You did actually read the entire article didn't you? This was not a highly political battle for funds. This was a case of an out of control micro manager who was brutal. Crammed cages filled with dead and dying animals is not political. Rampant sickness that could have been treated or prevented isn't either. Vets who are prevented from compassionate care by a dictator who is only interested in numbers is not about funds. It is about cruelty. I am quite sure there were a very large number of photographs taken during this raid however, they do not need to be made public to prove what was seen. It will come out. Sounds like the guy has a real Napoleon complex!

SPCA is very good at blaming all others for the cruelty. also their claims of hunting being cruel to wild animals. they should be the ones policing their own shelters. and they could probably gain a lot more support if they stayed focused on domestic animals being abused instead of worrying about the legal hunting of wild animals, which is as humane as their euthanized animals.

Is Jury, dumb and blind? What the hell article did they read? So, the people who investigated this are all lying? What about the people that were quoted to what they saw? Why would someone make up such horror stories? I think Jury is working for the dumb a$$ people who run the "shelter" who would think what they did was ok or humane? There isn't anything humane about this story.

PETA's going to have a cow! Can you imagine the fate of these people if PETA had discovered this situation first? (Shudder!) Thank goodness for the raid by law enforcement...no one died.

Hey Jury K & Buffalo bull,

How doing some research to back up statement? Ever hear of Google?

Let's see, Open Browser, type in Google.com, type in Tim Trow, hit return/enter key.

Even though this is a Globe and Mail site ( http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/a-leader-with-a-passion-for-animals-loyal-supporters---and-an-iron-grip/article1162134/ ), scroll down the page until your see (on the right hand side) In Photos > A shelter in crisis and click on the photo. Now you go through ALL 18 photos reading all the captions and back up your above statement. That's if you can make it through all 18.

Here's another site: http://helpths.wordpress.com/2009/09/05/tim-trow-strikes-again/

Maybe since you're the first poster, you didn't read the article? Obviously you didn't take time to do a simple Google to get all side of the story.

Jury....what are you talking about????

Honestly this story just flat out pi$$es me off!! The SPCA is suppose to PROTECT the animals. How dare they do what they did to these poor already suffering animals. These poor innocent animals have probably had a bad life since they were practically born. It amazes me how people can do this without feeling any remorse whatsoever. I hope everyone involved rots in prison (actually that would be too good for them). Such a shame!!

I am glad this story got published. I would like to know why the Veterinarians who were denied eauthinizing the sick and suffering by order of these people, didn't report the society to the governing body whom they are supposed to report abuses too. It may have mentioned that in the article, but I sure don't recall reading anything to that fact. In the USA Veterinarians are most often required to contact the State Veterinarians office in their respective state to report abuses like this. Also contacting HSUS with a complaint can get an investigation going. Sadly, more often than not, it takes a brave volunteer or employee to step up and report these horrible abuses. If the first person you report abuse to doesn't do anything, keep on telling until someone will do the right thing and investigate. I hope they throw the book at these people. The politics involved with any humane society can be very difficult to deal with. I know first hand. Many good people who care deeply for the animals well being are chased out because the "higher ups" have no clue how proper shelter care should be managed. They are only in it for whatever title they will gain. The other side of the coin is the shelter that truly is a haven for the lost, abused and injured. A society that has people who can actually work with one another for the good of the animals.

Volunteer at your local Humane Society. Go and see what yours looks like and ask about their policies of no kill. The staff should be friendly and willing to show you around inside and out and they should never be hesitant with any questions you may have. They are always the last on the list when city, county or state money gets allocated. So, if you are happy with the one(s) in your area, join, volunteer, give money, buy food (ask them if they like a certain brand) give blankets, help with fundraisers and go to budget meetings that are or should be open to members-the list is endless of things people can do to help.

I started to look at the photos. I had to stop after the third. Am not sure if I'm going to keep my lunch down.

I've worked with animals all my life. I've had dogs, cats, birds, fish, rodents and reptiles. I've worked with horses and been riding since I was 10 years old. I know that it's never easy to put an animal down, even when it's medically necessary. I was in the barn when my instructor's favorite horse was down in his stall from laminitis and helped hold his head when the vet euthenized him. When my cat Freebee had to be put to sleep over a year ago, it absolutely broke my heart even though she was sick and in pain and very, very old. But it was the right thing to do on her case. My instuctor's horse was suffering horribly and would not recover. Putting him down was the humane thing to do.

