other shelter cannot tell these transporters no because of that horrid Hayden Act. I, too, have concerns over transports and have gotten a great deal of information about them from this blog, www.workingtohelpanimalstodaytomorrow.blogspot.com
Just do a search on it for transport. The State of Connecticut expressed many of the above concerns and acted on it by passing regulations to govern these transports. New Jersey and Maine are considering the same.

OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS OF FROSTBITE

From: Smith, Doug
Sent: Monday, November 29, 2010 3:41 PM
Subject: Devore Animal Shelter

Hello to all,

I know some of you have received emails stating animals at our shelter have suffered frostbite and have contacted our department and others with your concerns. Thank you for your concern for the pets at our shelter and be assured their health and safety are our primary concern.

As to the circulating emails, our kennel buildings are all equipped with automatic heating units. These units are thermostatically controlled and operate throughout the day / night as needed. All of the units were recently checked and serviced prior to the cooler weather arriving.

All dogs in the kennels have access to this heat system and no animal has suffered frostbite at the shelter.

The dog in which the circulating email references was maintained at another animal shelter prior to arriving at the Devore facility on Wednesday (11-24). Upon arrival at Devore, the dog was observed licking the top of its left front leg and the area appeared irritated. The dog did not display signs of discomfort or distress, only the licking of this area of the leg. To ensure the health of the dog, it was immediately transported to a veterinarian for examination / treatment, was maintained at the veterinary hospital over the Thanksgiving Day holiday, and on Friday (11-26) was released from the veterinary hospital, transported back to the Devore Shelter, where it was adopted. The diagnoses from the veterinarian was not frostbite and the dog did receive treatment for its diagnosed condition. The time this dog was at the Devore Shelter was a few minutes upon the date of transfer and the time it arrived back from the veterinary hospital until it was adopted.

While in fact, our shelter does use water in the daily cleaning / disinfecting of the kennels and water is used to rinse the kennels clean throughout the day as needed, no animal is subjected to freezing concrete floors. Again, the health and safety of the animals is our primary concern.

Again, thank you for your concern and I invite you to come and visit our shelter.

Douglas Smith

Supervising Animal Control Officer-II, Shelter Services

County of San Bernardino

Animal Care and Control

909-887-8055 Public

909-887-7519 Fax

dsmith@dph.sbcounty.gov

FREE MICROCHIPPING FOR DEVORE SHELTER PETS

Any pet that is redeemed by an owner or is adopted from Devore can receive a free microchip. Just ask about it at the desk. The microchipping program is the result of a generous donation to the shelter and will increase the return to owner rate. Thanks to the donor, it will make a difference.

PETS TO PATRIOTS PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2011

For more information, contact
Brian Cronin, Director, Animal Care and Control
(909) 387-9152

Free pet adoptions for veterans at county shelters

As part of its ongoing successful effort to place the county's homeless pets with loving families, county Animal Care and Control is proudly participating in the Pets to Patriots program providing free adoptions to U.S. military veterans. Pets to Patriots is a Los Angeles Animal Alliance program supported by a generous donation from the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation.

Between now and the end of January 2012, any U.S. military veteran can adopt an animal from one of the county's three animal shelters completely free of charge.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to match pets who need homes with deserving military veterans who would appreciate companionship," said county Animal Care and Control director Brian Cronin. "The holidays are the perfect time to make that bond."

The Los Angeles Animal Alliance, which operates the Pets to Patriots program at selected shelters throughout Southern California, will be providing a portion of the funding required to pay for each pet adoption to a qualified veteran. The remaining fees will be donated by the county's own Animals aRe First Fund (ARFF), a charitable organization that uses 100 percent of its funding to assist animals in need in San Bernardino County.

To participate, veterans need to provide a participating shelter with one form of valid military identification. Identification includes a Veterans Identification Card (VIC), VA Health Card, Department of Defense/Uniformed Services ID Card, Disabled American Veterans Life Member ID Card, American Legion ID Card, DD-214 form, a Disabled Veteran California State Park and Recreation Pass or a letter from the San Bernardino County Office of Veterans Affairs confirming former or present military service.

