Letter of grievance to IACC and related meeting notes

For anyone who was present at the IACC meeting, or those who may be watching it on TV, a reference was made to a letter of grievance filed with the IACC board. The letter was filed and signed by 5 volunteers who had volunteered approximately 35 total hours and had taken out as humane transfer or foster, about 30 cats, kittens, dogs and puppies on the two visits (most of which have already been adopted, after treating their kennel-induced illnesses). Some of the youngest have unfortunately succumbed, despite immediate and intensive veterinary care.

During our time volunteering we observed some things of very great concern that we believed were serious enough to require action by the IACC boad and IACC management and staff. Administrator Talley has initiated internal investigation(s) regarding the incidents outlined in the letter.

You may read the full text of the letter here.

At the board meeting, a great deal of time was spent discussing the written protocols for animal handling, sedation and euthanasia. Despite assurances that the protocols were in line with established national shelter euthanasia standards, further review will be undertaken to determine if revision of written sedation and handling protcols is warranted. Most board members seemed to be in favor of requiring the administration of a sedative prior to euthanasia, especially for animals that may be fractious or distressed. If new protocols are established and followed, it would mean a much calmer, more dignified death for many hundreds of animals per month.

Kennel Manager Kirsten Vantwoud estimates that approximate 50 animals per month receive sedative prior to euthanasia. In May, 814 animals were killed at IACC, meaning that about 6% of animals killed receive sedation. Vantwoud countered that sedation is not necessary most of the time, that simply holding the animals is sufficient for them to receive their fatal injection. Critics from the veterinary world are skeptical that intravenous injections can be given so readily under those conditions, as few animals hold still while a needle is being inserted into their vein, based upon their own experiences.

Director Newman revealed a lengthy list of reforms that he believes should be explored to improve the city's tax-funded municipal shelter. Many in the audience were very eager and pressing for dates on the "action items", including bringing in national sheltering expert Nathan Winograd to consult on the city's animal sheltering crisis. Clearly, for many people, change and improvement cannot come fast enough.