Welcome to The Evolution of Animal Welfare!

The day before Fresno residents are expected to show, en masse,  the CCSPCA* exactly "who cares" about Fresno's animals by attending the Fresno City Council meeting, the CCSPCA made the only move they had left: they surrendered.
As broadcast on KMJ Wednesday during the Ray Appleton show, Linda Van Kirk, Executive Director of the CCSPCA announced that as of October 1, 2012 the CCSPCA will no longer provide animal control services to the County of Fresno. This came after an hour and forty-five minutes of the usual rhetoric: "it's not our fault, it's the community," "we don't have enough funding," blah, blah, blah. Ray and his guests also spent time blaming the rescues who refused to sign the CCSPCA's Ultimatum. Although many lies were told, one lie sticks out in my mind more than any other: Linda Van Kirk claims that the reason rescues didn't sign their Ultimatum (she even claimed that we stated so in our counter proposal) was 501(c)(3) status. Specifically, that the rescues were challenging their right to pull without having a 501. As author of the rescue's Memorandum of Understanding I can tell you that this is just plain fabrication. In fact you can read the Ultimatum and the MOU side by side and see for yourself that NEITHER agreement mentions 501(c)(3) status at all. The fact that a rescue group must have 501(c)(3) status is implicit: The Hayden Act provides that in order to rescue an animal from a shelter, a rescue organization must have 501(c)(3) status. This was never contested by the rescues. Period.

Same Ole, Same Ole

The representatives of the CCSPCA (Linda Van Kirk and Leroy Combs) spent their 2-hour spotlight doing what they always do: lying and blaming. Not surprisingly, the CCSPCA has chosen to give up rather than work with or communicate with City and County officials or the area rescues. Forget about ever entertaining the idea that some of the No Kill programs might actually work! At least we won't have to listen to these same lies again:

1. "There aren't enough people to care for all the animals we have"- during the interview with Appleton, Combs bragged that years ago when Gib Rambo was still Executive Director, their intake was around 70,000 animals a year but, the CCSPCA sent out a call to the community for help and WON this battle when the human population began to increase. (Did the CCSPCA really just take credit for an increase in human copulation?) He stated that the intake number was on the rise again but, offered no solution. After 50 years in business, you would think that the CCSPCA Board of Directors might have developed an imagination.
   Here is what they will never understand because the CCSPCA Powers That Be are incapable of thinking outside the box: There are many areas that do not have the selection and overabundance of animals that the Valley has. Despite the fact that Van Kirk later brags that the CCSPCA's rescue department did just this (way to go, Jacob, Kim and Grace!), she and Combs fail to see the merit of sending them out often!
   Send them out! Don't wait for the human population to increase. Find an area that needs and wants the animals. Make this the rule, not the exception.
2. "We don't always win the battle" First of all, an 80% fail rate is a far cry from "not always". But, people need to understand that NO KILL is a MISNOMER. The definition of NO KILL is a save rate of 91-95%. NO KILL allows for the humane euthanasia of the irredeemably aggressive and/or medically suffering/terminal animals. All we have ever asked is that the CCSPCA TRY the No Kill programs. Sadly, they dug in their heals and refused.
3. "It's not our fault"- while the CCSPCA isn't responsible for causing the pet overpopulation, they are also doing nothing to help combat it. The community needs a leader to show them the way. In fact, "Leadership" is part of the CCSPCA's mission statement. Some things the CCSPCA could have been doing differently for the last 50 years: Low cost/Free spay & neuter (apply for a grant), waive reclaim fees, get out into the community with education programs and adoption events, talk to pet owners and help them find another solution rather than killing their pet.
4. "We don't' have the space or the funding to treat animals," Linda Van Kirk went even further to say that ailments like kennel cough take a long time and lots of medicines to treat. From this statement it's obvious that Ms. Van Kirk has spent little to no time talking to rescues or even her own Rescue Coordinator. FACT: treating a large dog for kennel cough for 10 days will cost $1, treating a small dogs for 10 days will cost .50! SPACE: USE YOUR FOSTER PROGRAM. The CCSPCA has claimed to have a volunteer network of 900 people! I bet a few of them would be willing to take an animal home in order to save its life.
5. When asked by Appleton how many rescues have the wherewithal to send 25 animals to rescues out of the area (as the CCSPCA Rescue Department did recently), Linda Van Kirk answered, "Not many." Once again, Ms. Van Kirk has been misinformed. Here is a list of local rescues that routinely work with out-of-state, out-of-area and out-of-country rescues in order to save more lives:

