What does it take?

They are everywhere. 

Some are hidden in corners of our communities where we rarely travel and others are integrated into the soul of our neighborhoods but what they have in common is an acceptance of the philosophy that it is “ok” and justifiable to take animal lives rather than work proactively to save them. 

They have support in high places.

Their behavior is often excused by their colleagues.

They believe they are right.

And they truly believe that they will never be held accountable.

When the Humane Society of Louisiana urged action regarding a rural shelter within their network of partnerships, they seemed to have hit a wall of silence with the exception of a few passionate animal advocates.

So what does it take?

Does it have to take the death of 170 or more animals?

… And the strength of former employees to stand up and shout that they are not going to take it anymore?  

Will there be 170 martyrs in your community soon?

Have there been 170 martyrs in your community you will never know about?

Here’s the facts about the Tangipahoa Parish Animal Shelter published more than six months prior to the slaughter of all the animals in the shelter.

From Jeff Dorson, Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana: 

Referendum on Animal Control Policies

We are kicking off the new year by beginning where we left off last year - campaigning for needed reforms at the Tangipahoa shelter, located in Hammond, La. This innocuous looking shelter is actually a hotbed of problems, corruption, and controversy. Often the policies at the shelter are counterproductive and change on a moment’s whim. We have received reports that the shelter is now charging a surrender fee, that they will no longer adopt to breed-rescue groups, and that citizens have to physically come to the shelter to report animal abuse! The Interim Director, Mr. Donald Doty, has no prior experience with shelter management nor he has taken any courses on shelter operations, and he is implementing policies that often run counter to industry standards.

We have attempted to improve the policies at this facility for many months; however, it is time for the public to demand changes, as well. We recently submitted a Three Point Shelter Improvement Plan to the parish administration. The plan calls for hiring an experienced shelter director, creating a citizens’ advisory council to monitor conditions and policies at the shelter, and to post all fees, in-take, and adoption policies at the front counter. Cost to taxpayers: about $30.00 extradollars for the sign.

Don’t be silent.

Don’t accept excuses.

Don’t wait for martyrs in your community …