Well, it's finally out! In what is surely some of the most controversial news ever to hit the tri-cities rescue community, Prescott's Daily Courier reported today that the Yavapai Humane Society is attempting to take over management of Prescott Animal Control at the start of the 2009 fiscal year. According to the Courier report, Prescott City Council members will vote this week on whether or not to proceed with proposed two-year contract. Per the agreement, YHS will receive $49,334 a year to handle issues "pertaining to housing, care, adoption, disposition and return of unwanted, lost and aggressive dogs."City Manager Steve Norwood cited public confusion about the difference between the neighboring facilities as part of the impetus for the contract, in addition to stating that ultimately for the City, "it didn't make sense to have our facility there." Interestingly, the article also mentioned that the City would keep on three animal control officers as staff, though the three officers (there are currently four ACO's) would not work in the animal control center. It has yet to be revealed how the proposed contract will work out in terms of space management, staff allocation on the Humane Society's part, or public awareness about the merger.
Currently, PAC works with the Humane Society for some medical and re-homing purposes, but many of the dogs who find their way out of Prescott Animal Control do so via the adoption processes of United Animal Friends. United Animal Friends also runs an extensive dog-walking volunteer program at PAC, and maintains a database of incoming animals at the pound, updated weekly. How these programs will be affected by the take-over is yet to be determined, but we may assume they will in the very least change dramatically, if not altogether cease.
So, we know some of you have some opinions about this - how it will change rescue operations here in Prescott and what it will do to the many stray and abandoned dogs who find themselves at Prescott Animal Control on any given day. Let's hear it!
Currently, PAC works with the Humane Society for some medical and re-homing purposes, but many of the dogs who find their way out of Prescott Animal Control do so via the adoption processes of United Animal Friends. United Animal Friends also runs an extensive dog-walking volunteer program at PAC, and maintains a database of incoming animals at the pound, updated weekly. How these programs will be affected by the take-over is yet to be determined, but we may assume they will in the very least change dramatically, if not altogether cease.
So, we know some of you have some opinions about this - how it will change rescue operations here in Prescott and what it will do to the many stray and abandoned dogs who find themselves at Prescott Animal Control on any given day. Let's hear it!
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I guess what I would like to know is what is UAF "NOT DOING" already at animal control? Can UAF handle those tasks? If yes, then I see no reason why they cannot run the shelter. Why do people asume YHS can run the shelter when they are already packed full of dogs and cats? How many animals will need to be euthanized to keep their operations running smoothly? Are they planning on adding paid employee's... UAF has been working closely with PAC and have dedicated volunteers spending many hours there everyday already.
ReplyDeleteUAF Volunteers do not participate in the day-to-day operations (cleaning out of kennels, dealing with hostile dog owners, euthanizing dogs, etc.) of PAC so it does not make sense for UAF to take over PAC. YHS already has paid employees and definitely has the euthanizing part down pat. Unfortunately, I see a huge increase in the number of dogs being put down at YHS' hands. Probably the dogs that are picked up by the remaining PAC officers will be classified as "untreatable" so when they're put down it won't ruin YHS' perfect record of adopting all "adoptable" dogs that come into them. It is going to be a big cost savings to the City of Prescott but at the expense of many dogs' lives.
ReplyDeleteI went to the Humane Society of the United States and found the following.
ReplyDelete"First, please understand that The HSUS is not a parent organization for local humane societies, animal shelters or animal care and control agencies." By long-standing tradition, each is an independent organization, each with its own policies, priorities and governance (governed by its own bylaws and board of directors in the case of humane societies.)
Anyway the YHS is an independent organization and is run the way its director chooses to run it. For the sake of the animals I hope UAF will be given the opportunity to continue helping with finding homes, fostering and networking. UAF has been devoted to the dogs at PAC and for this to be taken away is just wrong.
Now is time to write "letters to the Editor, bombard council members with letters ,with phone calls. Get the word out before it is too late for the many dogs that will end up at Aninal Control as we know it.I believe we all know what goes on behind the closed doors of the Humane Society.
ReplyDeleteSomene should ask at the council meeting about the salaries at YHS, especially Duane Adams. Let's get those "Leters fo the Editor" going.
ReplyDeleteI am a dog walker at PACC and I believe, unequivocally, that UAF is in no position to run this shelter at the present time. I believe that a dependence on volunteers would eventually lead to harm for the animals. The Sedona Humane Soc which takes care of all strays and adoptions has a paid staff position just to coordinate their volunteer effort. They have a number of other paid staff positions also - something necessary for a "business" of this size.
ReplyDeleteI wish UAF would find a better way to cooperate with the YHS. Cooperation takes compromise - UAF does not seem willing o compromise on anything!!
I wholeheartedly agree with the PACC walker. It would be wonderful to see UAF expend the effort at trying to establish a working relationship with YHS instead of trying to compete with them.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that UAF doesn't have the resources to run PAC as the situation now stands. If the Ciy of Precott would fund us, that is different. If saving the cost is the motivation of the City divesting itself of the PAC, then pity the poor dogs.