Animal Compassion Team

Animal Rescue of Fresno

Bandit's Buddies

Canine Cuties

Cat House on the Kings

Feline Friends

3. "We need an Army"- When confronted on air by a former employee about why the CCSPCA would demand the right to inspect the homes and facilities of rescues and rescue volunteers (as outlined in the Ultimatum) when they don't inspect the homes of their own fosters and adopters, Linda Van Kirk responded in exasperation, "We would need an army for that!"
   So, the CCSPCA is willing to spend taxpayer dollars harassing those that are working for the animals but, they are not willing to go the extra mile for their animals themselves in the form of a home check. In case you're wondering, many rescues (like CVAL and FBR) insist on home inspections before sending animals out on an adoption contract- the contracts used by rescue organizations themselves are much more comprehensive than that of the CCSPCA.
   

On The Horizon

Let's move on to happier subjects. The fact is that the rescue community anticipated this move by the CCSPCA. Although we all believe this is a last ditch effort by the CCSPCA to get more funding, we're prepared to to take the next step in the fight for No Kill by establishing a new shelter, a community shelter!

What can you expect from your Community's NEW shelter?

1. 
   

1. Life- first and foremost the Community's shelter will work from day one to bring the Central Valley into the 21st century and into the No Kill family of shelters nationwide.
2. Clean facilities- the first line of defense against the spread of disease is cleanliness. The Community's shelter will put cleaning protocols into effect everyday, not just on the days the media is visiting.
3. Owner retention counselors- rather than just collecting a $10 fee and accepting an animal, the Community's shelter counselors will work with the surrendering party in order to find a way to keep that animal in their home. Many times the solution is simple. For example, Amy Morris of Central Valley Animal Lovers approached a family in the lobby of the CCSPCA adoption building when she noticed them crying and filling out owner surrender paperwork. When Amy took the time to ask the family why they were surrendering the puppy, their answer led her to a very simple solution. The puppy had become destructive while the family was away from the house. Amy asked them if they would be able to keep their dog if they had a crate for him during work hours. Relieved and ecstatic at receiving an alternative, the family agreed. For the cost of a crate and 10 minutes of a volunteer's time, this dog went home with his owners! 
4. Adoption counselors- The Community's shelter will also offer counselors to help adopters choose the dog right for them. Owner retention increases when the match is right! For example, the team members at the Community's shelter won't be sending home a Boxer (that requires a lot of physical activity) with an adopter who is looking for a lazy lap dog. Why not try a Shi Tzu instead?
5. Happy and helpful employees and volunteers- when lives are being saved, families are being made and customers are happy, the moral of the team members will naturally rise. Imagine entering the Community's shelter and being greeted by a volunteer sincerely happy to see you!
6. Community involvement- everyone in animal welfare knows that No Kill cannot be achieved without the active involvement of the community. Through education and volunteer programs, the community will be encouraged to visit the shelter and to get involved! It's YOUR shelter, after all.
7. Adoption events- Adoptions at the Community's shelter will be a daily event. In addition, many other offsite events will be planned as the Community's shelter takes part in fairs, farmer's markets and out-of-area adoption events.
8. Foster care programs- the Community's shelter will offer volunteer programs that enhance the life of orphaned animals while offering a fulfilling experience for the volunteer. Foster parents will receive the support of the Community's shelter and its experienced staff. 
9. Innovation and imagination- As the Community's shelter grows, more programs like low cost/free spay and neuter will be offered, animals will be sent in large numbers to out-of-area and out-of-country rescues, adoption promotions, educational programs and community awareness will be at the forefront of the Community's shelter mission.
10. Transparency- to serve the community, you must listen to it. The Community's shelter will hold an open-door policy for community suggestions, complaints, inquiries and participation. 

This is one of 12 Last Call dogs
pulled by Feline Friends.

Hang with us, Fresno!

You've only just begun to see what we're capable of!

 "We brought the CCSPCA to it's knees in 14 days. We can definitely have a better solution within 180 days!" Alan Rafferty, Feline Friends (rescue partner and best friend ;))

*when referring to the CCSPCA, we are referring to those in charge: administration, Board of Directors, etc. We are fighting for  change at the CCSPCA for the humans who work in these conditions as much as the animals forced to "live" in them. Overall, the employees at the CCSPCA are caring individuals stuck working for an uncaring employer. Neither Central Valley Animal Lovers nor any of its rescue partners condone the use or threat of violence against ANY member of the CCSPCA.

