Simply amazing you obviously got the rules so to say they are not available to the public is simply not true is it?

Yes, there is every reason to ask those questions. How many animals? They are preventing a potential hoarding situation. Are they fixed? Preventing backyard breeders. Vaccinated? It's the law that animals are licensed and vaccinated.

Pete, The rules are available only through an open records request to the former volunteers.
Marsi, it is NOT the law that animals are licensed. These are PROVEN rescues and volunteers who are being DECLINED, not hoarders.

Not true. Myself and 4 other potential adopters were NOT given a 10 minute time limit to view the animals up for adoption. There was no time limit. We looked at all the animals up for adoption, inside and outside. The cages were clean, a woman was walking the dogs as another cleaned out the cages. I had a few questions about a few of the dogs and when the woman didn't have the answer, she went to those in charge and came back with the answer. There are people who use to volunteer under the old regime but refuse to volunteer now because they want the current director and his wife ousted so things can go back to the way they used to be. No schedules, lack of enforcement of the animal control laws on the books, etc.

Fran, it seems there must be two sets of rules then. Former volunteers CONTINUE to go to the shelter to volunteer, must make appointments to be chaperoned and were told that they were only allowed ten minutes. This is on video if you'd care to see it. They refused to join the group headed by Smith's wife who they were told they MUST join but promote the shelter animals continuously. They will also continue to fight against the ridiculous tactics that SMITH is trying to use to force them out. These volunteers and rescues are the people responsible for the 16% euthanasia rate of 2012 and want nothing more than to see continued success. Smith should have welcomed that help. It takes MANY GROUPS and individual volunteers to accomplish what was seen last year in saving animals.

If for no other reason but liability, it's surprising that the Douglas Co. gov't is allowing a spouse to essentially be a full time employee.

The 10 minute "policy" was captured and recorded, so there is proof that it was being forced. However, the push back evidently caused county to back off, as it is now extended to an hour appointment. Still, this harms the animals because it limits their time out of kennels and limits our ability to seek loving homes or rescue for them.

how many after removing the non county residents, how bout the non US residents?

Pete, Non-county resident signatures are just as RELEVANT as county residents. The success last year of DCAC was due to a large network of rescues, adopters and volunteers from out of county and all over the country. Douglas County residents should NOT go back to the antiquated policies of agencies such as Douglas County Humane who would not even adopt to out-of-county residents during their administration and killed adoptable animals daily!

Lori I completely disagree with your desire for non county residents to decide weather a county employee or official keeps his job or not I would defiantly contribute to their legal fund when they decide to sue the heck out of the county for that!

Can anyone tell me why the animals euthanized under the prior regimes was never posted? I've live in DC for 17 years and up to now I have never seen information regarding animals that had be euthanized. What about the 16% that were euthanized before Mr. Smith took over? Why all of a sudden is this information being made public? Perhaps to incite? Also, it was printed on one of the animal advocate blogs that Ninna had bitten one of the workers. She was housed at DCAC from early November of 2012 until Feb. 27th of this year. Why didn't anyone adopt her?

Fran your statement is false. The animals euthanized at DCAC have always been posted on the facebook pages since they have been in existence. The 16% from last year were also posted .

Welcome to Douglasville, Diane. I hope you find living here a pleasant experience. Sounds like your CT shelter is what ours was working toward and what we're fighting to restore. You'd have been more than welcome with us yesterday. It was very gratifying that at least one person who walked over to see what was happening then picked up a sign and joined us, staying to the end. I hope to meet you next time -- 'cause I can assure you, this is NOT going to go away as long as the BOC, Eric Linton, Rick Smith and his wife turn a deaf ear to the needs of the homeless animals.

What shelter did you volunteer at Diane? I lived in CT for fourteen years and adopted a Collie from the Humane Society in Stamford. When I moved to Bridgeport I adopted a Snoodle from the local dog shelter and they had lost half their dog population to the Parvo virus. ( circa 1990's) Nice meeting a fellow neighbor from CT. I hope you enjoy DC.

Fran - I am the owner of the Boston Terrier you speak of...he was not killed only because I was able to bend the fence in half and get myself between the pit bulls and my baby. I made that gentleman mad when I went and stood up and said "I hated pit bulls" he found the owner that hurt my dog and began helping him. I testified last week against the owner of the dogs and tomorrow is the sentencing. This gentleman gave him the talking points to use against my dog, because he wasn't on a lease and my back yard is only 90% fenced they want to make it my fault. He is trying to say I didn't witness the attack, but if I would not have then yes my baby would be dead instead of sitting in my lap right now! In the meeting this gentleman asked me "if a black man raped a woman does this mean you would hate blacks?" Proving beyond a shadow of a doubt this man is an idiot!

I agree I don't have time or energy to fight what might happen, there are simply to many possibilities to count.
These former employees? shouldn't they be looking for a new job? since they resigned they should not be getting unemployment!

The numbers haven't risen yet for several reasons. 1. The February statistics have not been compiled. 2. The former volunteers have worked incredibly hard continuing to promote the animals, rescue the animals and adopt the animals that they had already invested much time and money into. Those February numbers will not be bad, but with the space limitations Smith has already put into place, March will begin to tell the story. Douglas Animal Lovers REFUSE to see a HIGH KILL rate that this will soon bring. There are no axes to grind, only volunteers who've seen what can be accomplished going down the tubes in a hurry. The ex-employees already HAVE new jobs and their new employers were very lucky to get them! The Dangerous Dog Act was tabled by Smith when word got out of his intentions, but that will also be detrimental to ALL animal lovers in Douglas when he decides to put it back on the table.

