Animal Auschwitz: The Kill - Animal Shelter of Johnson City Tennessee

Dogs Going Mad In Kennels

2007-10-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

If this does not arouse a person's conscience into taking immediate action to confront the powers that are allowing this mad war on dogs and cats to continue, what will?

Healthy dogs confined in Kill and also No-Kill shelter kennels, anticipating their impending death or prolonged confinement in cages, literally go mad because of the emotional, psychological and spiritual stress they are under. We don't need researchers to tell us that being imprisoned increases stress.

Most people are told by their religious leaders that animals do not have souls. This is not only a fallacy but also total self aggrandization. Animals have a soul. A group soul, which is shared in common with all members of the species. They do not have an individualized ego like most humans do. But never-the -less, they have a soul and a spirit and do experience pain and suffering.

Please replace the word euthanize with "kill" every time you see it in this research paper. This type of (moral) research is also often opportunistically cited by kill-animal shelters in justification of their amoral kill philosophy.

Careless breeders (of all types) who continue to breed recklessly and discard kittens and puppies, cities and counties who do not promote and pursue aggressive spay and neuter programs, but instead continue to kill, should be held responsible for this carnage; a destruction of not only animals but of the essential selves of the men and women who work at kill-shelters.

One shelter member told me that the staff is psychologically and emotionally traumatized, especially during pre-kill nights when they have to decide which (even healthy) dog or cat is going to have its life ended the next day.

At the Johnson City Animal Shelter, healthy older dogs are killed by the staff by other (at most shelters, usually by bullets or carbon monoxide poisoning) means rather than by lethal injection, because the local veterinarians and the population are unwilling to "contribute towards " or "gift" a humane end to these unfortunates. The shelter is always short on funds.

Article
“Kennel Crazy” Behavior in Shelter Dogs: Causes and Solutions

Shawn Mathiesen
American College of Applied Science

Abstract

Animal shelter workers frequently describe dogs that have gone “kennel crazy” from being in a shelter too long. The dogs become uncontrollable and un-adoptable and are inevitably euthanized. The behavior symptoms in anecdotal descriptions of “kennel crazy” appear similar to the symptoms of stress induced canine compulsive behavior disorders. Shelter dogs are subjected to many stresses such as confinement, noise, and social isolation. “Kennel crazy” may be a compulsive behavior disorder resulting from chronic stress experienced in the shelter environment. Breeders and researchers recognize that certain breeds, sizes, and genders handle stress in different ways and may be predisposed to compulsive behavior disorders. If we dismiss “kennel crazy” as something that inevitably happens to dogs that stay too long in shelters, it will continue to occur and dogs will continue to be euthanized for it. If we recognize “kennel crazy” as a compulsive behavior disorder, and recognize that certain dogs are predisposed to it, shelter workers may be able to use early intervention and treatment to avoid “kennel crazy” behavior and subsequent euthanasia.

Introduction

A few weeks after I began walking dogs as a volunteer at my local Humane Society, I witnessed the bizarre behavior I later came to know as “kennel crazy”. Two big, fluffy, bouncy, goofy, lovable dogs were dropped off together at the shelter. Initially difficult to walk and control due to lack of leash training and sheer size, they grew more uncontrollable as the weeks passed. After six weeks in the shelter, they started to display aggression towards people and other dogs, bounced constantly in their kennels, and eventually began to bang themselves against the kennel walls. When the dogs became aggressive towards the shelter staff they were euthanized. The shelter staff explained that some dogs just go kennel crazy and there is nothing you can do about it. The tragic fate of those two big goofy dogs deeply affected me. This paper is an attempt to understand what happened to them, and how we can help other dogs avoid that fate.

Anecdotal Descriptions of “Kennel Crazy” Behavior

The term “kennel crazy” is a colloquial term used in animal rescue and shelter environments. I could find no reference to it in professional publications. For the purpose of understanding the behavior described by shelter and rescue workers and equating it to a behavior that we can prevent and treat, I gathered anecdotal descriptions from websites and from a survey I mailed to Maryland animal shelters. The survey questions and the responses to the survey are included in Appendices A and B. Animal shelter and rescue websites provide numerous anecdotal descriptions of seemingly normal dogs going “kennel crazy” after a prolonged stay in the shelter. A few samples are included below. The symptoms they describe include repetitive non-functional (stereotypic) behavior often accompanied by self-injurious, and/or aggressive behavior.

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“A kennel crazy dog just spins and spins in its run and can't stop” (Jill, a San Francisco, CA SPCA dog trainer).
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“They begin to display "kennel crazy" behaviors: spinning, chewing on the chain link, self- mutilation, lack of appetite and energy to name a few” (Mary Martin, clinic manager of Maricopa County Animal Control Care and Control in Arizona).
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“They end up going kennel crazy, in which they run around in circles barking at things that aren't there” (Melissa Senn, staff member at Inland Valley Humane Society, in Pomona, CA).
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“Some go kennel crazy, spinning in circles, chewing on their paws, pacing repetitively” (Dineen Heard, public relations director at the Town Lake Animal Center in Austin, TX).

Responses to the survey I mailed to Maryland animal shelters likewise described “kennel crazy” behavior as agitation, aggression, pacing, spinning, chewing and biting on their tail, anxious, jumping, constant barking, protective/possessive of their kennel, constant digging on the cement floor, and bouncing from wall to wall.

While the behavior symptoms in anecdotal descriptions have a common theme, the length of time in the shelter prior to the onset of the behavior does not. Shelter and rescue websites typically use the terms “too long”, or “after many months”. Of the nine responses to my survey, five said the length of stay prior to symptoms varied with no pattern, while others said one to two months or longer”, three to six months, four months, or six weeks or longer.