CCSPCA Lock Out, day 5

Not only has the CCSPCA's Ultimatum achieved what no one else has before (unification of the rescues) but, Beth Caffrey continues to support our cause by being unprepared, confrontational or by simply lying to the media. Today, after Ms. Caffrey kicked 4 rescuers out of the adoptable building, she told the media that the CA Governor repealed the Hayden Act. It's unfortunate that the Education Director for the CCSPCA is so uninformed and that she's spreading false information to others but, fortunately rescue volunteers were there to enlighten and educate where she failed! Here's the low down on Hayden: It's in effect! The State Assembly subcommittee just tabled any consideration of a repeal. 

Sorry, Ms. Caffrey but by denying us the right to rescue animals, you and your employer are breaking the law and we're making sure everyone knows it!

Nothing Unites People Like A Common Enemy

Until the dissemination of the Ultimatum, many of us had been afraid of what standing up to our enemy would mean. The CCSPCA made our fears reality with their Ultimatum, pushing us to a place no passionate group of people should ever be pushed: backed into a corner where we had nothing more to lose.  Our choice was to surrender our rights, the animals' rights and the rights of our adopters to the CCSPCA or to finally stand up and say, "NO MORE!". I am proud to say that the rescue community has chosen the latter.
By now everyone has read the CCSPCA's Ultimatum to rescues. You've also read the reason why RESCUES AREN'T SIGNING (Part 1 & Part 2). Yet, somehow, Beth Caffrey and the CCSPCA don't "understand why [we] would have any issue with signing the agreement." Really? We've laid it all out but, really, how could they possibly understand why rescues would have a problem signing? They simply can't wrap your minds around why a group of organizations, powered only by passionate volunteers, won't give up no matter how much they take away, threaten, or destroy. They (the CCSPCA Powers That Be*) have refused to communicate with us (the Ultimatum doesn't count as it's not mutually beneficial) and have shown that they're incapable of thinking outside the box in order to save lives- something rescue organizations do every minute of every day. We have all walked in their shoes; we've all attempted to help out at the shelter in one way or another and been turned away. We've tried it their way. They told us no help was needed. We've tried to negotiate with them. They've told us that we're not welcome unless we acquiesce to their wishes. This is not a partnership, as the CCSPCA would like the public to believe. It's a dictatorship- their way or no way at all.
Well, CCSPCA those you consider your "subjects" are pissed and not giving up.

Five days ago, our response to the CCSPCA's Ultimatum was delivered and a meeting was requested. Our response (Memorandum of Understanding- MOU) was approved by these groups who are refusing to surrender their rights:

Animal Compassion Team

Animal Rescue of Fresno

Bandit's Buddies

Beagles and Buddies

Central California Canine Cuties

Central Valley Animal Lovers

Central Valley Rescue Railroad

Chowchilla Animal Rescue Alliance

Fresno Bully Rescue

Feline Friends

Fowler PAWS

Heart's Bandits

Lab Rescue of Fresno

Laton Animal Rescue

Noah's Friends

Pawsitive Connections

Pixie Projects

PROUD

Russell Rescue

Stoncliffe Animal Rescue

Westside Rescue

Each and everyone of these reputable rescue organizations are being ignored. More animals are dying needlessly as the Central California SPCA continues to break the law (by refusing rescuers dogs and cats that are marked for death).

"Existing law provides that no dog or cat impounded by a public
pound or specified shelter shall be killed before 72 hours have
elapsed from the time of impounding.
   This bill would, effective July 1, 1999, expand this minimum
impound time to 4 or 6 business days, as specified, and would require
that the animal be released to a nonprofit animal rescue or adoption
organization in certain circumstances, subject to specified
exceptions." Source: Hayden Act

CCSPCA's Attempt at Damage Control Backfires

On Day 2 of the Lock Out, the CCSPCA updated their website in order to address what they are calling some misconceptions about the Slaughterhouse. In response, their Facebook page received nearly 200 comments in protest to the shelter's current policies. Many of these comments have been removed and the user banned. None of the critics' comments have been responded to:

‎

1. "We’re a private, non-profit corporation and like all such private corporations, we are not bound by the same rules as governmental agencies, such as the Ralph M. Brown Act (California Open Meeting Law)." 