Elizabeth, do a search on "animal attacks in Douglas County, GA." Human beings including women and children as well as docile family pets have been injured or killed in some instances. The rescue group ( For the Forlorn Pittbull" is playing judge and jury and choosing to side with the man whose two pit bulls are being accused of killing the neighbors Boston Terrier by pulling it into their backyard through the fence dividing the two properties. I also have an on going issue with a person who lives in our cul-de-sac who has allowed their dogs to roam as a matter of course. Do to the lack of enforcement of the laws from by those in charge prior to Mr. Smith being hired, the situation has never been resolved and we are not safe to walk our dogs on our own property.

Sounds perfectly reasonable to me! Hey I got an idea lets protest the next war who cares if it hasn't even started yet!

Sounds like a plan to me!! Becasue I have soooo much time on my hands that's what I want to do!

Elizabeth, I'm so sorry you had to go through that traumatic experience. I am glad that your dog survived. I have heard of three such attacks on family owned pets while in their backyards. In the last blog about this topic, because I was unwilling to be one of the sheep that blindly listens and assumes it is the truth, I was asked by one of the "dedicated core of volunteers" if I were you. She quoted the leader of Friend of the Forlorn Pittbulls verbatim from his blog. After that because I am a person of reason and sees there are two sides to every story, was called "a set up" and another member of the "core of dedicated volunteers" said "it seems that way."

The point is not that complicated: as I stated to Tom Worthan, who claimed no knowledge of Rick Smith's history at recent meeting in Winston fire station, a good indicator of what someone will do is what they have already done. That applies to anyone seeking a job. Fact is, I want to know what county contracted for him to do and I have an open records request to that end. I believe the county ultimately hired him to raise revenues via increased number of citations, increased level of citations, and increased number of road officers to enforce this practice. I have repeatedly heard them cry about property values being down and lost revenues. Time will tell.

At the Animal board meeting Mr. Smith asked the board how they wanted it handled, if they wanted to call a special meeting when this subject arose or how did they want it handled. The chairman of the board said the they were willing to let Mr Smith make the determination, because they did not have time to call a special meeting everytime this came up. This was placed on Mr. Smith, not sought out by him. I hope it's not a dead issue...I will be at every meeting that it comes up. I will be the voice of the little dog next door that got mauled to death by dangerous dogs I will give voice to mine who went through hell because an owner couldn't keep his dog properly...I will give voice to the poodle that I just recently heard about that got killed because a owner didn't lease his dogs...and the list goes on!

Gee Lori dont single judges decide weather dangerous people live or die every day? why not dogs?
I see no problem with one person deciding based on the facts weather a dangerous dog or cat lives or dies. Maybe it should be you? maybe we should just have animal control just let'em loose in your house and give you a gun and you could then decide? would that work for ya? Obviously I'm just kidding but what do you propose a death squad or panel that would make the decision seems like a total waste of tax payer money to me let it be decided by an expert like mr Smith!

Gee Pete, if that works for you, great. I do believe, however, that it's usually decided by a JURY if someone is guilty. I believe an already-established board, at no additional taxpayer dollars (NON-PAID Animal Advisory Board), would be a much better choice. I'm not willing to rely on Smith being an "expert" if my pet was involved.

Lori You obviously need to learn the difference between Guilty and sentencing! a jury decides guilt a judge then sentences.
THE BOARD TOLD HIM TO HANDLE IT!

How does a Director of Animal control have the ability to change a state law? Isn't that under the jurisdiction of the state lawmakers to amend laws that are already on the books?

Under Georgia law, dogs are considered property. So declaring a dog dangerous must go through an evaluation process by a panel. Just like eminent domain and other laws that require action to your property. Not so long ago, the laws here did not reflect state law and were basically unenforceable. Anything other than current law would be unconstitutional and without due process.

I wrote to channel 2 this morning telling them of the man they interviewed and his history...maybe they should look into their choices better...

Elizabeth, I'm sure you are very upset with the loss of your dog, but trying to hurt a rescue group only harms more animals. The man you speak of helped your neighbor take care of his situation which also helped your situation.

Lori you are not reading the post. My boston is alive thanks to my own efforts. Did this gentleman really help? NO...this dogs still rush the fence when I walk outside onto my own porch...there are still at least four holes in the fence. The one dog can climb the fence...how do I know...he was in the neighbors yard two weeks ago threatening thier dog...I chased him off with a steel pole...Do I feel threaten my these dogs...Yes I do. They have already killed one of the neighbors dogs two years ago, they tore mine up and cost me a lot of money. So your "gentleman" friend has one sited agenda...to help pitbulls not other breds..so who is the inhuman one? As long as it is a pitbull it has a right to attack, bully or threaten the neighbors and their rights supercede the rights of all other dog owners...that's what I am angry about! Not all pitbulls are bad...but this law provides safety to those that are attacked by those that are bad!

