Comments on: Merger brings changes for Humane Society

By: lop.

lop. — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:31:33 +0000

For far too long, those running our animal shelters – agencies funded by the philanthropic donations and tax dollars of an animal loving American public – have refused to mirror our progressive values. For far too long, they have assumed a power and authority to act independent of public opinion, and the will of the people who have entrusted them to do their jobs with compassion, dedication and integrity. In betraying this trust, they have proven that they can’t be trusted, and that we must regulate them in the same way we regulate other agencies which hold the power of life and death: by removing the discretion which has for too long allowed them to thwart the public’s will and to kill animals who should be saved.

By: Doggie Hitler

Doggie Hitler — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 02:22:40 +0000

The SDHS is the biggest crock going. They say they want to reduce animal euthanasia, but kill any dog that fails this preposterous test. There is no scientific proof that this behavioral test can predict future behavior at all. It’s a way to justify killing animals that the staff doesn’t like, especially Pits and large dogs. This Sternberg lady who created the test even calls herself “doggie Hitler” and has this plan where she says that 75% of all dogs in shelter should be euthanized. This is the model they are following. People should call in on their telethon tomorrow and start asking questions. I hope someone sues this place and exposes them once and for all.

By: BethDW

BethDW — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:23:04 +0000

The SDSH has, unfortunately, decided to embrace the test developed by Sue Sternberg. Having participated in temperament testing as a dog trainer I have come to the conclusion that this test is unscientific and terrifically unfair to the dogs tested. Keep in mind that these dogs are stressed out to the max – now, give them the best treat imaginable (raw hide, pigs ear) and try to take it away from them (you, a stranger to the dog) and YES, of course many of the dogs growl. Dogs who would never do this after being in the calm setting of a home with its owners.

Sad, but true situation that the SDHS has bought into this testing and euthanizes many, many dogs. The public really should demand the numbers. Sue Sternberg, herself, told the SDHS that they should be euthanizing 95% of the dogs that come through the doors.

By: fishfry

fishfry — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:11:19 +0000

This is a better resource for SAFER test info:
http://www.hsmo.org/m_joinus/documents/SAFERTestSummary.pdf

By: fishfry

fishfry — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:51:27 +0000

I am neutral on this subject, but want to correct an item in the article:

“The San Diego Humane Society and former North County Humane Society use the same medical and behavior assessments for animals, but the evaluation results that found five retested dogs unfit for adoption caused Godzak and other volunteers concern.”

The 2 facilities do not use the same behavior or medical evaluations.

The SAFER test is used at North Campus
http://www.humanesocietyofknoxcounty.org/SAFER.html

The Behavior Assessment at Gaines Campus is their own system
http://www.sdhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=adp_BehaviorAssessments

There are similarities and differences.

North County Humane Society (before the merger) did not have a veterinarian on site very often, and they would use outside vets to do what they could medically for animals.

All San Diego Humane Society (Gaines campus) animals get a thorough physical exam by a veterinarian, and state of the art diagnostics, surgery and treatments for any illnesses. Since the merger, SDHS is trying to get all the North Campus animals examined by veterinarians and many (20 or so since 1/11/10) have been transferred to Gaines to have surgery, dental work, x-rays and other procedures they couldn’t have gotten before the merger.

By: Lori Walton

Lori Walton — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:43:45 +0000

During the San Diego Humane Society’s capital campaign to build their current state of the art facility, I was told that my donation would help increase adoptions as well as end the euthanasia of adoptable and treatable animals by 2005. Unfortunately, neither of these two promises have been kept and I regret giving my time and money to them.

By: RIP Boo Boo.

RIP Boo Boo. — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:48:16 +0000

I am disheartened by an organization that I once supported. We all thought once SD Humane Society merged with North County Humane Society that it would be a beneficial thing for the animals. As it turns out, it has been heartbreaking to have many of our “longtimer” animals be pulled from the Oceanside location to be transferred to the San Diego campus to “get new surroundings and a renewed chance of getting adopted” but actually get euthanized once they are down there. How can dogs that both employees and volunteers fell in love with, bonded with and spent months taking care of become untreatable once they are transferred down to the San Diego campus? Not one employee or volunteer would willingly want an ACTUAL dangerous and “untreatable” dog put up for adoption, but not one of the dogs taken from the Oceanside campus was dangerous and untreatable. Dr. Mark Goldstein states that in 9 years SD Humane has never euthanized a healthy and treatable dog, but that is a blatant lie, because they just did and probably have been doing so for quite some time.

By: Mark G

Mark G — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:30:25 +0000

Smoke and mirrors. The SDHS is responsible for unnecessarily killing thousands of treatable animals by sending owner relinquished animals over to DAS. Has anyone seen the actual number of animals they find homes for on a $14 million budget? Check the published Asilomar stats. Absolutely pathetic.

By: Great Kitty Rescue

Great Kitty Rescue — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:12:21 +0000

I am sickened by the report of animals being needlessly killed. “Our goal is to end euthanizing animals here.” Then stop the killing – it is as simple as that. San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Thompkins County NY, Reno, and other shelters have stopped the killing – so should San Diego.

Why are they allowed to blatantly disregard the Hayden Law?

What happens to “stray” animals in San Diego County if the SD Humane Society will not take them?

There are some very disturbing practices going on here and the public needs to demand answers and change.

By: Russ53

Russ53 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:40:46 +0000

San Diego humane society has never been good at working with rescues or really any other organization. They think their way is the only way and that they have the right to play God. This leads to choices that help the bottomline, but not the animals. And this mentality stems from the top down. Tax payers and contributors should be made aware that they are funding an organization with backwards ideals.