Many of the descriptions and survey responses said that any dog may go “kennel crazy”, however four of the nine survey responses indicated that high energy, intelligent dogs, such as the working and herding breeds are more likely to succumb. The Great Lakes Border Collie Rescue and the Mokan Border Collie rescue websites both indicated that border collies do not do well in the shelter environment and are susceptible to becoming “kennel crazy”. A Dalmation rescue website said the same of Dalmations.

Stress Reactions in Animals

When humans are faced with a difficult physical (e.g. loud noise) or psychological (e.g., isolation) situations they cannot control, they experience stress. Prolonged exposure to stress causes detrimental physiological, psychological, and behavioral changes (Coppola, Enns, and Grandin, 2006). One of the physical changes commonly associated with prolonged exposure to stress is an increased level of a hormone called cortisol. Dogs, like humans, show increased cortisol levels after exposure to stressful situations (Beerda et al., 1997). Studies of dogs in animal shelters showed significant increases in the dogs’ cortisol levels after entering the shelter (Coppola, Grandin, an Enns, 2005). Neuroscientists at Harvard Medical School conducted a study proving that chronic exposure to increased cortisol levels in mice led to anxious, fearful behavior (APA Press Release, April 16, 2006). Psychological stress is manifested in conspicuous changes in an animal’s behavior. “The species-typical repertoire becomes less diverse, certain behavior patterns occur more frequently while others are performed in a stereotypical manner” (Roberts, 2006). Performance of stereotypic behaviors in dogs is considered an indicator of prolonged exposure to stress (Beerda et al., 1997). Self-injurious behavior and defensive aggression in caged animals are seen as signs that the animal is unable to adapt to the psychological stress of its environment (Roberts, 2006).

Stress in the shelter environment

Dogs in animal shelters are exposed to constant physical and psychological stress. Prolonged exposure to loud noise causes stress in animals (Coppola, Enns, and Grandin, 2006). The noise level from barking in dog kennels regularly exceeds 100dB (Sales, 1997), well above safe recommended levels. For dogs, who are more sensitive to sound than humans, and unable to escape the noise of the kennel environment, noise is a significant cause of stress. It is interesting to note that one response to the survey stated that deaf dogs usually handle the shelter environment better than others. Social isolation is a major cause of stress for a social species (Coppola, Grandin, and Enns, 2005). The typical animal shelter confines dogs in kennels and provides limited or no opportunity for physical and social contact with other dogs or humans. Denying dogs contact with other dogs is known to result in behaviors such as withdrawal, inactivity, stereotypy, and barking (Wells, 2004). Aggression towards other dogs is also thought to be a result of social isolation (Mertens & Unshelm, 1996). Dogs in shelters are also stressed by the inability to control their environment. They are constantly presented with intensely interesting stimuli (other dogs, people, activity), and constantly prevented from exploring and interacting with these stimuli. Jean Donaldson, Director of the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers refers to this type of stress as “barrier frustration”. Faced with constant, daily psychological stress, it is not surprising that some shelter dogs will develop stress induced behavior problems.

Compulsive behaviors in dogs

Researchers now recognize that companion animals, like humans, may develop compulsive behavior disorders. A compulsive behavior is one that is performed out of context, exaggerated, and/or constantly repeated, and is thought to be an expression of stress, frustration, and/or conflict (Luescher, 2000). Dogs who display separation anxiety, excessive neediness, or dominance aggression often develop compulsive behaviors, as do zoo and other captive animals (Overall, 2002). In his article “Compulsive Behavior in Companion Animals”, A. Luescher (2000) describes the following examples of compulsive behaviors:

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Locomotion: Circling, tail chasing, pacing, jumping in place, freezing, dashing off, sudden agitation, skin ripple
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Oral: Chewing legs or feet, self licking, air or nose licking, flank sucking, scratching, chewing or licking objects
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Aggression: Self directed aggression, attacking inanimate objects, unpredictable aggression to people
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Vocalization: Rhythmic barking, persistent howling
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Hallucination: Avoiding imaginary objects, staring at shadows, startling

All of the behaviors listed in the anecdotal and survey response descriptions of “kennel crazy” behavior are included in Luescher’s examples. Both “kennel crazy” and compulsive disorders occur in confined animals faced with long-term stress and frustration. It seems reasonable then, to conclude that “kennel crazy” behavior is actually a compulsive behavior disorder brought on by the stress and frustration of a shelter environment. Veterinary researchers recognize that compulsive behavior disorders in companion animals are similar in their pathology to compulsive behavior disorders in humans. Recognition of this similarity has enabled veterinary researchers to develop both behavior modification and drug treatments for companion animals (Luescher, 2000). If we view “kennel crazy” as a compulsive behavior disorder, we can explore its prevention and treatment.

Predisposing factors

Breeds:

Certain breeds of dogs are more likely to develop a compulsive behavior disorder if the environment is conducive to it. German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, English Bull Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, and large breed dogs in general are among those predisposed to compulsive disorders (Luescher, 2000). Herding, working, and guarding breeds also exhibit a higher incidence of compulsive behavior disorders (Overall, 2002). The higher incidence in working, herding, and guarding breeds is consistent with the survey responses and comments found on breed rescue sites. A Danish study (Lund, Agger, and Vestergaard, 1995) found Collies, Poodles, and Fox Terriers more likely to have problems related to anxiety, while Dachshunds and mixed breeds were least likely to have behavior problems.

Length of stay in the shelter:

The length of time in the shelter cannot be used to predict the onset of compulsive disorders. A study of dogs in a UK shelter found that there was no direct correlation between the length of time in the shelter and the onset of stereotypic, aggressive, or self-injurious behavior (Wells, Graham, and Hepper, 2002). This finding is consistent with the survey responses and anecdotal descriptions of “kennel crazy” behavior.

The following statistics are based on a study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania Behavior Clinic (Overall, 2002):

Gender:

The majority of the dogs (a 2:1 ratio) who developed compulsive behavior disorders were male (a study by Wright and Nesselrote in 1987 also concluded that young male dogs are more likely to exhibit behavior problems, especially problems involving aggression).