The Director does not make the law , you are correct but he is sure trying to put forth resolutions that would change the existing state law . Perhaps you should review the changes he is putting forth before making an absolute statement.

It is important that someone charged with animal abuse get the harshest sentence possible. It is also important that the animals entrusted to the care of Animal Control be given every chance to find a home or rescue. Of course, if your main or only concern is the enforcement side of animal control then that issue becomes a very low or non existent priority.

Hi Fran, Thanks for the good wishes .I lived in CT all my life, so I'm going through the adjustment and homesickness right now, don't know a soul here yet. It's pretty here though. I volunteered at the Milford CT shelter in the 90s. My friend adopted a dog from the Bridgeport shelter back then, and he had parvo -- was treated and survived, thankfully.

Yes we can see yours loud and clear

Excuse me "ohno" I adopted two dogs for DCAC. Every year I get them all their shots not just what is required by law. They are taken to the groomer, the vet when they are ill, given flea and tick protection and fed Blue Buffalo food at $53.00 per bag. Times that by the average life span. I had a dog that lived to be nineteen. Can you folks stop taking credit and give credit to those of us who adopt dogs and devote not just a few hours a week but a lifetime of care for those animals. Stop taking credit for the 16% euthanasia rate. I'm tired hearing the complaints made by "a core group of devoted volunteers." If you no longer want to volunteer because you can't walk in and out of a county building without making an appointment first that your prerogative. Oh, if you are only given 10 minutes of staff members time, how are you able to post videos of the dogs out of their cages for your blog when you said you were prohibited to do so. You lost me when I found a lot of info being passed around was false and just printed to incite the wrath from other dog lovers towards the new director and his wife.

Fran, I'm thankful that you adopted two dogs. Where do you think all the dogs go that we rescue before they're killed? ...adopters... Two dogs is wonderful, but what about the other THOUSANDS. In 2008, in West Georgia, over 14,000 animals were euthanized. These figures include Douglas County and can be seen here: http://westgeorgiaspayneuter.com/whats_new_1.html

Two dogs is wonderful, but what about the other 2,000? THOSE are who these volunteers are serving. How can anyone accuse them of doing it for an "agenda" or for themselves? What a shame for these animals...

Amen.

Every business who goes through management change always has the loss of employees, that's the way of life. As for fighting what could be maybe...just maybe Mr. Smith will handle the shelter is a professional and great way. Growing pains are always tough, but until numbers rise...you are wasting a lot of peoples time!

Elizabeth -- an immediate voluntary resignation of what is technically "middle management" in this case -- and 100% of middle management -- is NOT common with change in leadership. If it's a waste of time, why are you commenting here?

you mean the total of two "middle" management, one whose contract was up and was not renewed?

They both resigned on their own accord, period end of story. They did not want to be a part of what was going on at the shelter after both have had long histories of employment at animal control facilities.

They weren't kicked out.

More lies. Volunteers weren't kicked out. They chose to no longer participate because a new Director was hired and his wife is in charge of the volunteers. ( for which is an nonsalaried position) The first attack was when they said in his 29 years of employment in Missouri, "he" killed over 70,000 total, then it was broken down to where he killed 200 per week. False! After going in and personally talking to both Rick Smith and his wife Cynthia I found out that his first job there was cleaning out cages. He wasn't in a position to decide which animals got euthanized until many years later. Missouri also has a tremendous amount of puppy mills that have to be dealt with also. Yet, in an effort strictly to incite the public they posted this erroneous information. Even though I love animals, including those that suffer at the hands of man simply out of greed, I will not support a group that resorts to lies to get people to turn against a person. You lose all credibility by doing that and gain absolutely nothing.

Fran, what WERE his numbers in Missouri? How many dogs got adopted or rescued out of his facility? The group you claim to be liars have actual documents provided by the government where he ran the shelter. I guess his employer is lying too?

Fran, in case you miss the response below by Tammy Pyrdum, here are the FACTS when Smith WAS responsible for the euthanasia. There are no lies here. The volunteer program was also being run by Mrs. Smith there.

"70,000 /29=2413.79 average a year, 2413.79/12 =201.149 a month.
So an average of 201.14 animals a month. This is over a 29 year period.

Now look at the numbers from 2008 through 2012 when he was the manager at St. Joesph Mo shelter. Animals Reclaimed 2706, Animals Adopted 3490, Animals Rescued 144, Animals Euthanized 9658. These are stats provided by the St Joesph Mo shelter after an open records request were filed. The percentages are as follows: 15.8% Reclaimed, 20.41% Adopted, 6.44% DOA,.843 % Rescued and 56.48% Euthanized. The stats no not lie. Over a five year period almost 57% of the animals at the St. Joesph Mo shelter were euthanized. Only 144 were rescued in five years. That is very sad for the animals. And this is with a private group running the VOLUNTEER program at his shelter there in St. Joe Mo.

The numbers don't lie. This was his record and if he was truly concerned about the welfare and placement of animals there is no way more that more than half the animals would have been euthanized."

You said that the volunteers that were doing good are gone...but it's because of volunteers that the animals are getting resuced? Which is it...they are tood ones that are gone or are new ones replacing them and getting the job done too...what does it matter how they are adopted? As long as they find their forever home?