I would love to see the day when no animal must be euthenized because there aren't enough homes for all the animals born, but is it kinder to let animals be warehoused for the whole of their lives? If an animal is sick or in pain, is it humane to let nature just take it's course if we are able to end their suffering? I honestly don't know what was going on in the minds of those who ran this shelter because the idea of causing deliberate harm to an animal is just such an alien concept to me. Especially because it was so absolutely needless. There was no reason at all for these animals to have suffered save for the egos of a few people.

I could barely make it through the article, much less the pictures. Volunteering at a Humane Society facility - that is run wonderfully well - makes me very grateful. A few of the ladies that volunteer have 4 dogs, and then say their husbands would divorce them if they brought home more. We are holding at 3!

What horrid monsters! Jury, I don't understand your comment, "All the other charges are simply unproven allegations which will be decided by a court of law." So who posed for the pics? How much more proof do you need!

Re: Survivor 1: To make you happy, I actually seriously consider taking that vet to CVO and to court. Surprised? She cried a thon for that old sick cat that died of natural causes. But the fact is that this very same vet murdered a healthy, beautiful kitten that I wanted to adopt in case there was no-one else who would take him.

I can tell you that I am sick of likes of you all that defend killing of innocent animals; of you who when truth with actual proof is disclosed are sending threatening emails to those who tell the truth.

Are you sleeping better when you kill innocent healthy kittens? Do you? B/c since I learned that today animals have no place to go in Toronto I cannot sleep well.

Hey Jury....why aren't you responding to all of these people who have comments on your initial posting?

Ravnwing and Addiem,

The pictures are more than difficult to view. I always have to look because it keeps me going to do what little part I can do to help. I am having a time still, wondering why the Veterinarians didn't do something when they knew this was going on. I don't know what types of oversite the Canadians have in regards to Vets and reporting abuses. Especially reporting shelters that abuse. There are thousands of small groups in the US that do rescue with no building in place. It has to start somewhere but many end up fostering more cats and dogs than they can properly care for. Towns/cities are trying to get shelters built, up and running but cities and counties don't have the money (they say) to get it done. It took over 20 years to get the small one up and running we have here. A lot of changing of the "guards" and yes, maddening politics. But it can be done with grants and a community that stands behind it's shelter. And having Vets who will do low cost spay/neuter/shot clinics is a must for a community with a shelter. As little as 20yrs. ago, a shelter was using carbon monoxide to kill. And it was legal then in that state. Despicable. What a horrible way to die when you're innocent, helpless, four-legged, and homeless.

I was never good at fostering-I always kept them : ) The best dogs you could ever hope to have. I got home with the second one and said to my hubby "Guess what I have?" He said "What color, canine or feline?" We have two now. And 5 cats. The oldest dog is 14-15 and that sad day is coming soon. I am thankful we have that option of ending any suffering. That shelter was supposed to be a haven not a suffering station. They need to get knowledgeable people in there who can work together to prevent suffering not cause it.

Unbelievable! My stomach started to roll, just reading the details. No way could I make it through those photos. I'm going to have nightmares about this. Jury must be a relative or an employee to prompt that kind of defense of this HORRENDOUS situation. Oh MY God! It's things like this that make me want to see very, very LONG prison sentences for people responsible for these attrocities, because that's what they are - ATTROCITIES!

No two ways about it, people have chosen profit over decency. Abusing animals in a shelter is just a product of a civilized society failure to move toward refining and honing our ethical responsibilites, in favor of personal reward. When animals suffer, I'd say that we take a giant step backwards and makes us no better than the Third World.

We have got to get our priorities right, or it won't be just animals that suffer in Western cultures.

I think what everyone is missing is that if people who go out and get a pet on a whim because they are cute for the first couple of weeks, actually made a real commitment to their animals, that we wouldn't have a need for either organization. I have a Boston Terrier, a rabbit and several fish. I made a decision to get them, they didn't choose me and when I made that decision for all of us, I was making a commitment to care for them their entire lives. I know several people who get pets and get rid of them when they are bored with them or realize they weren't financially stable enough to care for as many pets as they thought they wanted. I'm personally disgusted by this behaviour and it happens all too often. Why isn't the spotlight being shined on the 1,000 pet owners who didn't fulfill their responsibilities. If these were kids, we'd be all over the parents instead of the Children's Aid Society.

Place the blame where it belongs.