Age:

The average age for the onset of compulsive behavior disorders in dogs was 20.3 months.

Prior behavior issues:

74.8 percent of the dogs with compulsive behavior disorders had a prior history of behavior issues such as separation anxiety or attention seeking behavior. This is consistent with the survey responses that listed owned dogs (i.e., dogs surrendered to a shelter by their owners) as more likely to go “kennel crazy”. Behavior problems are one of the most common reasons owners surrender dogs to kennels, so it is likely that an owned dog had prior behavior issues.

Based on these findings, we might conclude that adolescent male dogs from working, guarding, or herding breeds, who were surrendered by their owners or have a known history of behavior problems, are more likely to succumb to compulsive behavior disorders while in the shelter environment.

Prevention and treatment

Quick adoption or placement in a foster home is the best way to prevent the onset of compulsive behavior, but in many rural, high volume, or no-kill shelters, a stay of weeks or months is unavoidable. If the stress and frustration of the shelter environment can trigger compulsive behavior disorder in at-risk dogs, then extra efforts to reduce stress and frustration for at-risk dogs might help to prevent the onset of the disorder. Social isolation is the greatest cause of stress for dogs in a shelter and has been proven to significantly raise cortisol levels in dogs. Daily human contact sessions of 45 minutes have been shown to reduce cortisol levels in dogs (Coppola, Grandin, and Enns, 2005). A study comparing the benefits of animate and inanimate environmental enrichment for shelter dogs found that “The provision of social contacts, both with other dogs and humans, is absolutely essential and should be considered the most important form of environmental enrichment for confined canids (Wells, 2004).” Housing dogs in groups and/or providing daily group play sessions has been shown to reduce stress related behaviors such as aggression and constant barking (Mertens and Unshelm, 1996). Barking noise, a known cause of stress in shelter dogs, is also reduced by group play and group housing (Coppola, Enns, and Grandin, 2006). Given the stress reducing benefits of social interaction, dogs that fit the criteria for a predisposition to compulsive behavior disorders should be “hot listed” by shelters as requiring additional and longer daily social interactions sessions, at least with humans and if possible with other dogs. Two of the shelters responding to my survey proactively monitor at-risk dogs and place them in training, play, and other enrichment programs.

Treatment for compulsive behavior disorders consists of environmental and behavior modification, and drug therapy (Luescher, 2000). Environmental modification consists of removing the sources of stress. Any dog displaying a compulsive behavior should immediately be moved into the same type of program used in prevention. Unfortunately, a shelter that does not have the resources for a prevention program is not likely to have the resources to remove the sources of environmental stress after the onset of a compulsive behavior disorder. Behavior modification involves initiating an alternative activity that is incompatible with the problem behavior. With constant supervision, a caring and dedicated dog owner may be able to successfully use behavior modification to control or eliminate a compulsive behavior. Few shelters have sufficient staff or volunteers to provide the supervision necessary for a behavior modification program.

Drug therapy for canine compulsive behavior disorders is similar to that used in humans and focuses on normalizing the serotonin and dopamine levels using clomipramine type drugs (e.g., Clomicalm and Novartis) (Luescher, 2000). To be successful, drug therapy should be combined with behavior and environmental modification.

Conclusions

Going “kennel crazy” is not an unavoidable fate for dogs stuck in shelters for prolonged periods. It is a compulsive behavior disorder brought on by the stress of confinement, noise, and social isolation, combined with a gender, age, and genetic predisposition. Social isolation is the greatest cause of stress for dogs in a shelter. Increased social interaction with humans and other dogs can significantly reduce stress. Where quick adoption or placement in a foster home is not possible, increased social interaction and environmental enrichment for at-risk dogs may prevent the onset of compulsive behavior disorders. The resources required for treatment of compulsive behavior disorders exceed those required for prevention, and are difficult to provide in a shelter environment. For many shelters, treatment for compulsive behavior disorders may not be feasible, leaving euthanasia as their only option when prevention is not available or fails. Prevention is therefore the best means of reducing the number of dogs euthanized for compulsive behavior disorders. Some shelters have established successful prevention programs of social and environmental enrichment. These shelters should be studied to quantify the benefits of their prevention programs and to understand how they were able to fund, implement, and maintain their programs. A model program could then be developed and promoted to other shelters. Successful shelters could also work with other shelters to help them implement their own prevention programs. Once implemented these programs may save the lives of some future big, goofy, lovable, high-energy dogs.

Appendix A

The following survey was sent to 24 Maryland animal shelters. Nine shelters responded. The responses are included in Appendix B.

Hello,

I am a volunteer at Kent County Humane Society in Kent County, Maryland, and a student in Canine Behavior Counseling at the American College of Applied Science. For a class research topic I am researching the behavior known to shelter workers as “kennel crazy”. The goal of my research is to better understand and possibly predict and/or prevent the “kennel crazy” syndrome.

Please, could you take a few moments to answer the following survey about “kennel crazy” behavior and return it in the envelope provided? If you have any added comments, please write them on the back of this page. Thank you in advance for your time and effort.

Sincerely,
Shawn Mathiesen

1.

How many times have you seen a dog go “kennel crazy”?

__ never If at least once, please answer the remaining questions.
__ once or twice
__ 3 to 10 times
__ too many times to count

2.

How would you describe “kennel crazy” behavior?

3.

How long were the dogs in the shelter before the behavior started?
__ less than a week
__ a week to a month
__ 1 to 2 months
__ 3 to 6 months
__ more than 6 months
__ varies – no typical pattern

4.

Have you noticed any commonalities in the breed, size, disposition, background, or other characteristics of dogs that exhibited this behavior?

5.

How do you handle “kennel crazy” dogs and what usually happens to them?

Appendix B

Compilation of Survey Responses

Shelter name and description

How many instances?

Description of behavior?

How long in the shelter?