Elizabeth, Exactly the point! It doesn't matter how they are adopted, as long as they ARE saved. The "old" volunteers who were so effective in saving the animals are NOT gone, but SMITH is making every effort to "force them out." They have been told they MUST join his WIFE's "new" volunteer group or no longer volunteer. These "old" volunteers knew what it took to save the animals and had the resources to do it and DID IT and are still trying. It takes MANY GROUPS to save animals and those that have been doing it should not be pushed away. If you have a good group already there, WHY try to run them off? A smart director would acknowledge this and try to add all resources he can. In other words, EVERYONE should be welcome because it takes a lot of people working TOGETHER to succeed!

"ohno" who are you to ask Elizabeth "why are you commenting here?" You a person who hides behind a phoney made up name. Elizabeth has every right to comment here as to I and anyone else. I hope people are seeing you for the bullies you are. Try showing some respect to human beings for a change.

"And they are being forced out" that would imply that they are gone...

really? "being" forced out means they have "been" forced out? Maybe it's time to go back to elementary school to learn verb tenses...

Then I mis read and I apologize...the main thing is animals are being adopted out to their forever homes!

I appreciate that, thank you... My concern (I operate a rescue that works closely with many of the volunteers/former employees) is that many of the animals that are getting saved even NOW are because of the volunteers that are trying to be pushed out NOT because of the new organization that only has 16 facebook likes. If the volunteers (I'm talking about the ones being pushed out) do not have access to the animals to network them, there is less and less hope every day. Thankfully the volunteers (the ones being pushed out) are fighting their way in, trying to continue to save animals... As a rescue, we used to get emails from and stay in touch with Tracy as she felt there were animals that suited our rescue program. I get nothing now... One of my main issues watching this unfold... The director and his wife have very little to no interpersonal skills, communication skills or networking skills. And those are all things you have to have to save dogs. I don't know why they have chosen to be so adversarial and defensive. Because I do feel confident that the volunteers (being pushed out) gave them a chance and desperately want to continue to work with the shelter, but not under the new rules and regulations, which I agree are unfair and unheard of for a major metropolitan area...

I have asked several people about the new volunteer program...I want to know if the new position for the director's wife is paid or not? This is a concern for me, because then I see this as a conflict, if it isn't then well I still want more information...I can not seem to get any straight answers from anyone on this. To me this is what you protest NOW...and if the kill rate goes up even a .5 percent you protest that then...only when facts can support protest, not emotions...

It's not emotions, Elizabeth. It's been shown time and again in other municipal shelters that these rules and changes do not support saving animals. It IS a fact, there is precedence. I operate our rescue as a business. There is a ton of emotion involved, but we keep it in check when it comes to decision-making. The protest and these comments are not about "emotion" -- they are about what has been proven in other facilities to cause an increase in euthanasia rates. Many things are the polar opposite of positive changes that had been made at the shelter -- changes that decreased euthanasia rates. I'm telling you that the majority of protesters may be emotional about the situation, but their grievances are founded in fact. I wouldn't align myself with them if it was just a bunch of crazy, whiny animal rights advocates. That is not what this group is about...

You said the volunteers were forced out. Read your own comments.

two different verb tenses. Pretty clear that "being" does not equal "been" -- I guess you disagree? "Being" was a very clear word that you completely ignored to make your statement saying the volunteers are "gone"...

Give up Elizabeth. I have been down this road. People hiding behind made up names while we have the courage to use our real names. This is the "good ole boy" network. Talk about not having any interpersonal skills. Ha!

Elizabeth, in relation to your question about the wife's position. Thank you for asking! No, it is not paid..., but she is developing a non-profit (or so we are told). He appointed her without considering anyone else, and they will certainly cover for one another. She is to monitor volunteers and only volunteers that agree not to speak out against the shelter or director will be authorized...has already happened to the one person I know who did sign on with their group. So, in short...nepotism, conflict of interest, and violation of freedom of speech is in play. I have shared these issues with Tom Worthan and went before all of the commissioners to voice my concerns, but they prefer to look the other way. Very sad, as our only agenda is and always has been to save the animals from this kill shelter.

so you also believe the right to own dangerous dogs that have killed before supercedes the right of all? Those two dogs have killed a neighbors dog two years ago...and hurt my boston! And yes I saw the whole thing no matter what you believe!

So you're saying Tracy, that the Smith's are now working with the volunteers? Maybe you should give the man a chance. He hasn't been on the job for long. For any problem to be resolved, it requires mutual cooperation. Looks like Mr. Smith showed his willingness to work with the volunteers. Question is are the volunteers willing to work with him? It seems that the only thing that will satisfy them is for Mr. Smith to be fired. That's at the core of all these complaints. They want him out!

Non aggressive dogs don't pull another dog under the fence and try to kill it. It was also two much larger dogs against this much smaller one. If they were trained properly they wouldn't have acted like that. I have 100lb. docile dog. She plays with small dogs doesn't try to kill them.

YOU ARE A DISGRUNTLED EMPLOYEE.

And you, Pete, are a GENIUS!

dis·grun·tled
/disˈgrəntld/
Adjective
Angry or dissatisfied.

um, yeah, she's exactly that... hence the resignation.