ReplyDeleteThe dog walkers above don't seem to know what really goes on at YHS. Please if you think it is sooo fabulous over there than by all means go and walk for them but when you do you might want to say good bye to the dog you're walking because you might never see it again. This scenario has happened at YHS,you can just ask one of the dog walkers at PAC that used to walk for YHS.
ReplyDeleteI agree go walk dogs at YHS... But dont get attached. If that dog shows any signs of instability it will disappear. As for the relationship with YHS, they are secretive, misleading and bash UAF at every opportunity. How could UAF work with that type of organization. If they open their doors behind the scenes, tell the public the truth that they are Not a no kill shelter and implement a proper adoption procedure maybe the relationship could work. However, I would not count on them making any changes and to start telling the truth any time soon.
ReplyDeleteI agree with dog walker at PACC,UAF doesn't compromise,it's their way or no way,situations in life are not just black and white.By the way,UAF has euthanised dogs that were considered unadoptable and/or a liability
ReplyDeleteI don’t understand how some of those who are walking the dogs at PAC seem to be so against UAF. Don't you care about the best interest of the dogs? UAF have proven its dedication to the PAC dogs by helping with getting them adopted through adoption events, PSA’s, networking with other rescues and fostering. How come all I see if a lack of support from you? I don’t get it. UAF has nothing but the best intention to save these dogs lives! How about offering support instead of criticizing them for caring so much. The YHS has its own shelter and can run it anyway they choose. Let UAF prove its ability to run PAC. From what I have read about the history of YHS they started with local citizens with only a mission to save dogs. Let UAF do the same.
ReplyDeleteAs for comprimising. If that means more dogs die - no way! In every rescue animals may be put to death. It goes with the territory. But to put a dog to sleep because of space or its showing fear of a loud scary place is just wrong. It may happen everyday in every shelter but give UAF the chance to break the reliance on euthansia as a way to run a shelter. Running a shelter is hard and I am sure UAF has researched how hard.
ReplyDeleteUAF is doing a great job but should not try to compete with YHS,instead they should work together .
ReplyDeleteThere have been several changes at YHS for the better.They also have several dedicated employees that will go the extra way to rehabilitate a dog before even considering euthanasia
UAF wants PAC to generate $$$ How can you ask someone to work a 40 hour a week "job" with out pay...no one in their right mind would do that..let UAF stick with CVAC...even though CVAC is smaller and has less dogs UAF is still having problems getting volunteers to show up and do the "job". This is all about the animals no matter where they are...UAF seems to have forgotten that
ReplyDeleteIt makes UAF look bad to speak against another animal rescue. But what is the alternative? Should we be silent, when the city is considering a move that we truly believe will result in the death of more dogs? According to their own numbers, in their Spring, 2009, Newsletter, the Yavapai Humane Society killed just over 30% of the animals they took in during 2008. Prescott Animal Control’s kill rate is 25%, largely because of the number of dogs UAF and other rescues took out of PAC. If we keep silent, the dogs will pay the price.
ReplyDeleteTo the comment above about CVAC. What are you taliking about? Do you volunteer at CVAC? CVAC is still run by Angela and she has a dedicated team of volunters showing up everyday walking dogs, cleaning kennels, doing adoptions events and transporting. That shelter is taken care of by hands on volunteers. Its not a "JOB" its volunteering because they want to make life better for the animals.
ReplyDeleteI volunteer to some capacity with UAF everyday. I do not consider this a job its my duty to help the animals in my community who need a voice. I am bothered by the lack of trust and support from our friends. If you are not actively involved you cannot know what all is going on. Those who say UAF cannot run a shelter or at least continue helping PAC are just out of touch.
ReplyDeleteI received a recent email from a friend/volunteer that thinks we don’t even take pictures of PAC dogs for Petfinders on a regular basis. Well we have two volunteers that go EVERY week to take photos, evaluate and work with new dogs. They communicate with the ACO's everyday as well. Then we have volunteers EVERY weekend pick up dogs to go to adoption events. We get dogs out of PAC EVERY weekend. Not just once in a while. We also have had a boom of new dog fosters. We have been all working on generating new volunteers, we have a new volunteer program, new foster program and much more. Look how successful we were with Woof Down Lunch and that’s just the beginning. I bet most dont know 1/4 of what goes on within the organization. So before you assume you know what UAF is capable of get your facts by asking questions and get more involved. You can always email your concerns and questions to me. Its easy to make comments when you are sitting on the side line and not participating. As a team we can help more animals. UAF does not have to settle its belief system and walk away from all the dogs we can help at animal control. These dogs need UAF to continue to be part of the process to find their forever homes.
Just because I don't believe that UAF is the best choice for running PAC does not mean I think UAF isn't a wonderful organization. UAF should not feel that "you're either for us or against us" or they're going to alienate a lot of the community as well as some of their own volunteers who have different points of view.
ReplyDeleteThere are three contracts involved with Prescott Animal Control, which would provide the money to hire an expert to run the shelter. The contracts are with the city of Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Yavapai County.