Commonalities?

How do you handle it?

Hartford Co. MD Humane Society - small rural shelter

3 to 10

Pronounced agitation towards routine, aggression and agitation towards kennel mate, dogs in other kennels, staff, and visitors.

varies

More likely in high energy, very driven dogs

To prevent, all dogs are monitored. Each staffer has a project pet. These are often the dogs more likely to head in this direction if allowed. We also have an enrichment team. Dogs are put on training and/or play programs, given interactive toys, allowed to dig in our digging pool, follow scents, etc.

Frederick Co. MD Animal Control - medium rural shelter

3 to 10 (over 3 years)

Pacing, chewing on self, spinning, anxious (all above and beyond normal kennel stress)

4 months

More frequently German Shepherds, working breeds, and previously owned dogs.

If foster or rescue unavailable, euthanized.

Queen Annes Co. MD Animal Control - small rural/suburban shelter

too many to count

Glazed over or red eyes, excessive jumping, barking constantly, can become aggressive.

varies

No - can happen to any breed.

Try to place in foster home or euthanize.

Washington D.C. Humane Society - large urban shelter

too many to count

Anxiety, frustration, obsessive compulsive disorder, lack of self control

varies

Have observed in most every breed. Aloof breeds and deaf dogs handle shelter stay better.

Some sent to foster/rescue. Some make improvement with training and wellness programs.

Charles Co. MD Humane Society - small rural shelter

3 to 10

Constant pacing, digging on concrete to get out, bouncing from wall to wall, territorial aggression, chewing/biting tail.

varies

No

Give more attention, extra walks, time in the office area with employees, or find foster home. If not successful, euthanize.

Howard Co. MD Animal Control - small suburban shelter

3 to 10

Extremely agitated and excited, cage fight with other dogs, try to bolt from their kennel. May bite at the leash and lunge at people when they try to put them back in their pen.

1 to 2 months or longer

Tends to occur more in high energy, intelligent dogs that crave olts of activity and interaction.

Try to prevent by (a) adopting out in timely fashion and evaluating before putting in adoption kennel (b) exercised in a large outdoor area and walked as much as possible by volunteers (c) Provide enrichment beds, toys, treats (d) Adopt out unusually long stay dogs to rescue groups. If prevention fails, then euthanasia.

Carroll Co. MD Humane Society - small rural shelter

seldom see due to short stay in kennel before adoption (rarely stay more than a month or two)

Obsessive circling in kennel, appears hyperactive, may bark constantly, easily over stimulated, possessive of kennel area.

3 to 6 months

The more active the dog/breed the sooner they succumb.

Believe it is more humane to euthanize unadoptable dogs than to warehouse them for more than a month or two.

Anne Arundel Co. MD Animal Control - large urban/suburban shelter

3 to 10 times per month

Personality changes to anxious, aggressive, possessive, protective of staff, unpredictable, pacing in kennel run.

varies

More typical to owned animals otherwise no.

Euthanize.

Kent Co. MD Humane Society - small rural shelter

1 or 2 times a year

Bouncing off kennel walls, aggressive, uncontrollable.

6 weeks or more

More common in hyperactive dogs/breeds and working dogs. More common in dogs that have never had training.

Euthanize.

References

Beerda, Bonne, Matthijs, B. H. (1997), “Manifestations of chronic and acute stress in dogs”, Applied Animal Behavior Science, Volume 52, Issues 3-4, Pages 307-319.

Beerda, Bonne, Matthijs, B. H. (1999), “Chronic Stress in Dogs Subjected to Social and Spatial Restriction – Hormonal and Immunological Responses”, Physiology and Behavior, Volume 66, Issue 2, Pages 233-242.

Beerda, Bonne, Matthijs, B. H. (1998), “Chronic Stress in Dogs Subjected to Social and Spatial Restriction – Behavioral Responses”, Physiology and Behavior, Volume 66, Issue 2, Pages 243-254.

Coppola, Crista L., Grandin, Temple, Enns, R. Mark (2006). “Noise in the Animal Shelter Environment: Building Design and the Effects of Daily Noise Exposure”, Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, Volume 9(l), 1-7.

Coppola, Crista L., Grandin, Temple, Enns, R. Mark (2006). “Human interaction and cortisol: Can human contact reduce stress for shelter dogs?”, Psychology and Behavior, Volume 87: 537-541.

Leuscher, A. (2000), “Compulsive Behavior in Companion Animals”, Recent Advances in Companion Animal Behavior Problems, Houpt K. A. (Ed.)

Lund, Jorgen Damkjer, Agger, Jens Frederik, and Vestergaard, Klaus S., (1996). “Reported Behavior Problems in Pet Dogs in Denmark: Age Distribution and Influence of Breed and Gender”, Preventative Veterinary Medicine, Volume 28, Pages 33-48.

Mertens, Petra A., Unshelm, J. (1996). “Effects of group and individual housing on the behavior of kennelled dogs in animal shelters”, Anthrozoos, Vol 9(1), pp. 40-51.

Overall, K. L., Dunham, A. E. (2002), “Clinical features and outcome in dogs and cats with obsessive-compulsive disorder: 126 cases (1989-2000)”, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2002; 221(10): 1445-52.

Roberts, Sheila et al, (2006). “Stress and Distress: A Discussion by the Refinement and Enrichment Forum”, Animal Technology and Welfare, Volume 5 (2), Pages 99-102.

Sales G., Hubrecht R., et al (1997). “Noise in dog kenneling: is barking a welfare problem for dogs”, Applied Animal Behavior Science, Vol. 52 (3/4) p. 321-329.

Wells, Deborah L. (2004). “Review of environmental enrichment for kennelled dogs, Canis familiaris”, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Volume 85, Issues 3-4, 25, Pages 307-317.

Wells, Deborah L., Graham, L., and Pepper, P. G., (2002). “The Influence of Length of Time in a Rescue Shelter on the Behavior of Kenneled Dogs”, Animal Welfare, Volume 11, Pages 317-325.