If there were a "massive walk out then I would be more upset However there were 3 resignations that is simply to be expected if any one is hired to take the rains You quit so go away! there is a new guy in charge and he is going to try his way will it equal more deaths??? YOU HAVE NO CLUE! I could care less if you had worked there for 100 years you cant tell the future! so stop telling me there is a problem until there is one! you don't like the rules do go to the shelter don't volunteer. The county and that board you want deciding on what animal dies and which live vetted this Rick Smith and decided to give him a shot. you decided he is not good enough for you you don't like his new plan so you quit gave up. now you are trying to incite the county citizens to oust the man that has been there less than 90 days.
Also If I did not care I would not be on this forum! In my house we own 2 cats and a dog and they are our children I spent over 5000 to keep my dog alive so far and that was before she was 3 so don't sit there and tell me I don't care you don't know me!

Oh yes, Pete, the people here have a very BIG CLUE. These people have worked in animal control for a very long time and unless you have, YOU have no clue. They've seen this same thing happen over and over again and are sick of the apathy from the blinded public, power hungry directors with no compassion, and county officials whose ONLY concern is their political careers. Another hint, when you only have 2 Supervisors who both resign, that would be considered a "massive walkout" and there IS a problem.
We live in the year 2013 and there is NO good reason to be killing pets by the millions each year.

You know Tracy, we went to you for help with the on going situation of a neighbors roaming dog that goes after my daughters two Yorkies on my property. We requested all the complaints made on that address by filling out the proper forms. You then told my daughter that she would have to provide videos or photos of the dogs loose. We did that. The next time the dog went after my daughter and her dogs, she spoke to Mike Pope who claimed never to receive those photos. While they were on the telephone she resent them to the exact same e-mail address. He then sent someone out. The most recent incident was when my daughter was out with the dogs on our property and a man came jogging down with his baby in the carriage. The offending dog bolted out of her driveway and ran after the man and his baby. The dog then came and ran after my daughter and the dogs. She had to stop to take a picture of the dog on our property. Can you see the dogs behavior escalating? Thanks for once again victimizing the victim. I'm glad you all left. Let's get some protection for those of us who obey the laws.

Here is the 2008 article in which Rick Smith acknowledges 70000 animlas killed...there was approximately another 10000 killed going into 2012, which was verified via open records request to St. Joseph, MO http://www.newspressnow.com/news/article_162accd7-8d00-53d9-be07-82ceed759689.html

70,000 /29=2413.79 average a year, 2413.79/12 =201.149 a month.
So an average of 201.14 animals a month. This is over a 29 year period.

Now look at the numbers from 2008 through 2012 when he was the manager at St. Joesph Mo shelter. Animals Reclaimed 2706, Animals Adopted 3490, Animals Rescued 144, Animals Euthanized 9658. These are stats provided by the St Joesph Mo shelter after an open records request were filed. The percentages are as follows: 15.8% Reclaimed, 20.41% Adopted, 6.44% DOA,.843 % Rescued and 56.48% Euthanized. The stats no not lie. Over a five year period almost 57% of the animals at the St. Joesph Mo shelter were euthanized. Only 144 were rescued in five years. That is very sad for the animals. And this is with a private group running the VOLUNTEER program at his shelter there in St. Joe Mo.

The numbers don't lie. This was his record and if he was truly concerned about the welfare and placement of animals there is no way more that more than half the animals would have been euthanized.

You weren't on the road you were managing the shelter. The loose dog is a brown and white female pit mix. My daughters dogs are two Yorkshire Terriers. The older one will go into a seizure when he is under stress and the younger one tries to protect his family from this other much larger dog. Picture this. My daughter now has to take her cell phone with her just to walk her dogs on her property. She has a dog leash in each hand. When an incident occurs, she has to stop to take a picture. After my daughter gets into he house she calls animal control. She tells them of the incident and asks if they will be coming out. The response is, "well, I don't know if we'll be sending someone out today." Explain to me what purpose it serves to my daughter as a complainant who is looking for help from you to send a road officer out one to two days later and sometimes not at all, and then write in the comments "dog not loose." Guess when my daughter calls to say one of her dogs is dead then, maybe, just maybe you might have come out. You know there are people in Douglasville that shoot dogs that roam on their property. We are animal lovers and civilized people and know the blame rests with the owners. We looked to you for help.

Fran, Tracy Thompson was NEVER the Shelter Manager.

I was talking about the last regime, not under Director Smith but Mike Pope as interim Director.

I'm confused "Right is Right. Why would you get rid of your dog? Did you have an incident occur? If not, why were you so in fear of the new DCAC that you gave your dog to a foster?

Right is Right, I met you that day you spoke out to the commissioners. Your story is heartbreaking, and like you said, I pray the ones defending Rick Smith today don't regret those words tomorrow. Thank you for having the courage to speak out. I was telling someone just today what happened to you, your dog, and your family. Peace.

Fran, Smith was Manager during 2008 through 2012. 57% of the animals were killed during the time he most definitely was Manager with a pitiful amount of rescues. This is a FACT. These numbers come directly from his former place of employment through an open records request. There were 70,000 animals killed at THE shelter while he worked there as HE stated in the St. Joe newspaper article about his retirement.

Just the facts folks!

Mr. Smith was the manger at St. Joe MO from 2008 until 2012. He WAS in charge of making the decisions on euthanasia at that time. See the numbers for that time period below:

Animals Reclaimed 2706, Animals Adopted 3490, Animals Rescued 144, Animals Euthanized 9658. These are stats provided by St Joesph Mo shelter after an open records request were filed.