ReplyDeleteUAF has contacted a Shelter Manager with many, many years of experience, who has agreed to work with us. Given the chance to run PAC, we would hire this person. In addition to the UAF Volunteers currently working at PAC, others have already offered to be a part of this effort. We are not as naive as we've been made out to be.
My two cents worth....There are so many things in life that one might fail at AND also succeed at. But (here's the cliche')how do you know unless you try. So we may fail BUT what if we succeed? How great would that be for the animals that come into PAC on a daily basis??!! How great would it be for all of us who work with UAF??!! I say you gotta take some risks in life. I think UAF is doing the right thing in throwing their hat in the ring.
ReplyDeleteYou really believe that this shelter manager would want to work for UAF at PAC? He has a great job in *******.
ReplyDeletePlease be advised that Table Scraps administrators will remove any comments that appear malicious and/or rooted in personal attack. We understand that this is a highly-sensitive topic that many feel very passionate about, but please moderate your comments and post your thoughts in a respectful way. Please also protect the privacy of those who post anonymously or who are not representing themselves in this discussion.
ReplyDeleteIn a perfect world, the YHS would join forces and work TOGETHER with UAF to help save lives. Unfortunately, the people that are making comments that UAF is in competition with YHS do not know all of the facts. What goes on behind the closed doors of the YHS? They would never allow UAF to carry on at PAC because they would see firsthand what tactics they employ to label an animal unadoptable. (After all, whom are the animals going to tell?) I am sure they will find the excuse they cannot be there because of insurance liability. They would have to become YHS people! Wake up people.
ReplyDeleteForemost, YHS refuses to put a sign up at the present location of the YHS, informing the public that their surrendered pet could be killed due to lack of space, or if they feel, the animal is not a good candidate for adoption... because there are still people and I have met quite a few that still believe the YHS is a NO Kill shelter. There are people that donate money to them because of this reason. Please call the new director and ask him why they will not put up a sign. If it were your pet would you not want to know! Once the animal is surrender, you have no authority or control what happens to it!
YHS has been less than truthful, at meeting with the local rescue, groups they were informed of YHS Societies New “Open door policy” which means no animal shall be turned away, stray found or otherwise. However at the public meeting, which I and another woman attended, there was no mention what so ever of this “Open Door Policy “.When I ask how long they would keep an animal, I did not receive answer to my question .Nor was it answered at the council meeting last week.
Why may one ask? There are only 36 kennels. So where do all the dogs and cats that are brought in go? When they run out of space. They are jabbed with a lethal dose of poison and go into black plastic garbage bags behind the building. (What is humane about this?) Do you think they do not smell death and are not terrified? Some people may argue well that is better than being hit by a car. Fine but inform the owners and let them make the decision, let them at least take some responsibility in the last chapter of their pet’s life. Don’ let them think that all the fluffies are necessarily going to happy ever after homes! It is just not possible whatever everyone’s good intentions.
Why does YHS go down to phoenix and bring up small dogs from other shelters to go up for adoption here .When we do not even have enough space for animals up here? Dogs from far away as Ash fork and Prescott Valley and Dewey communities are surrendered and are brought here to Prescott.
Small dogs are adopted easily and this raises their adoption figures and money revenue... His salary is in the region of $150,000 perhaps even higher. Can you honestly think that money does not play a part in any of this?
The City of Prescott has $250,000 provided for by the Rodeo Grounds “on condition the city use this money for improvements to PAC within a set frame or they lose it”. I believe there is just over a year left. Why has this money not been use for the badly needed improvements to PAC for the welfare of the animals?
The city of Prescott does not want the expense, liability, maintaining, and cost of renovating or even providing for a new building, which we badly need due to the increase population growth here in Yavapai. They are shifting the responsibility they are passing the buck, to the YHS who do not have a problem of disposing of excess dogs and cats under the guise of being Humane. Here in American we are number one, as far as being the largest disposal society in the world. Sadly, the animals pay the ultimate price.
I could go on explaining why I value UAFS belief and value systems but those of you that have volunteered know the integrity and generosity of the rescue group towards the animals and the community.
I do not understand why certain people want to remain Anonymous.We all care about what happens to these animals.Sorry but now is is the time to stand up,speak out stand behind what you have to say what ever your point of view.If people can stop walking on egg shells including the other rescue groups and come forward the animals would be the winners here.
ReplyDeleteFor years, Nancy Vargo, & United Animal Friends have been trying to get YHS and other animal rescue groups to work together to SAVE HOMELES PETS, but for some reason, politics, etc or ?, this has not happened. Maybe the Prescott City Council can put a clause in the contract with YHS to work with UAF. They can help UAF spay/neuter our homeless pets, in their spay/neuter clinic with City funds, and we can help them find homes for their not-so-adoptable cats & dogs so they won’t have to euthanized them. This is win, win proposition for the homeless pets. Isn't this what it's all about, saving homeless pets? I heard the City Council Members expressed this a number of times at the meeting on June 16, 2009.
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