A meeting of the minds
February 23, 2009 : 8:44 PM ET
The Humane Society of the United States on February 23 issued an interim policy recommending all dogs be evaluated as individuals, and is calling a meeting of leading animal welfare organizations concerning dogs victimized by dog fighting.
Wayne Pacelle, chief executive officer and president of the Humane Society of the United States, suggested the meeting of major stakeholders in Las Vegas to work through the associated issues. This meeting is in response to concerns expressed by Best Friends Animal Society in December 2008 regarding HSUS policies related to animals confiscated in dog-fighting busts.
Pacelle said the meeting, scheduled for April, will include the participation of national stakeholder organizations that deal with pit bulls. The meeting was in the planning stages before Superior Court Judge Ed Wilson Jr. ruled that 145 pit bulls, including approximately 70 puppies, confiscated from Wildside Kennels in Wilkes County, North Carolina, would be euthanized without evaluation to determine suitability for placement.
The new interim policy announced by the HSUS, pending the outcome of the meeting, recommends that local law enforcement and animal control evaluate such dogs as individuals rather than as a category before any decision is made regarding their future.
“We expect government, corporations, and individuals to constantly re-evaluate how they deal with animal issues,” Pacelle said. “Likewise, we regularly review our own policies and procedures here at HSUS, and we think it is important to talk with professional colleagues in the movement to examine issues related to the disposition of fighting dogs.
“I am pleased to discuss these issues with personnel from Best Friends and other organizations interested in the welfare of pit bulls.”
Julie Castle, director of Community Programs and Services for Best Friends said, “There had been more than enough airing of feelings and outrage that the dogs were not evaluated prior to being summarily euthanized. It was time to hit the reset button on this in order to move things forward in a constructive way. Mr. Pacelle was open and receptive to what we had to say and we are looking forward to our meetings in April.”
Best Friends, through its campaign, “Pit Bulls: Saving America’s Dogs,” is looking forward working cooperatively with HSUS, according to Castle.
The campaign is aimed in part at educating the public and the media about pit bulls in order to help save the breed’s reputation. “Our goal is to bring positive change to lives and image of pit bulls,” she said.
Written by Best Friends staffPhoto of Meryl, a Vicktory dog, by Gary Kalpakoff
As part of Best Friends’ 25th anniversary in 2009, our goal is to double our membership, so we can double our efforts to bring about a time when all companion animals have a forever home. What can you do to help? Give the Gift of a Best Friends membership to family and friends.
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Mr god, Mr. Pacelle,
ReplyDeleteThe way you've been meandering around HSUS policy and dancing on tippy-toes about the politically correct ways in which to implement policy regarding the unbearable plight of victim dogs, one might never guess that you are the head of one of the top two humane organizations in the country.
Plenty of us who have cared for a long time abut this breed and who do not have an agenda have questions about you and for you. We'd like to hear some sense, we'd like to see some courage, and we'd like to see you be a stand-up guy.
Your newest statements concerning dogs victimized by dog fighters are encouragingly on point and will hopefully bring back the "humane" into the organization that you lead for ALL animals under your wing, including pit bulls. Pit Bulls. Take them out of politics, bring them under your education wing, and step up to the plate for this breed. Fighting is not the only way in which they are victimized. Your organization can begin with the fight aspect, but it should not end there.
You have the power to educate and education is always the starting point.
For those victim dogs for whom you may now may positively impact, a huge "better late than never" thank-you.
From the victim dogs for whom your policy change is too late, they can't say much; after all, they are dead.
Thank you for being receptive; I look forward to positive changes, it all stems from within.
That is good news and probably bigger than an ordinary bone!
ReplyDelete