The percentages are as follows: 15.8% Reclaimed, 20.41% Adopted, 6.44% DOA,.843 % Rescued and 56.48% Euthanized. The stats no not lie. Over a five year period almost 57% of the animals at the St. Joesph Mo shelter were euthanized. Only 144 were rescued during that time period.

There is NOTHING acceptable about the above numbers. More than HALF of the animals that came into the shelter during that time period were put down. Very sad for the animals.

And we've rescued dogs from DCAD that had cancer, renal failure, had teeth abscesses bursting out of the sides of their face, had congestive heart failure, had a necrotic mouth inflammation where dead tissue was dripping out of the side of the dog's face (still working on that one six months later, long term care at over $400/month AT COST buying meds directly from a veterinary account). And yes, these are ALL animals from DCAC in addition to happy, healthy animals we've pulled form there, also -- one of which got adopted this past weekend and many more before that.

Just because you put diapers on your dog or your friend does a daily insulin test or two -- those things are wonderful and costly and an investment in your compassion for your dog, but what do they lend to the discussion of saving the homeless hopeless adoptable animals that are in the shelter?

You DON'T have to physically volunteer at the shelter or donate a dime in order to have your opinion count here. BUT... It's sad that the folks who are fighting for these animals on the front lines are not being given credibility by some of the folks here who appear to have no idea how rescue works and what's involved in saving hundreds of lives on a monthly basis... It's really unfair.

It is about continuing to save the lives of the shelter animals. Yes, Smith "has not been in his position for that long" and he has already cut the housing space and staff for caring for the animals, attempted to amend the Dangerous Dog Laws which threatens ALL pets, alienated the existing volunteers and rescues and appointed his Wife the SOLE volunteer organization. Let's not forget the new office and SHOWER he's completed in a trailer separate from the shelter for himself and his wife. If feeling uneasy about these changes and speaking up is bullying, then so be it.

I am one of those volunteers who whas been pushed out, and I can tell you I advocated for these shelter babies long before Rick Smith got her and I continue to do so. I will not sign up for his wife's developing non-profit, as the whole thing stinks of nepotism, conflict of interest (while he & his wife are looking out for each other's back, who is looking out for the animals?), a violation of my freedom of speech (one will be dismissed if they speak out against any issues they have with shelter or director), and I was authorized to do what I do long before they arrived having completed ALL required paperwork from the county. If there is an adversarial position, it is because Rick Smith and his wife orchestrated it...with the support of the county commissioners. We simply continued to advocate for the animals, which they praised us for in election year while championing the lower kill rate as their own, yet now they dismiss us. This is their "new direction."

FYI Jason, do not think you are telling me anything I do not know, my family has owned Boston's dating back to my father's childhood. The fight has been bred out of these dogs and are known as the American Gentlemen. The gentleman you chose to help dog's have already killed a schnauzer, he first tired to blame the fact his female was in heat, I proved my Boston had been fixed at the age of six months, so now it's because my dog was not on a lease.
I want you to know I am certified in cainine massage I have had dozen of dogs in my home, from German Shepards to minitrue poodles, never have my dogs nor I been bitten. I have donated my time to dogs that have been so severly beaten that they have to be re introduced to human touch to recognize that humans can be their friend. I HAVE NEVER BEEN BITTEN.
I did want to locate you and apologize, I was angry at the pit bull breed after the incident,I blamed the breed, but after meeting the owner of the dogs that attacked my baby,I realized my first assumption was correct...it's not the breed it's the idiots that raise them. So my apologys to you and the whole pit breed...but I do stand by my statement that the dangerous dog law needs to stand and be made stronger. There is no reason anyone should not be able walk or play with a dog that is on their own property and be afraid. Yes Mr. Flatt I am afraid of these dogs behind me...and I in all my years have never been afraid of a dog!

and by the way...my dog has no fight in him...never has never will, not his style. While he was lying on the vet's table after being worked on for four weeks straight...he was finally able to be stitched up, the doctor made a stitch that was deeper then the pain killer was and he did not snap or jump at her...when he was first brought in he was laying on their table and he watched as other dogs where walked passed him the tech told me "we thought he was in so much pain he was reacting to the other dogs, after all these weeks of treating him, we realize that's just who he is...he just doesn't care!"
So the dogs that attaked my dogs are at fault, my dog was on his side of the fence. If I would have thought for a moment that he would or could be pulled through the fence I would have set his boundaries a lot closer to the pecan tree, which is where is now...believe me my dog goes no where near that fence anymore!!! It's ashame that I pay for a nice back yard but cannot use it!

And here is the true history of the Boston, from the published American Kennel Club, not Wikipedia!
There are few dogs, having the disposition of the Boston Terrier. Their kind and gentle disposition have won them the name of the American Gentleman, a name rightfully given, and as companions or house pets, they have few equals

Mr. Robert C. Hooper, of Boston came into possession of a dog named Judge. This dog, which he purchased of Mr. William O'Brien of the same city, was undoubtedly imported from England. Judge, commonly known as Hooper's Judge, was destined to be the ancestor of almost all the true modern Boston Terriers. He was a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. He was a strongly built, high stationed dog of about thirty-two pounds weight. In color he was a dark brindle, with a white stripe in the face. His head was square and blocky, and he resembled the present Boston Terrier in that he had a nearly even mouth. Judge was bred to Burnett's Gyp (or Kate). Gyp was a white bitch, owned by Mr. Edward Burnett, of Southboro, MA. She was of about twenty pounds weight, had a fine three-quarter tail, and was quite low stationed. She was of stocky build, showing considerable strength in her make-up. Her head was good, being short and blocky.