". . .is a highly political battle for control of both operations and finances." Or is it squandering to get an extra penny?

"No two ways about it, people have chosen profit over decency." Please show the figures of how much profit some slob gets for running a filthy place.

It's called spay and neuter! What we need are more safe low cost spay/neuter clinics and changing the attitude of people about having their pets altered. Also, take a good hard look at the dogs in shelters. They are mainly pit bulls and that type. It is obvious that the pit bull community is not doing it's share of spaying and neutering. Considering many of these dogs have scars and poor temperament, these are not the good owners.

There is a reason for the attitude that currently exists about spaying and neutering. (especially among pit bull owners.) Open your mind and understand another point of view and you'll get further. Castrating your best freind is not ethical by any means. Other methods need to be readily available. Many people who wouldn't neuter their dog might be willing to get it a vasectomy (they already do it to zoo animals so it is possible) especially if it was free (something the humane society ir PETA could offer) . Doggy condoms are a joke, but what about developing a shot (similar to human depo-provera) for female dogs for example - how hard could that be? Think how many people would be willing to wait and breed their dog when the time is right. I think it's worth trying.

Another solution that could be implemented is actively marketing shelter animals. Why can puppy mills find buyers for their dogs? There is a market out there. A store in the mall could put a large number of dogs in good homes and serve as an outlet for education. They could distribute information and offer tips on caring for animals and how to choose the right animal for you (a lot of people for example would do better with an older dog than a puppy, but don't know better). They could also offer access to a network of resources for pet owners helping them find anything from fence companies to dog food outlets and veterinarians. It could even end up paying for itself.

Our current system of dealing with this issue DOES NOT WORK! It's time a change was made.

Some shelters do have displays in pet stores where future pet parents can select a furry family member. In my area, I have only seen cats. But a store in a mall? The rent for those places is too high. A shelter may already have a building of its own. A store front in a mall would be too small and way too expensive.

No, the problem will end when spay and neuter is more widely practiced and made more affordable and easy to obtain. In a perfect world, shelters would spay and neuter their animals before adopting out. I think some facilities do that, probably larger well-funded operations. But again, it may not be cost effective because what happens when you have a dog or cat who has gone far too long in a shelter without being adopted and then goes cage crazy? You will have to euthanize it.

Offering vouchers for spay/neuter is a possibility, except you have to rely on the adopter to get the adoptee to the vet doing the surgery. If they're too lazy, can't take the time, or have other motives, then that won't be effective either.

Perhaps, the adopter paying the spay/neuter surgery and the shelter holding the animal until they complete the surgery is the way to go. Smaller shelters would have to contract with a vet willing to do these surgeries. And might have to transport them to the vet office.

Mismanagement of shelters is nothing new. I adopted my first dog from a local shelter after a news story ran about how they were running out of money, had too many dog, etc). I saw her and learned of her history (a new mom, brought in with her puppies, abandoned). I was able to tell there was some abuse as well, although that was not on her records. Anyway, when I was checking her out I was calling her by the name they had for her on her cage tag and she wasn't responding. Regardless, I fell in love with her. I made arrangements to pick her up in a few days as I was already going to be heading out of town. Even though I paid up front, they didn't like that I wasn't taking her that day. Well, I came back, picked her up and looked over her paperwork that they passed to me....there was a different name on the paperwork. When I called that name, she responded! When I got her home, I noticed drops of blood on the floor. Nothing was cut on her or anything and I called the shelter (mind you, she was scheduled for spaying by this shelter within a few days). The shelter said, "oh she's in heat, we can't do the surgery until she's done which could be up to a few weeks)." I was furious that I was going to have to put up with her bleeding all over my house when I had a 7 month-old baby crawling around. In my mind, they should have kept her until she was done, or done the surgery anyway. She seemed to finish within a few days and I got her right in. They told me after her surgery she was still in heat. I didn't care. I have since learned these surgeries can be done when a female is in heat, and that at my current vet's office, I would have been charged a little more for the surgery to have it done while she was in heat.

I ended up adopting a second dog from the same shelter a couple years later. What a difference in how it was run. It was more efficient, more organized. No issues adopting this time. Last year for her birthday, my daughter asked her friends to bring animal shelter items instead of presents for her. We donated everything to this shelter. Our first dog has been so sweet and lovable and very good with my daughter and my two sons who came later. My second dog we call a big lug, but he is just as sweet and good with the kids. I feel due to our first dog's current health problems she may not have many more years with us, but I would adopt again from this shelter knowing how they've turned themselves around.

sunnybunny, will your alternatives for spaying and neutering still fix problems such as aggression, wandering, and caterwauling?