Wright, John C., and Nesselrote, Marc S., (1987). “Classification if Behavior Problems in Dogs: Distributions of Age, Breed, Sex and Reproductive Status”, Applied Animal Behavior Science, Volume 19, Pages 169-178.

Web Sources:

http://www.bestfriends.org/archives/forums/healthcare.html

http://www.ulv.edu/ctimes/010316/ivhs.htm

http://www.goodlifemag.com/archives/08-01/08-06_dogs.htm

http://www.mokanbcrescue.org

www.greatlakesbcrescue.org

http://www.crean.com/dominoe/rescue.html

If you would like to contribute towards my efforts on behalf of animals please do so below.

No Last Rites: No Priest, Pastor, Mullah, Rabii or Pundit for these Unfortunate Ones

2007-09-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

Blessings for some dogs but none for those locked up at the Johnson City Animal Shelter.

"St. John's Episcopal Church will be holding a Celebration and a Blessing event for the lucky dogs with their owners during October, 2007. Dogs at the Johnson City Animal Shelter will not be receiving such blessings by any church or religious organization."

~~~

A slow, painful death awaits those whose destiny has brought them in contact with the heartless, demonic resurrected ones of bygone eras.

Death by exposure to a toxic gas is the method of extermination used by many municipal pounds. Before this event occurs it is also perfectly acceptable to leave cats and dogs for hours in sub-zero or searing hot temperatures, in metal animal control trucks.

Dying by a lethal gas like Carbon Monoxide or a lethal injection of Phenobarbitol is not painless. Phenobarbitol, and even the anesthesia supported death of Sodium Pentothal, Pancuronium Bromide and Potasium Chloride (given to death row inmates) is not pain-free as many Kill animal advocacy groups would have us believe.

The department of Agriculture, in North Carolina, [possibly in other States too] supports the highly painful and barbaric method of death by Carbon Monoxide.

No last rites, no loving goodbyes, for the innocent here. And the creators of this nightmare; the breeders, both commercial and individuals, continue to propagate their retarded greed and sentimental stupidity while the law makers continue to let it happen.

The theologian, Albert Schweitzer observed that the degeneracy of Western culture was a consequence of having little reverence for life. All life. A profound philosophical, humbling, and spiritual understanding can be summed up in his words: "An immediate and comprehensive fact about consciousness is I am life that wants to live, in the midst of life that wants to live." Such profound realizations can have a sobering effect on the propagandists and purveyors of the Kill form of animal control. But who reads Albert Schweitzer? or Saint Francis of Assisi ?or the Ahimsa of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi?

There are some priests in Johnson City, TN. who bless animals. But only the animals who are free and whose owners bring them to the dog park for leash free enjoyment and entertainment. Not one will wipe the tears of the prisoners, these cat and dog families behind cages at the Johnson City Kill Center. (Its obscene to call it a shelter) And the public, you and I, cannot go in and hold these poor souls in our arms, we cannot remove them from their cages for a last hug from the caring humans on earth. We have become slaves to PETA, to the Humane Society (more aptly called the Inhumane Society) to the fear mongers amongst us, who think that every stray animal is infected with transmissible deadly diseases, and to the Kill Shelters.

This is wrong, so very wrong. How can we let this go on people! What must we do? What can we do? How shall we do it? Remember the sins of commission and those of omission? We cannot be bystanders and watch this injustice occur every single day. We must stand up for truth. Let our stars shine with with the light of reverence for life.

PETA's FLAWED VIEWS ON NO-KILL SHELTERING

2007-09-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

As we all know, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) opposes No-Kill shelters. In 2005 PETA killed over 90% of animals it had brought in. 14,419 animals killed by PETA since 1998. But in their haste to solve the problem of canine and feline over-population, they are forgetting the admonition: "At first do no harm." Promoting the killing of innocent animals is not an ethical act. It is an act of sheer cowardice, a blatant disregard for life.

There are many concerned people working in Kill Centers who themselves believe that killing healthy animals is not the answer. See: USA Today's reader comments here .

Instead of recognizing the good work that the NO-KILL shelters are attempting to accomplish; albeit, yet not perfected at some shelters, PETA expects NO-KILL shelters to carry-on life-saving shelter work (which in fact should be a municipality's goal and responsibility) and in addition answer for the entire problem of cat and dog over-population.

No-Kill shelters do not kill animals by suffocating them in make-shift gas chambers of vehicular exhaust fumes, they do not shoot animals or inject them with toxic substances in the heart while the animal is wide-awake and alive, the kill-pounds do. The fact that a No-Kill shelter is at times full and is unable to accept animals right the very second some unhappy owner brings them in, isn't reason enough to write-off the entire initiative; The fact that NO-KILL shelters are able to take in even a few KILL-SHELTER animals should be applauded, emulated and assisted, not criticised.

An ignorant and irresponsible human population should be made to pay for the damage and pain they are causing the KILL-SHELTER animals. the people who care about them and those who care for them. City and county municipalities should be held responsible for catering to the interests of the breeders, and other special interest groups, for not adequately educating all residents on Spay and Neuter programs and for the number of animals killed in their cities and counties.

Why can't we think of the dog and cat overpopulation as an epidemic ripe for a MANDATED STERLIZATION program? For say a three year time period? The Chinese and other nations have done it to control human population, so why not for American animals?

PETA's sterilization truck is a drop in the bucket and it ai'nt coming here to Johnson City, TN.! As a matter of fact, there is not a single bill-board proclaiming the critical need for animal sterilization in the entire county and city. One would expect that animal killings in such high numbers as claimed by PETA and the Humane Society would by now have inspired "Spay and Neuter or Get Taxed" bill-boards in the thousands!

In order to overcome this gargantuan problem, the entire country needs to be involved, even at a Federal level. States must impose a tax. The cat and dog spay, neuter and housing tax. Persons adopting shelter cats and dogs should be given federal tax credits and/or deductions. Persons starting and maintaining Enhanced No-Kill Shelters should be given discounts and incentives by the city or county and local merchants.