Be careful what you wish for...you just might get it. Please note that Boston Terriers are among the breeds characterized as "Pit Bull-Type."

Lori I don't know where you get your informatoin...but Boston are put into the non-sporting category by the American Kennel Club, this is where they are shown in the Dog Shows...there is a reason for this they are put in this categorey "Despite his pugnacious appearance, the Boston Terrier is a lover, not a fighter. One of the few dog breeds to originate in the United States, the Boston was bred to be a best friend, happy to do just about anything as long as he's with his human family. And he can go anywhere with them: not only is he a small-but-sturdy size for any situation, he’s one of the few dogs that’s always formally dressed, in markings that resemble a well-tailored tuxedoe"(vetstreet.com 2013)

can be retreived from:http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/boston-terrier

Elizabeth, if by Lori in your last post, you meant Lisa. I tried to share link earlier, but Patch blocked it. If you Google Pit Bull Advocate 101, you should be able to find the website. Then, look for their link "What Is Pit Bull-Type Dog?" There are other websites that also reference this information, but this is a quick reference guide.

There is so much bad breeding of pit bulls going on. Check Craigslist to see what is being offered. It has now become a source of income for backyard breeders. As long as there is a market for it, these clowns will continue to breed litter after litter. Mother with son etc. If these two dogs had a history where they had killed or maimed other smaller dogs, the owner should have been more vigilant. My own dog was attacked in the dog park by a pit mix and she had done nothing to provoke his. The owner then released his hold on his dog and the dog bit me and I have the scars to prove it. I later found out that as a puppy he was a good dog but when he became sexually mature, he had many incidents with other dogs at the park yet the owner continued to bring him in. The owner carried a spray bottle filled with water to control his dog. It was only after I sued this man in court and won did he keep his dog out of the dog park. I know of two other incidents where the exact thing happened as what happened to Elizabeth's dog. The sad fact is that the dogs will pay the price or the owners negligence and the only recourse the victim has is to press charges and let the judge decide. Their owner should have used extraordinary care when they were loose even in his own backyard.

Lisa sorry - didn't have my eyeballs on, the website you stated of course will put any type of dog with a brachycephalic feature, this give more creedance to their cause. I will stick to the American Kennel Clubs classification of the Boston...the first American bred dog that has been bred to be a family pet, and has no equal to it's personallity! A true American Gentleman that always is ready for a great occassion because he has his tux on!

Elizabeth, that is exactly my point, these various breeds (including Boston Terriers) have all been labeled as "Pit Bull" type by someone at some point in time. I have a beautiful dog that I adopted from the shelter a couple years ago, and she was labeled a "Pit Bull," and as you know, there is no known breed by this name. I ran her DNA, as I wanted to see what my girl was really made of: Boxer, Boston Terrier, and Bulldog. I recall you mentioned your dog weighs 45 pounds, and so does my girl. Believe me, if she can be labeled a "Pit Bull," so can your boy. Faulty eye witness testimony, lack of knowledge on breeds by the general public, media hysteria, and irresponsible owners & breeders all contribute to the problem. At the end of the day though, they are just dogs victimized by people that should not have a goldfish never mind a dog. Peace.

Believe me, mine could never be mistaken for anything but a Boston - he is a purbreed, although larger then most he is a throw back to the first Boston. He has the clear tuxedo markings, the pig tail and the eyes of a Boston. He does not have papers only because I didn't bother with them, I knew I was going to have him fixed and therefore the papers were unnecessary. He is a family member and has all the Boston Terrier traits, from being a true gentleman to knowing no stranger. Ask the many repair men I have had in the house for plumbing lately! As I have stated I have had many dogs in my house and never have I had to break up a fight until he was pulled under the fence.

So until they start rounding up dogs that are taken care of and have their yearly (which by the way the dogs behind me didn't) vaccines I'm not going to panic and insight emotions that are unnecessary!
I wil say that I will be watching the numbers closely and if I see a trend in a way I don't approve then I will be the loudest protester you will see. Until then remain calm and wait!

That is the irony about this whole issue, as the shunned volunteers like myself are still doing what we can (despite all obstacles placed before us) to prevent the kill rate from rising again. I am still networking them in my off hours, and I am still trying to socialize with them on Sunday, so I can better know them to proactively share them with potential adopters or rescues. I am not unique in this, and I feel quite certain if we stopped doing what we do, the numbers would rise dramatically. The problem with that is we are talking about lives, and we prefer to fight before those losses are realized. Does this help to bolster Rick Smith's numbers and county commissioner's claims that all is well and never mind those people saying otherwise over there? Yes, but that is the price we pay for doing the right thing. Peace.