Those aren't "problems" those are normal behaviours. It is my opinion (and I don't believe I am alone in this philosophy) that surgically altering an individual to better control it's behaviour for your own convenience is cruel and selfish.

We need animal condoms!

We need people who are responsible with their animals.

This won't happen because people don't even care for themselves or their own. Spay and neuter your pets. We should also be able to trust animal control and the human society for help with strays and unwanted animals, but we can't. Most of them are useless and don't help. They need to accept strays and help owners with neighborhood situations, and put down animals when the need arsises - 50% or more if necessary. Long death in cages is unacceptable.

Yes, sometimes shelters can be useless and if spaying and neutering were done on a regular basis, then those who need the services of a shelter for an unwanted animal can take advantage and give the animal a shot at a loving forever home.

Several years ago I took in a third cat from a friend who could no longer have it due to the pediatrician saying the child's allergies were caused by the cat (a favorite excuse of doctors). I liked the cat, had bonded with it when I watched it when they went on vacation, so I took him. Sure, I knew there would be adjustment issues with my other two cats, but I knew it could be worked out given time. Well, it didn't and the new cat proceeded to mark his territory all over new carpet areas of the house (I actually caught him in the act twice). He was neutered by the way. SO, I called all local shelters, including ones I adopted from. He was a great cat, just needed to be single. Nope. No one would take him saying they were too full with cats. I called shelters hours from my house. No one would take him. Friends and their friends wouldn't take him. I was beside myself as I made the appointment for euthanasia. I couldn't see any other way out and I was angry with the shelters for not helping me in my time of need when I had helped them four times by adopting two dogs and two cats. Two nights before the appointment, my best friend called me and asked if I had called our hometown shelter. I never thought of it. I called and they said he sounded perfect for their "seniors program." I drove alone with him, almost four hours, and 5 months preggers to drop him off at my hometown shelter.

It never should have come to that. I should have been able to place him in a local shelter. People need to be responsible and spay/neuter to control populations. Its that simple.

Spay and neuter, please!! Especially with the economy down and people losing their housing, shelters can get to bursting.

Pit bulls are restricted in many communities, few insurance companies will sell you insurance and will cancel you if you get one. They can be nice dogs, I walk the smaller ones that are less powerful. But the shelters - if a "Pit" or mixed - may not accept them. Ours does.

My father got his dog a vasectomy, it can be done, whatever. Just fix them!

get a grip sunnybunny. I've heard every excuse in the world for not spaying and neutering, and most of them boil down to being cheap or lazy. How are you gonna feel when your animal runs away, or gets hit by a car? Spaying and neutering goes a long way to calming down an animal.

Although I gotta say, from personal experience with a cat, if you're gonna adopt and they're gonna fix 'em, tell 'em to check both underneath and the sides for previous spay/neuter scars. I adopted a cat from a shelter that fixes 'em, and she'd already been fixed- they didn't realize it 'til they already opened her up and some of her lady parts weren't there. Sounds stupid, but it does happen.

man was she pissed...

ps: this story is not typical of most humane societies. I worked for two years at the Greenville Humane Society, Greenville, SC- fourth biggest in the U.S. They do euthanize, but only in case of sickness or ill temper. Any healthy, happy animal will be there until they get adopted. Personally I think that's how it should be.

I agree with addie; PLEASE spay or neuter your pet. It does not cause any harm to them, and actually increases their life span. Females that are not spayed are more likely to get mammary tumors, and uterine and ovarian cancer, and males that are not castrated are more prone to biting and fighting, and testicular and prostate cancers.

If you feel that you 'just can't take away your dogs man-...er..."dog-hood", you can always do what a friend of mine did: when she had her very spoiled beagle castrated, she made arrangements with a surgeon friend of hers to get a pair of prosthetic gonads, like they use with human males that lose their's through some misfortune, and had them implanted in the now empty sac by the vet. (I am NOT making this up!) She always said that she did not want her beagle being made fun of by the un-neutered male dogs at the dog park, (wink wink). I'm not sure if it was ever really an issue at the dog park, but it made HER feel better anyway.

No, we need more responsible owners of animals who religously SPAY AND NEUTER their pets.