Many No-Kill shelters are adding to, and further refining the concept of NO-KILL by enhancing or converting their programs to the," NO-KILL, CAGE - FREE, OPEN ADMISSION, SPAY & NEUTER" shelter model. This work needs to be augmented by high level spay and neuter programs instituted by the appropriate Federal and State authorities.

Without a State's commitment to high intensity spay and neuter programs (as is the case with Tennessee) the murdering of innocent animals will continue because these lives of imprisoned animals to do not matter and those who are causing the problem in the first place will continue to breed it.

Concerned individuals spending their own money to obtain PETA brochures, paying for general spaying and neutering, and transporting animals to be sterilized (per PETA's solution to the problem), amounts to placing the burden on the conscious few, for the sins of an indifferent many.

IF this overpopulation is as great as is said, then PETA level prophylactics are a mere drop in the bucket. A unifying comprehensive nationwide birth-control strategy should be considered and implemented quickly by policy makers in order to stop the carnage taking place at shelters around the country.

Note

Small and sustainable, ENHANCED NO-KILL SHELTERS, in a family like setting and adoption/re-homing outreach should be encouraged and supported. The country needs many, many such shelters of this type, not less!

BOW WOW INDIA

2007-09-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

God Bless India

The first city in the world to be no-kill was Mumbai, India. The Indian government announced in 1998 the goal of the whole country to become no-kill[12]

Learn more about the No-Kill World Wide Movement here.

And I’m proud to be an Indian Animal,
where at least here I know I’m free.
And I won't forget my family who die in the USA daily,
if we could, you know, we would bring them home today.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend and defend you still today.
Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless holy India everyday.

From the lakes of Kashmir,
to the hills of Tirupati,
Across the plains of Madhya,
From the Himalayas to shining Ocean, free.

From compassionate Mumbai down to the churches of Bangalore,
and Gujarat to Madras.
Well there's pride in every Indian heart,
and its time we stand and say..

That I’m proud to be an Indian,
where at least I know animals are free,
And I won't forget the many who die in American shelters, daily,
Their silent desperation, cries out in my sleep.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
'Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA.

And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the many animals who are imprisoned here,
dying daily for and because of me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and pray,
the NO-KILL ANIMAL SHELTER MOVEMENT,
take roots in the hearts of every American today!
'cause there ain't no doubt I love the cats & dogs, all animals of this great land,

God Bless the USA

In undying memory of Moti, a wonderful, loving, playful feral dog, a victim of the kill mentality of animal control

LITTLE MANX KILLED VERY SOON AFTER THEY GOT HIM IN

2007-09-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

This morning, the Optimist Killer at the Johnson City Animal Shelter, executed another innocent member of the feline community. Another very small member of the Felis silvestris catus group of earth residents met his death today the moment he was brought in.

He was a black tail-less kitten. A ferel kitten. A Manx. No more than 6 weeks old. A woman, another rude and anti-community staff member (this shelter has quite a few) did not seem to think a ferel kitten's life is worth much, in comparison to the "other" nice cats that they have available for adoption.

Down here, the community is forbidden to ask any questions, or express an opinion regarding the "quick killings." Fear tactics are being employed by everyone around here, from the shelter staff, animal control men and the local newspapers who refuse to print the truth about this shelter.

This little life, residents of Johnson City, TN. was not even given the obligatory one day of life! Forget about the 3 days which some caged animals sometimes grudgingly receive.

Tri-Cities residents, of all faiths and persuasions, this is a great evil that has taken root in the mentality and philosophy of the city rule makers and their supporters, which by the way, include members of the Humane Society. A citizen led, radical policy change, even a regime change is needed at this shelter.

There is a Gestapo - like attitude here. The community is being excluded from being active participants in the welfare of the animals. People are being scared into remaining quiet.

What more are they hiding? IF, there is nothing to hide, then let there be an official, daily log of EVERY animal that is brought in. The community wants to see a dated and timed log of arrivals, deaths and adoptions.

Call the City Manager, write or e-mail him. Call the shelter and express your outrage and distaste for this Kill form of animal control. There is a better way. Its the 6 step method of the No-Kill model.

Accuser, Witness, Judge and Jury

2007-09-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

The accused are Voiceless

They have no Advocate.

Most of them weigh less than 10 lbs.

These are the victims of a Mad Machine

This Mad Machine is fueled by Ignorant and Apathetic Minds

Who will stand up for the Defenseless?

To know the Truth one must have Eyes to see, and a Heart to Feel

And Ears to hear the Cries of the Innocent at Death's Door

Rise up people of Tri-Cities and Make

Every Suffering Animal caged up at this Concentration Camp

YOUR OWN

ADOPT A JOHNSON CITY ANIMAL SHELTER PET TODAY

&

IMAGINE A NO-KILL SHELTER FOR TOMORROW

The Park and the Gas Chamber

2007-09-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, on a little hillock, nestled between human recreational centers was a gas chamber. But this was no ordinary gas chamber, instead of the usual death by agonizing carbon monoxide gas, living, breathing creatures were obliterated with a lethal injection of toxic substances.

The dogs and cats here, just slipped into the "other dimension." The actual "killing" was never allowed to be seen by the cameras of reporters.

Now you see, the raccoons and the skunks, who carried a deadly virus and were responsible for infecting humans, were clever. They knew that humans could not be trusted. They were also unfriendly to humans as the cats were friendly. The raccoons never showed themselves in public thus escaping persecution. The cats believed in humans and protected them from vermin. Since the cats ate a varied diet from a smorgosboard of at-least 1000 wild animals and insects they were incapable of destroying any one type of wildlife. Their life span was limited to around 3 years in the wild. Humans loved their companionship and many bred them carelessly or just let them mate freely.

Some humans who were very fond of vanity and appearances, not liking an occasional cat's reverie on their "private property," either strangled them or turned in others to the official henchman.