Elizabeth, I cannot speak to Paulding, as I was never involved in that shelter..., but as far as Douglas county is concerned, whoever told you that provided you some extremely false information. I personally pulled one dog for rescue, and I have firsthand knowledge of several other dogs pulled by rescues. Please do not allow yourself to be used to promote someone's agenda without doing your homework...you can easily collect data via open records request to Becky Hebert at bhebert@co.douglas.ga.us

Funny no one knows what my vet bills where I've never told anyone but my husband, not even court have I disclosed what I paid...it was not $2000 but believe me I paid way more then $200. I have receipts that will be offered when requested. I did send a complete set of the bills to the defendant requesting payment, never heard a word from them...but now with the guilty verdict I can move ahead getting my money back. This means the individuals will make up any numbers to make their case!
As far as telling the judge I was feeling harassed I admit that fully...because I did feel harassed. When someone seeks out the person who has done your family wrong and wants to help by giving them talking points to make it your fault that is harassment. When someone who did not stay for the whole trial and post only what they want to be seen that is harassment. Especially when you involve my grandchildren..

The judge saw through all the lies that were told about everything! He realized that if I had not seen it and how it was portrayed my dog would have been dead in those few moments it would have taken to find me...

So your saying I had an article in the Friends For the Forlorn and I didn't know it???

To be clear: I use to arrive at approximately 2 pm on Sunday afternoons & usually left after 5 pm. I did so while walking dogs, socializing puppies, mentoring potential adopters, and offering to help in any other way shelter staff requested. Then, Rick Smith forced the expiration of my volunteer status with the county because I refused to sign up with his wife's developing non-profit. Why? As I stated before: he appointed her without considering anyone else for this position (nepotism), there is a clear conflict of interest (Rick & Cindy Smith will be covering for one another, so there is no transparency, and anyone that does not see this is choosing not to do so), and a violation of my right to freedom of speech (as they will dismiss any volunteer that speaks out against any issues they witness at the shelter). As evidenced by video of Natalie, there was a new policy put into effect for 10 minutes limit. That policy disappeared very quickly, and was replaced with this latest one hour appointment policy. I now have one hour appointments for each Sunday in March, but must be monitored, which is a total waste of taxpayer dollars for shelter staff to have to monitor my activity. I am no threat to the dogs, but must be monitored, yet community service workers (who are there because they have to be, not because they want to be) have full access. What is wrong with that picture? In any event, do the math, I use to spend 3 hours, and I am now limited to one.

I will add that my efforts were commended by both the former director and county commissioners, yet now the county commissioners choose to turn their backs on me along with the others who have given so much to these homeless animals. I have done nothing any differently, nor have they. Meanwhile, while we quibble about this, I learned that 19 dogs and cats were killed earlier this week. They had labels cast upon them to justify their killing, but I spent time with the dogs only Sunday. They deserved better.

When I stood up at the Animal Board Meeting and stated I hated Pit Bulls - I was automatically put on the "out to get you list"...The old "regime" at the animal control center basically told me in October...tough sorry your dog got hurt, but you knew about the hole in the fence so sorry...and you had him in your back yard without a lease...so sorry. Thanks to Mr. Smith and when I spoke at the County Commissioners meeting about the Dangerous Dog law approaching me and asking me about it, he had been told there were no witnesses, once he found out that I and my two grandchildren saw the whole thing...he pursued it and got justice for Mugsy!!!

I have tried multiple times to open this link, but I get the same message indicating page can not be found. Nonetheless, I fail tos ee what relevance an article from 2009 has to do with issues that the shunned volunteers began to address in late 2011. I don't think any of us would argue the point for 2009, so who is spreading misinformation?

Mr. Smith had worked there for roughly 30 years. HOWEVER, he was not in a position to decide which dogs were euthanized for those entire 30 years yet the "core group of dedicated volunteers" has been twisting this information and spreading on their blogs and petitions in an effort to mislead and incite not only local animal lovers but those from different states. The first position Mr. Smith had there was cleaning kennels. If they will twist the truth in this instance, what else if anything that is being spread is the truth?

One should NEVER "get used to" killing animals. A very scary statement. Fran and Elizabeth, you've drank the Kool-Aid.

I have not volunteered yet because of the case that was pending.
Like I said before, it is because of the old regime that nothing was being done. Thanks to Rick Smith and his willingness to talk to me and looking at the evidence I was able to take it before a court and have a judge decide. The old regime was so tied up in and with the pit bull rescue they wanted to make what happened to my dog our fault. This old group was willing to let an owner who would not take responsibility for their dog continue on, at the expense of who knows how many other family pets! The same pitbull group had made up numbers to make me look like a money hungry woman that was just in it for the money...once again I have told no one of my bills...this same group harassed someone that they just THOUGHT was me. This same group posted on their website a story that was untrue..This same group claimed to have saved many dogs, but come to find out, all they did was feed and water the dogs, none where relesed to them. The same old regime has had shelter closed because of the awful work they did and it was found deplorable and dirty!
If I had people volunteering for me and they were bad mouthing me, I don't think I would want them around either. I would do what I could to make the place as peaceful as I could. According to one employee that I have had contact with, Mr. Smith is doing a good job and so is his wife that stepped up to the plate when people left.

Lori, please don't get mad or take offense to this, but have you seen this report or are you taking the word of someone? From personal experience, I know that numbers are made up to support their own cause?

can you please give me a link to the article that continues to be quoted here, I have searched and can not locate it