Not long ago, I was admiring a neighbor's new puppy. When I asked if they had arranged for a spay, the stupid woman said, "oh, no... we plan to have at least one litter of puppies so our kids can witness the miracle of birth...." If my husband hadn't grabbed my elbow, I think I would have cheerfully conked her on the head. I did give her the facts on why that was a very bad idea, etc. She just looked at me like I was some terrible person trying to deprive her children. I had to walk away. It still burns me up to think about it. We avoid these people now, needless to say.

This happens more than you think. I live in Pensacola, Fl, and went to the local shelter and they had a bulldog that had been locked up in a small cage with no exercise, and no stimulation, for six months. I wanted to adopt him, yet they said that they were waiting to see if they could find the owner. Then they changed the story a few days later and said that they didnt adopt out bulldogs??? I wondered what was going on, because I have excellent Vet references and have my own house, (which would not have mattered because they never asked my name) I reported it, and found out that they then transferred the dog to the humane society to adopt out, and after another two months, I gave up trying (he was still not adopted). Come to find out, this happened to many people. They had held and refused to adopt out "special breeds," only to have these animals spend upwards of a year in shelters. Never did get a clear answer, which makes me question who governs these places and why are these places not investigated fully, and why are twenty percent of dogs (with no behavior issues) housed indefinetly and not adopted?

My daughter is a vet and works in a mobile spay and neuter clinic. She has started putting tatoo ink in the incesion when she closes it so it will be easy to see if the animal has been spayed.

PETA is no better than the Canadian shelter I believe it is in Virginia where they have been investigated for running a so called adaption program that adopted out 6 animals while murdering hundreds just so they wouldn't have to fool with them.

People do have a moral objection to spaying and neutering and until you can respect that and work with it, you are going to continue to preach to the choir about it.

Agree about the spay and neuter thing. It should be mandatory these days to have a pet. But, is it more humane to euthanize an animal or keep it locked up indefinetely without human or animal contact without exercise or love? Some things are worse than death, which is what the article brings to light.

what we saw during our nightmare were dogs circling in their kennels, they had just gone crazy being confined for so long without any human contact.

It is a kook who has a moral objection to spaying or neutering a being that they choose to regard as infinitely inferior to themselves.

third party - PETA doesn't think, that's their problem!!

PETA hurts the cause of animal welfare more than they help it. And when they came out last year and asked Ben and Jerrys to make their ice cream with human breast milk, that was totally it for me.

Morons.

Who cares?

PETA has done amazing things toward the welfare of animals. They have closed down countless animal experimentation labs (Cosmetic, and non medical). Not to mention bringing to light the abuse at circuses, or animal traps, or the senseless torture of fur. They also shed light that Burlington was selling dog fur in their stores ten years ago. Some of their members have gone too far and are out of whack, but to say that PETA has not shed light on animal welfare is misguided.

As I stated above PETA has also murdered hundreds of animals just so they would not have to deal with them when they were supposed to be adopting the animals out. HSUS isn't much better. After Katrina they let animals die from neglect in N.O. in one location and would have let others die if another humane group had not checked on the animals and taken care of them. HSUS also sat in Baton Rouge whining about not being able to go to New Orleans to help when other groups were in N.O. wading that fowl water and braving gunfire to rescue animals. I never heard of PETA even showing up to help with the animal rescue.

PETA's latest outing involved them poisoning water in dogs crates, at a dog show, with antifreeze. These people are total A$$es!

Also all you dog lovers who espouse spaying and neutering of every dog and no breeding and laws to enforce it, hope you realize in 15 years there will be NO dogs. Is that what you really want? That is PETAs agenda.

Reaves-1604837 either they just do not get it, or else they represent not just an opinion but a very organized opinion.

Yes, cobi, that occured to me too. The other website (cited above, #1.5) had stories written by Toronto people that had tried to adopt animals from this shelter a year ago, or were former employees, ALL saying this jackazz was a micro-managing, tyrannical, meglomaniacal psycho, many of whom said they had made reports to various authorities. What's more, this other article also said he had been running the place since the 1980's!!! Why didn't someone there do something about this loon before now? It doesn't take 30 years to get your ducks in a row to charge someone with this degree of cruelty!!

I just loathe people that cook the books to make themselves look good!