Children visiting the animal shelter, queried their parents as to why the poor animals were caged up. "Some other nice person will take them home, Annie." The visitors passed from cage to cage and left empty handed.

The murder weapon was a tiny needle. The Optimist henchman with 30 acres of land smiled and the last syringe was pushed under the rug.

Friends, people have rights, animals don't, thats the bottom line.

Residents of Johnson City Tennessee

2007-09-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

Dear People of Johnson City, Tennessee

While many cities around the country are adopting the No-Kill animal shelter model, a grave injustice is being perpetrated right under our noses. Scores of perfectly healthy dogs and cats, are imprisoned and then killed within 1 to 3 days of arrival at 525 Sells Avenue Johnson City Animal Shelter.

We are being told that there is a cat over-population and that there are 45 cats to every human but we know that the average life span of cats is barely 10 -15 years while that of humans is 72 years.

Very few animals are being adopted at this shelter despite good intentions. The majority are killed. This type of killing must not be called euthanasia. This article is not disparaging of the people who work at the center. It is an indictment of the underlaying philosophy of this high-kill rate center.

During my visits to the shelter I see young healthy mother cats with doleful, beseeching eyes nursing their kittens, robust large cats barely able to move in small cages, youthful cats, shy little kittens and entire families of cats and dogs begging to be freed. Some kittens, oblivious to their impending death play naughtily with dangling toys. Across from the killing-fields, is a picnic area. People are playing ball, laughing and enjoying each other while lethal injections, justified as euthanasia are given a few yards away.

I imagine the animal shelter transformed into a place of joy and life. Staff members smile and converse with visitors, cats and dogs bask in the sun. A sign blazes, “Proud to be a No-Kill Shelter as decreed by the great people of Johnson City.” I thought to myself that a society is judged by their attitudes towards the old, the poor and the least. Animals trust in us, just like most of us trust in God. To betray such trust hardens people and kills compassion.

But whose fault is it? A board member of the Humane Society, who is also the editor of a neighborhood newspaper, told me just this morning that the problem lies with the (a) mentality of the local people who will just not spay or neuter their pets. The Humane Society will even pay for this service, all the owner has to do is ask. (b) owner’s who turn their own pets in ©) over population and too many animals coming in/being called in for impounding. (d) irresponsible breeders.

By the way, she refused to publish this same" letter to the editor" and told me that I should not be writing about things I know nothing about and that the letter was too negative and that the folks at the shelter do great work.

No doubt the people working at the shelter are excellent, good and compassionate human beings, doing worthy work in getting some of the animals adopted. The real problem is the Kill philosophy of the shelter itself. The rationale for transgressing the universal principal of the sacredness of life; an innocent animal's life, is simply the lack of space and cages! Death must be meted out to one to make the cage available to another.

Jesus tells us that we must be shining lights in the darkness. We must shine the light into the practices of Kill - Shelters. We must ask for transparency and an accounting of how many animals are being killed, how many are coming in, from where and from whom and how many are getting adopted.

Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

I asked further if the Humane Society would be willing to share the actual numbers on how many animals are being brought in, how many adopted, how many killed at this shelter. She said that was not possible, since the Humane Society is a private organization and that I should ask the shelter. But the shelter will also not release these numbers. So, we the public are left to merely believe, speculate and not actually know the truth.

This Johnson City Animal shelter on their website says that they are Not the Humane Society and that they are also not a Government organization. So who are they? They say it’s a joint venture between the City of Johnson City and them..but who are these "them"? The lady from the Humane Society says that they are city employees. But why does the Johnson City Animal Shelter’s website not say so?

Citizens of Johnson City, be witnesses to the truth and enliven Christ’s words by reforming this high-kill shelter into a life saving No-Kill shelter. The virtues of non-violence, patience, tolerance and love are made real by such initiatives.

This board member, (above) of the Humane Society tells me that a No Kill will never happen in Johnson City, but I say that the Humane Society is not bigger than the will of the people of this city and county. Her argument against promoting a No-Kill shelter is: "Where do the new animals coming in go, when the shelter is full." and " Where will the animals go, if building a larger shelter is considered." Good questions but so childish and rudimentary. Build a new shelter first--rudimentary dear Watson!

As far as educating the citizenry, bill-boards promoting Spay and Neuter programs could be placed in strategic locations. The Humane Society and the city itself could contribute towards that, as would many individuals and corporations, if the idea were presented to them in the right manner. High level barriers to entry into the business of breeding could be imposed by the city and county by requiring $10,000 or more for breeding licences. Existing breeders would have to renew their licences at higher costs. Veterinarians could be encouraged to not charge such high fees for their services and scalping level markups on medications.

Much more could be done to educate and demonstrate the benefits of Spay and Neuter Programs. Pictures of dead dogs and cats should be taken and made public, so that people can see the consequences of their irresponsibility just like the pictures of aborted fetuses. We should demand that our reporters be allowed to take pictures.

Church congregations and Pastors can raise awareness of this issue.

E.T.S.U students could start a group promoting a No Kill Shelter. Volunteering, fund raising or marketing for such a shelter could count as a course credit.

A No-Kill Shelter is imminent in Johnson City. I believe it will happen. It is only a matter of time and awareness. Will you be the 100th monkey?

Despite what critics allege, the No-Kill Shelter model works. There is a real blue print to achieving No-Kill success. It is the 6 step program as follows: (I). Feral Cat Trap, Neuter and Return Program (II). High-Volume, Low-Cost Spay/Neuter (III) Rescue Groups (IV.) Foster Care (V). Comprehensive Adoption Programs (VI.) Pet Retention (VII). Medical and Behavior Rehabilitation (VIII). Public Relations/Community Involvement (IX). Volunteers (X.) A Compassionate Director.