The three County of San Bernardino shelters participating in the program are:

* The County's Animal Shelter in Devore, 19777 Shelter Way, (909) 887-8055. The shelter is open seven days a week at 10 a.m. and closes on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 6:30 p.m., on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m.

* The Big Bear Animal Shelter, 42080 Northshore Drive, Big Bear City, (909) 866-4943. This shelter is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Wednesdays from noon to 7 p.m. The shelter is closed on Sundays.

* The Dog's Day Inn, 19575 Bear Valley Rd, Apple Valley, (760) 961-7535. This shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sundays from 7 a.m. until noon.

All shelters will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.

More information on the program is available by calling San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control toll-free at 1-800-472-5609.

NOTE FROM ADMINISTRATOR

Well, just barely have been running for 4 days and already getting comments. You're only seeing the good ones, for the rest, they were trashed. However, the good comments are out in front anyway.

Give the blog a few days to get things together for posts. It doesn't want to overwhelm you with posts but will try to post at least once every 2-4 days. Anyone that wants to publish is welcome as well. Write a piece with a title and send it a a comment, if appropriate, it will be published. I invite any official to also offer posts for the blog.

BTW, as usual the negative comments were full of accusation but no proof, no offer of proof, nothing. Any comment that does present proof is subject to being investigated as far as that proof goes. In other words, a vet report, the vet would be contacted, etc. Pictures are not proof. Pictures along with a vet's report have credibility.

TRUTHS ABOUT DEVORE CONTRARY TO THE CLAIMS OF THE ACTIVISTS

The kennels located at Devore are indoor/outdoor kennels with sub-floor heating. Every kennel has sub-floor heating and canine guests are provided with custom made resting platforms if they should elect to rest above the heated kennel floor. Outside kennels also reduce disease outbreaks. The dogs get fresh air, there is a misting system for the summer, and the dogs can watch the outside rather than looking at four walls.

This facility is designed utilizing a trench drain system in the kennel buildings which require the use of septic pumps to pump the animal waste from the kennels and into the municipal septic system. We have found that canine guests will shred cloth material or bedding if provided to them during their stay at the shelter. If a canine guest ingests cloth blankets or bedding, this can harm the animal. In addition, if the canine guest shreds the bedding and the bedding clogs or damages the septic pumps animal waste could be discharged back into the kennels which could create an additional hazard for our canine residents. Yet these activists want those blankets in the kennels even at those risks.

A variety of organizations have toured and visited the County's animal shelter facility in Devore, including the County's Grand Jury, District Attorney's Office, various non-profit Humane Society's and even representatives from the Humane Society of the United States. All organizations have stated that we comply with State laws pertaining to the operation of a municipal animal shelter facility and the County's Grand Jury even issued a "commendation" pertaining to improvements and enhancements made to this facility. Even a rep from Best Friends saw Devore in a positive light.

Regarding volunteers, during the previous fiscal year over 4,000 volunteer hours were provided at the County's animal shelter facility located in Devore exclusively, not including volunteer hours provided to support our organization's forty-eight (48) off-site pet adoption events provided each year or other volunteer programs. The County utilizes "work release" volunteers at this facility to limit liability and maximize efficiency and productivity. These activists want to volunteer, but who would want such people as a volunteer? They express hostility toward the staff and they think they would be of service in the shelter? All they want to do is get in there so they can continue their dirty work of condemning Devore. Plus I wouldn't trust them to not do something to an animal in order to blame Devore.

Recently a reporter for Channel 4 came to Devore at the request of these activists. It ended up being against what the reporter was told. The reporter said that the kennels at Devore were warmer than he kept his house. Plus he said that Devore is one of the cleanest shelters he has ever been in. Needless to say, another loss for those activists.

More truth forthcoming.