Perhaps this kind of fate should befall them: "A note written by a staff member or volunteer on the medical chart of a cat, Animal ID A127495, admitted last fall, reads: “Died Oct 19 3:15 am. Gasped and jerked and cried last breaths, because there was no one in shelter to euthanize or treat. This is not humane!” "

It wasn't funding...this CEO was excellent at raising funds for his shelter. He was so successful at it because he claimed he did not euthanize the animals under his care. Instead, he let them die cruelly of horrible diseases and inadequate care. Between January of 2005 and April of 2009 more died in their cages than were euthanized...almost 5000! How completely repugnant is that?

I have always advocated for animals. I have cared for everything from baby sparrows to African lion cubs at my previous job with a veterinarian, and all of my household pets are rescues. The most important part of caring for animals is knowing about them; even if you have never cared for something like a sparrow or a lion cub, before you do so, you must have cared for some animal during your life, be knowledgeable about their needs, and have some sort of clue as to the responsibility of them. From what I understand, this guy, Tim Trow, did not have practical animal experience, and was all about the money and the power of his little despotic position.

I just have 2 questions...what kind of man (?questionable) treats animals so cruelly, denying them needed veterinary care, and letting them die slow, hideous, painful deaths? And, if he wasn't taking care of these animals, what was he doing with the money he raised?

I remember that story, and what had actually happened was that she didn't actually know the dog was in her car. Her husband had placed the dog in the car without her knowledge. It was an accident, not a matter of outright cruelty. There were no repercussions because it was ultimately decided that it was purely accidental. Do your homework before misremembering stories.

I also have 3 cats. all rescues. I just don't understand how anyone could stand by and let these animals die. It's disgusting!!!!!!!

I wonder if those that work in shelters become so numb to it all. Seeing it day in and day out, never realizing what is truly happening?

Many in the medical industry are also numbed out. In fact, it is becoming a characteristic of society.

Chris: Yes, putting 'em down is an emotional rollercoaster. I just put my 3rd one down in Nov. ( wk. before Thankgiving) & it doesn't get any easier. BUT! I've ONLY had "rescues" for 43 yrs. ( long before it was "fashionable") & that is of some comfort. And yes, I spay & neuter. Having mixed breeds don't make having MORE unwanted animals desireable. And I am SO proud of my grown sons who also only adopt rescues-both cats & dogs. It makes me believe that I raised 'em right!

The single, one thing that could help avoid this situation in the article is to ONLY adopt from a reputable source. There are breed rescues if you have to have a purebred, but mixed-breed animals are the ones most in need of homes.

True, great post.

I completely agree, best idea I have heard all day.

My thoughts exactly.

Oh poor AJV it must suck to be you. Your life must be pathetic void of anything or anyone of value. Why are you still living, polluting the earth with your hatred. You must poison the very air you breathe. You're toxic. I pity anyone who is unfortunate enough to have any type of contact with you. You're poor mother must be wringing her hands wondering what she did wrong to have raised such a miserable person er excuse me, animal.

Well, AJV, this is your lucky day. I'm a nurse who interacts with people on a VERY personal level & it doesn't seem a stretch to extend that compassion to companion animals.

AJV, since you're a people person and mentioned nursing homes, what are you doing to police that industry?

AJV I hope one day you learn what the word compassion means. Clearly you were a very unloved child. He was probably the kid who tortued the cats and dogs in his neighborhood. It must be sad and lonely to be you.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi

I shouldn't have to add anymore then that.

Same crap different day.

It is obvious to me that there are a lot of people who troll these boards who got away with shouting insults and being the bully on the playground and were never held accountable and therefore think that is an acceptable method of showing that they do not agree with others today.

Karen2583 - No, it does not suck to be me.

When you learn social skills you might want to comment again. Until then, no one needs to take you seriously; you act like an ignorant bigot, grow-up.

V. Bevis - They are animals, just animals. I do not suggest that they should be treated cruelly, however, I refuse to give them human traits and rights. Again, they are animals. We eat them. Sometimes, they eat us! After all, they are animals.

cg-1002137 - there will be new legislation about nursing homes soon enough. all you have to do is wait a few minutes and we will all see it.

Angie-307996 - I am well aware of compassion and actually quite compassionate. Clearly you have no idea about what you are name-calling/talking about. I am neither sad or lonely. I have plenty of friends and many good acquaintances. I care about them and they care about me.

I can't take you seriously either.

