Comments on: Investigator To Look Into Deaths At Escambia Animal Shelter

By: Beth

Beth — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 03:03:09 +0000

Pet rescuer, which clinic has the 50 s/n on 9 mile?

By: Pet Rescuer

Pet Rescuer — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 11:23:02 +0000

This is such a sad situation all around. I, too, was feeding an animal several years ago and when it disappeared, I was told by animal control that it had been picked up. I asked if I could come bail it out and how much, and was told it had come in sick and been put down immediately. I can tell you, that was completely untrue. The cat was very healthy, very friendly, and very adoptable. I have to wonder if most animals even get an exam before being put to sleep. Sad situation for lots of pet owners.

There is a very good animal hospital on 9 Mile Road that has very affordable S/N prices ($50 N). Maybe they should partner with the county – this would in turn help control the overpopulation and lower S/N prices for pet owners.

By: Molino Mom

Molino Mom — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 00:03:56 +0000

Ms. Wesley is a hard working and caring person. I can’t believe she would be responsible for anything like this. She wears many hats for Escambia County.
I have always been afraid of the shelter.

By: bewildered

bewildered — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 11:42:29 +0000

Only one option: SPAY and NEUTER. We seem to be the only civilized country in the world where dogs and cats run rampant. Only in third world nations are pet owners not taking responsibility for their animals’ lives. Science was able to control the population of the wild horses in the West with injections that hinder them from breeding sucessfully, pigeon populations are controlled by adding contraceptives to seeds, etc. Please, someone explain why we cannot control the number of unwanted cats and dogs being born in the ffirst place and eliminate the need for a kill ” facility” altogether. (I cannot use “Shelter” which would mean it’s a safe place for unfortunate creatures)

By: Whisper Burkett

Whisper Burkett — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 09:27:29 +0000

I had a couple friends that’s dog where put down for no reason at all it was disgusting and they were told they could come get their dog and that day they put the dog down so I think whoever is responsible for this needs to be in trouble text you because its just wrong and nobody should put down the dog just because there’s not enough something like that is ridiculous animals deserve every right they can have its just horrible it’s just sad

By: David

David — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 22:50:41 +0000

I think we can solve the problem by “altering” the staff and everyone involved in the cover up.

By: Jan Papra

Jan Papra — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 19:27:20 +0000

The ironically named “shelter” is a mess. And when Steward has to resign, and Messenger has to resign, then the person who hired them and supervised them surely has to go as well. Ms. Wesley, who runs the Animal Services and directed those two people and the activities of the shelter needs to retire or find a job far, far away from animals and the county residents who love them.

Alllow me to recommend transferring her to Transportation and the ECAT system.

By: Sharyn Berg

Sharyn Berg — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 19:17:35 +0000

Until the hire of Dr. Al Steward, there had be very few deaths during s/n surgery at the shelter, which is the way it is normally. It’s a very safe surgery when done by a qualified vet. Dr. Owen and Dr. Ulrich have done a fantastic job for over 4 years. Truly dedicated veterinarians who honestly care for the animals at the shelter. When Dr. Steward blamed Gayle Sanders for the three deaths on Feb. 14, 2014, he neglected to mention the other 7 deaths in only 3 months. Drs. Owen and Ulrich have worked in the same facility with the same staff (Sanders) without the catastrophic results of Dr. Steward. Mr. Coe is exactly right about the need to look into County personnel who should no longer be in charge of Animal Services. In the 5 years the current director of Animal Services/Community Affairs has been in charge there have been 4 shelter managers and soon to be 4 veterinarians. As well as no written policy/procedures in those 5 years. Why is she still in charge? I believe, she’s responsible for Steward’s hire. Mr. Coe is also correct about not including the current Shelter Manager, John Robinson. Mr. Robinson started working at the shelter the day after Steward resigned. I have high hopes he will be able to help the shelter settle on to a proper path. I’ve liked what I have heard from him so far and look forward to working with him. Dr. Steward was also wrong to slam Phyllis Trout. Her friends know she has to put down on average 26 animals a day. This isn’t her fault and it isn’t her choice. We wouldn’t even need a shelter if people were more responsible pet owners. It amazes me that Ms. Trout is still so compassionate about the animals in her care. One would think that horrific responsibility would beat compassion out of a person for their own protection. Escambia Animal Advocates stands behind the shelter because when they succeed we all succeed. Together we can make Escambia County a better place for animals.

By: Suzie B

Suzie B — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 16:31:07 +0000

After hoping for a safe, affordable place for animals to be altered, many people are now afraid of what may happen there. Things do happen during surgery in any situation but now, with this many cases, people may not look at this as being an affordable option for spay/neuter and the animal population will continue to grow out of hand. I hope they can turn it all around and get the reputation back to a positive one with a good, reliable staff. It’s a hard job to work there anyway so finding good people isn’t always easy.

By: Puddin

Puddin — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 11:34:17 +0000

Our animal shelter is a disaster. It needs a complete overhaul from the top down. A place that is meant to care for helpless animals has been turned into a death chamber. Ive been screaming for over a year about this place. Hopefully, someone is finally starting to listen. (AND THIS IS NOT SLANDER! I HAVE REAMS OF DATA PROVING IT).