The alleged cruelty to multiple dogs at a self-professed “rescue” in Fortuna is a grim reminder of the danger of trusting anyone who claims to “save” animals. It’s also the latest example of how animals suffer and die because of, ironically, the “no-kill” shell game.
Law-enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Miranda’s Rescue, which bills itself as a “no-kill” animal “sanctuary,” after neighbors reported finding the remains of dogs with apparent gunshot wounds in a mass grave. Authorities believe that the facility’s founder, Shannon Miranda, shot the dogs and buried them on his property in order to keep collecting money from area shelters for taking in less adoptable animals. Although Miranda apparently asserted that he “euthanized” the dogs, such executions are illegal under California law except in emergencies. And they violate the very essence of euthanasia, which means “good death.” Officials are investigating, but Miranda’s Rescue is still open for business.
Shelters, by definition, have an obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals in their care. But many are caving to pressure from “no-kill” proponents—often laypeople without hands-on shelter experience—who demand higher “live release” rates by any means necessary.
When shelters acquiesce and indiscriminately hand animals over to anyone purporting to be a “rescuer,” the result is often prolonged suffering and agonizing deaths. An alarming number of “rescues” in California alone have been found abusing and fatally neglecting animals.
In Los Angeles County, authorities seized 250 dogs and 66 cats from Rock ’N Pawz Rescue after receiving numerous tips about inhumane conditions. Officials declined to share details about the ongoing investigation but confirmed deplorable conditions and that animals needed immediate care. Rock ’N Pawz was a partner of Best Friends Animal Society, a pressure group that uses intimidation and personal attacks to force facilities to adopt its fantastical “save them all” agenda—usually with disastrous results.
Officials in Windsor removed 28 dogs from G&Cs Advocacy and Rescue Corporation, arresting and booking the owner “on suspicion of animal cruelty, possession of unlicensed dogs, operating a commercial kennel without a license and violation of probation.” Animals were reportedly found lying in piles of waste, deprived of food and water and suffering from untreated injuries.
At 4 Paws Rescue Foundation in Calabasas, law enforcement found dozens of cats in poor health and the bodies of many cats who had died. The operator was arrested for alleged felony cruelty to animals.
At a hoarding operation dubbed a “house of horrors” in California City, authorities took custody of more than 50 dogs after finding many of them confined to wire crates and suffering from malnutrition, dehydration and open wounds with bacterial and fungal infections.
The operator of Portland-based “rescue” Woofin Palooza, which obtained animals from California shelters for free and sold them in Oregon, was convicted of beating a dog with a metal clasp, stomping on the animal’s head and abusing and neglecting many others. Adopters who spoke during Samantha J. Miller’s sentencing reported paying adoption fees for animals whom vets later determined were so ill that they needed to be euthanized.
Similar cases are reported throughout the country almost every week, and many others never make headlines.
Shelters must safeguard residents from being acquired by abusers, sham sanctuaries or profiteers. Arbitrary statistics should never take precedence over an individual animal’s safety and well-being. PETA urges shelters and donors not to prioritize appealing numbers over ensuring that every animal is protected from cruelty and neglect.
Animal advocates can help by supporting open-admission shelters that care for every animal who comes through the door—including the elderly, the infirm and the aggressive—even when the kindest outcome is a gentle release from a world that has failed them. Reject the false, hateful rhetoric spewed at workers who shoulder this difficult responsibility. Demand strict regulation of “rescues,” including regular inspections and high standards of care. And please, always adopt and spay or neuter.
Teresa Chagrin is the Animal Care and Control Issues Manager for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510; www.PETA.org.