AJV....clearly when your DNA was being made it skipped the "human" trait. However I am sure if you work at it really hard you may be able to fake it. I hope that one day you will never need to rely on an animal to help you out. That animal may just eat you one day. Be one less cynic in the world who really does lack compassion even though he's pretty good at pretending he has some. Animals are very important. They provide people companionship and brighten their spirts and for some it's their only thing of comfort. They even send pets into nursing homes for the elderly. Maybe one day when you are 90 and still bitter and still pretending to be compassionate a dog will come over and lick your hand and want some attention. However, dogs are very smart and can sense uncaring humans. I am an animal lover through and through and have a dog who comforts my child when he is crying and when I am sick she sits at my bed and waits for me to get better. I hope one day you will realize that animals are here for more than one reason. To show us love.

ROFLOL

It seems that I went to school in a much more enlightened time where we learned to read and debate. Name calling and insinuations about my character do not qualify as intelligence.

I am sure you are very enlightened however, I believe most people here would agree you are still a douchebag.

Yepp, I completely agree. You truly are a douchebag. You are probably the same guy who beats his wife and children too. Go ahead and insult me in return, IDGAF.

Aren't you full of hate AJV. Let me set you straight on one thing... ANIMALS ARE PEOPLE TOO! They have feelings just like we do. They love without boundaries.. they are your trustworthy bestfriend. They are there for you no matter what.

Animals deserve to live just like you and I with a loving home, food and security. It makes me sick to see or hear about any animal being abused. Right now I have 2 bunnies, 1 dog and 4 cats. I admit that is way too many but my kids will come and take back their animals when they can. Which will leave me with 2 cats and 2 bunnies. I love them all.. I give them as much attention as I can and make sure that they are fed and have a clean place to sleep and eat. In return they give my husband and I unconditional love.

DemonGraveWolf,

Thankyou. A great man and a profound statement I haven't seen for awhile.

There is no excuse for any of this except money. That shelter could have given those animals to another shelter, and to not euthanize a terminally ill animal is torture plain and simple.

However, I'm not for shelters killing animals because there's not enough room. It is unfortunate that so many people want certified pure-breds, because there are a lot of shelter animals that need good homes. And most pet stores suck- they are often filthy and full of sick animals.

The Greenville Humane Society rocks- it is an example of how all shelters should be run. Also, what was cool for we employees was a rule that if we adopted out over 400 animals a month, everyone got a free paid day off. We consistently adopted out over 600 a month. As a matter of fact, they even (used to, don't know about now) ship more than 90 puppies a week up to Long Island, NY. A really good shelter

AJV... Animals do have feelings and are very compassionate. I am an old women, my cat and my two dogs are often the only living creatures I see for days. Each of my animals would give his/her life for me and I would do the same for each of them. I hope someday that you will learn to recognize the valuable contributions that animals make in the quality of life to humans. I wish you peace.

AJV: Get a life.

AJV The question is can they suffer? Do they cry when hurt? Do they feel pain? You are not debating anything with anyone, you are simply writing your opinion and then blasting people who do not agree with you. I had an excellent education and would be glad to debate you.

I would suggest all of you but especialy AJV read a book called "Homer's Oddesy" by Gwen Cooper.

If priorities need to be made, then the lives of people should have priority over the lives of animals. With that said, the manic killing or abuse of thousands of animals a day (probably a low #) needs to end.

A lot of shelters are actually helping animals. To say you would never take an animal to any shelter is kinda ignorant.

Having volunteered at more than one shelter no it's not ignorant. Even the best shelter in this country can't adopt out every animal it takes in. Some no-kill shelters simply ship them off after a while to shelters that do kill. Any animal I've rescued I have adopted out through a local humane society through a local pet store. I do home visits. How many shelters do that? I'll take an animal back from someone who has adopted it if I find things aren't going well. So do your homework have you checked the euthanasia rate at your local shelter? Probably not. Most shelters euthanize way more than they adopt out. I would never take a chance with an animal's life at a shelter when I can guarantee I'll find it a home or I'll keep it for the rest of it's life, something no shelter that performs euthanasia could ever do. Keep it coming dyhA.

ajv---you're an idiot!

AVJ- someone should have spayed your Mother. You are the poster child for legalized sterilization.

AJV I agree with you on this issue. We do need to do something about the people in Washington. I worked during the last election but my favorite candidate didn't win. No not McCain either. But 2010 is upon us and there will be changes. 2012 isn't too far away, hopefully it will get here before damage is done.

But this post is not about the article so I will leave it at that. Have a good day.