San -Francisco has proven it, and so have other progressive shelters around the country. Why not us? Therefore, let us all work together to make Johnson City a compassionate and caring city for all its earthly residents.

“This year, roughly five million dogs and cats—and countless other animals—will be put to death in our nation’s animal shelter. Their only “crime” is that they have no human address. Others may be sick or injured, but they could be saved with little effort. Unfortunately, they, too, will be killed. And still others are feral cats who should never enter shelters in the first place.”
The No-Kill Advocacy Center.

UPDATE
09/21/07

The JC Shelter states their goal as follows:

"It protects the rights of people against the dangers and nuisances of uncontrolled animals and protects animals from mistreatment and abuse from people."

This may be a laudable goal, but we say that very few of the animals being killed at the center are "uncontrollable." See for yourselves. Not all animals turned or collected into this high-kill center are people-abused animals. The fact remains that this is a High-Kill Shelter in need of immediate reform.

JOHNSON CITY TENNESSEE: CITIZENS DO YOU HAVE THE MORAL STRENGTH AND THE WILL TO MARCH TO CITY HALL AND DEMAND NO-KILL?

2007-09-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Johnson City, Tennessee residents,

Enlightened cities all over the country are voting for and creating NO-KILL animal shelters. Why not us? Dear friends this is a test of our moral faith and compassion.

The Johnson City Animal Shelter is killing innocent healthy dogs and cats by the scores every day. Just today, I was told by a very rude woman at the center that animals are killed every early morning. We, as citizens endowed with thinking, feeling and willing soul and spirit forces cannot and should not allow this barbaric and absolutely unreasonable practice to continue.

WE MUST ACTIVELY SEEK TO EUTHANIZE THIS SICK MENTALITY OF THE ANIMAL CONTROL AND JOHNSON CITY ANIMAL SHELTER.

My trip there today, was again a sorrowful event. People and children played across from the shelter, happy laughing, enjoying a sunny day in Johnson City while across the road, cats and dogs are howling and mewing pitiously for release from this concentration camp. Again, I saw a mother cat with doleful eyes looking at me, with three new born kittens suckling her. Large cats were begging to be let out. In some cages naughty kittens played, oblivious to death awaiting them at sunrise.

In Nazi Germany, German citizens went about their business while Jews were being starved and killing in concentration camps. Was not the same rationale used to justify the "final solution?"

Tomorrow when the sun rises, September 16, 2007, and you thank God for another day of life and living, of feeling the sunshine on your face and the green grass of Johnson City, just for a moment think of these animals being put to death.

People of Johnson City, TN. we share this planet with other beings. Cats and Dogs are loving animals. They trust in humans, even as we trust in God. Why are you allowing this to continue? Why are people not picketing outside of this Sells Road Auschwitz?

This is not a shelter run by the Humane Society nor is it a Government entity. Very few of the animals here are being adopted. Healthy animals in the prime of life are being slaughtered mercilessly so that the cage can be available for new cats coming in. Cats that are being actively captured by Animal Control?

My friends, these are the least of God's children. Help them. Support a petition to city hall, call the city manager, the mayor, and lets march on to City Hall for a worthy cause.

Open Letter to the Johnson City, Tennessee City Council

2007-09-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

Dear City Administrators/Council,

Our grass roots animal rights advocacy group is very concerned about the level of killing of cats and dogs occurring at the Johnson City Animal Shelter.

Perfectly healthy cats are being killed simply because an owner decides arbitrarily that they cannot "clean the cat's litter box anymore," and for other trivial issues. Owner- surrenders we are told are killed within a day others are given a paltry 3 days to be adopted or killed. Healthy cats and dogs who are trying to survive on their own as they would in the wild are being rounded up and shut into small cages and then killed. We at I OVER THERE ANIMAL ADVOCACY do not use the word "euthanise" because the definition for this word is very specific as follows:

Euthanasia: Also called mercy killing is the act of putting to death painlessly or allowing to die, as by withholding extreme medical measures, a person or animal suffering from an incurable, esp. a painful, disease or condition.

The reason Cats and Dogs are being confined and then killed are NOT critical enough to justify this level of cruelty and killing of animals.

Very few, if any of the cats, we saw at the shelter were sick. There were beautiful robust cats and there were mothers with kittens. I was told by a male worker that the only animals who are not killed are the ones who "show that they are happy and like humans." To demand this level of sociability from animals who have been made prisoners, living in small cages, and who certainly know that they are going to be killed is inane.

As tax-paying citizens of this great Nation and the State of Tennessee, we would like to suggest and advocate for a NO KILL SHELTER. If this is not viable, then captured Cats and Dogs should be spayed and neutered and released if not adopted.

Death ought not to be the QUICK-FIX solution.

This is what the Johnson City Animal Shelter says on their website:

"This shelter is a joint operation supporting the animal control needs of both Washington County and Johnson City. We are not actually a goverment organization or a humane society. Our main services include stray animal pick-up, warnings to those violating animal control and humane laws, adoption of animals and euthanasia of pets."

Our informal opinion poll shows that if the JC Shelter were to become a truly humane center, financial support and many volunteers would flow in. Why this option is not being seriously considered is the question.

The agenda, it seems is to destroy all animals, except the ones who have human owners, as if animals do not have the right to life in and of for their own selves. Picking up stray animals, without actual complaints of violent behavior is clearly cruelty to animals and should be made unlawful.

We would also like to know how many cats and dogs are being killed on a daily basis at this kill shelter. We would also like to know if it is possible for our group to know how many cats and dogs are being adopted and at what rate.

We would also like to know if animals can be removed from this shelter and taken to NO KILL shelters.

We understand the need for animal control under justifiable circumstances, but we sincerely feel, believe and know that this level of killing is in fact, "going too far."

Thank You,

Sincerely,

I Over There Animal Advocacy