AJV: What is it with you & eating dog? Anyway, who pissed in your cornflakes? Actually, I'm sure you have gotten your daily jollies by now on this site which I'm sure you very carefully "trolled" for for your rant.

Some of the others on here actually think they can reason with you, but I KNOW what your personality problem is & I don't try to reason with ill people or drunks.

You may have the others buffaloed (again, all puns intended), but I've worked too much psych. nursing & boy are you a real piece of work-right there in the DSM (Handbook of psych. diseases AND personality disorders.)

V. Bevis: ABSOLUTELY!! Here, Here!! (*applause*)

Sure your right about the 3rd world spector on our horizon. But the point you miss is that this current trend of killing animals is a precursor to this spector.

Sounds like AJV needs a med. change! At least we can be warned there's another guy about to "go postal." lol

And just how would anyone be able to "help" you with this?

You are a very scary person. I agree that the U.S. needs a better immigration policy. I don't agree with "shoot on sight."

Yeah, you had me up to "shoot on sight".

Plus the whole immigration issue is off-topic anyway.

AJV clearly has some issues. That is a real good solution let's start shooting people. Entering a country illegally doesn't call for shooting on site. Geez who thinks like that? And I wouldn't help you even address a letter. You are serioulsy off kilter there buddy.

AJV for President-he knows all ,sees all and doesn't hesitate to tell all that he knows it all-he'd make a great politician!! He's real good at not defending those who are defenseless and in need! Perfect politician.

Scary, isn't it-that someone could have so high an opinion of themselves so as to put down everyone else who has some morality and human compassion because he doesn't agree with that which makes perfect sense!

And back on topic-how about we cage up the manager of this place and make them go through what those poor defenseless animals had to go through??

not sure if everyone knows, but you can tag peoples comments as no value when they have absolutely nothing to do with what everyone else is talking about. I think we all know who I'm talking about.

AJV - Our country has some serious issues indeed. I understand that you are putting your family first above the animals. The article is talking about the cruel and inhumane treatment of animals, those without a voice.

With the unemployment rate that it is, it's because of our government's lack of putting things into perspective. It's all about money and greed. Such a shame. Outsourcing, "playing nice" with our "neighbor's" (other countries) has made our money tight. The animals shouldn't suffer because of that, nor should humans. But the fact of the matter is the US is bankrupt. It's hurts everyone.

AJV, for all of those spouting you need to get on your meds, etc. It's not about you...there is so much frustration by so many people, that we, as humans, tend to take it out on others.

I hope to never suffer the fate that these animals have.

Have a wonderful afternoon.

Eoin - Couldn't have said it better myself!! Agree 100%

'God doesn't make junk'---Einstein

I don't consider myself really religious but I have only one thing to say to that.

Amen.

And that includes AJV, even though I think ajv is an idiot....God does not, and only God can change stffnecked, hard hearted people, nothing any one can say to him will......

Animals - save me from your lovers.

Martha, I'm sure you're a really nice person. But name calling doesn't suit you well. You are better than that!

We are all welcome to our opinions, it doesn't make any of us right or wrong. That's a judgement call.

And I am in no way here to judge anyone, are you?

Martha, you just contradicted yourself with passages from the Bible. The Bible is full of blood, killings, (and wicked ones at that), stoning, rape, sodomy, pilaging.....the list goes on and on.

"Animals - save me from your lovers."

Now, aren't you just typical? Calling upon the very things you consider "non-issues", to help you out. You are a piece of work. I mean, I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt...maybe a cat pee'd in your shoe this morning, or the neighbor's dog kept you awake last night, but you just didn't give it up and kept frothing on and on about things that don't relate to the subject at hand. I tried to be fair, but you weren't.

I suspect you are a masochistic troll...otherwise, you would be ranting, properly, on a 'political' board. If all you have to say is off-topic, go away. Go to a board where somebody cares. IF somebody cares...

Baby shoes, I believe in right or wrong. I do not believe I contradicted myself, The Scripture is full of all the things you listed above, But The Proverb that I posted is talking of how a good man treats his animals. and how a wicked man treats his. It is all the attitude of the heart, and from the heart there flows good or evil.

I want to apologize to AJV for calling you an idiot, the emotions from going through this same type of thing are still very fresh, and that was my anger at the situation coming out.

I worked in one in NY and I second that 100%!

Wendy and Dee

I hope you reported them?

The megalomaniacal manager totally controlled the BOD. She managed to have anyone who questioned her authority fired.