• If you are a private, non-profit organization you have no business demanding access to another private, non-profit organizations records or facilities. If you are private, then you have no regulatory authority. You are either private or you are an agency that has authority-you can't have it both ways. 

2. "Despite our best efforts, the unfortunate truth is that some animals cannot be adopted due to untreatable behavior and medical issues that can’t be overcome. When no other option remains, it becomes our burden to conclude their lives in a responsible and humane way." 

• You may claim to be an open admission shelter but many of the rescue groups have taken very "unadoptable", sick or injured animals from you without any support from you whatsoever.

(This is Lulu. She was rescued with her newborn puppies. None were considered adoptable as Lulu is a senior and requires entropian surgery and puppies are just too much work)

3. "Every day, the CCSPCA works with legitimate organizations frequently referred to as “rescue groups” " 

• Which groups are those? If you work with groups every single day then why are so many dying? Working "with" implies a two way street, not a dictatorship.

3a. "Surrendering is often heartbreaking for the family, but the only option they have after exhausting all other possibilities." 

• This is very true, it is heartbreaking. If the CCSPCA was in the business of educating the public as they claim to be, many of these animals would not end up at the other end of a needle. It doesn't take long to tell them about no kill options such as spay/neuter, training, foster programs...but we all know you're not in the business of educating or saving lives. Your actions continue to prove this.

4. "We grieve for every animal that we must euthanize*, and we never make the decision to euthanize lightly." 

Rescue Released/Adoptable East bldg

• While I have no problem believing that the staff you force to kill animals grieves deeply, your contention that you "must" kill is simply a lie! During Last Call there were several rescue organizations on the property saving as many as possible. Instead of rejoicing and recalculating available space, YOU MOVED ANIMALS TO THE KILL ROOM WITH RESCUE ON SITE! How dare you?! When we take one, common sense would say that another gets to live. You don't see it that way. Empty kennels or not the killing "must" continue!

4a.  "We are always working toward bringing an end to euthanasia at our shelter. We’re constantly reviewing the latest research to find ways to improve what we do. We are committed to increasing adoption by developing programs that help place animals in the community. Our goal is always—always—to do what’s best for animals and what is right for the communities we serve." 

• Bulls**t! Eliminating every single off site adoption venue, having one of the most expensive hospitals on site, turning away volunteers, forcing fosters to bring their animals back to the Slaughter House and REFUSING TO COLLABORATE WITH THE COMMUNITY OR THE RESCUES does not serve the community.

5. ‎"we are also committed to placing only healthy, treatable and safe animals in the community and to protect the hundreds of other animals already in our care." 

• It's not up to you what is healthy and treatable! You won't even spend .50 cents to treat a dog for kennel cough! We spend hundreds sometimes thousands trying to save what you would just as soon throw away! We rehabilitate the scared and the timid while you won't give them a chance!

Rescuers Stopped From Saving Lives

On days 3 & 4 of the Lock Out, rescuers from Animal Compassion Team and Feline Friends visited the shelter and asked to rescue to two chihuahuas. One is feature on the left. The other is a senior Chihuahua with little to no chance of leaving the Slaughter House alive. They were denied. 


Rescuers Denied Access
On Day 5 of the Lock Out (March 19, 2012), myself and three other rescuers from Central Valley Animal Lovers, Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno and Pawsitive Connections were not only denied the right to walk through the adoptable building or take a picture of an adoptable animal but, we were ultimately thrown out of the rescue released/adoptable building by Beth Caffrey. We explained to Ms. Caffrey that we simply wanted to walk through and that we had a CCSPCA escort with us (we can't be trusted in the building alone. We might take a picture of a cute dog and send it to a potential adopter- can't have that!). She refused to let us through. 


It's been five days. The CCSPCA kills an average of 87 animals a day. Rescue groups saved an average of 8 animals per day before the Ultimatum (31 animals were saved on Last Call). That equals 40 animals that have lost their lives that didn't have to. 40 adoptable animals. 

Invite Rescues Back Now! 

Write to your City Council representative, Fresno City Mayor and Linda Van Kirk, Executive Director of the CCSPCA: 


Linda Van Kirk 
Executive Director 
Central California SPCA 
103 S. Hughes
Fresno, CA 93706

Ashley Swearingen
City of Fresno Mayor: 
Phone: (559) 621-8000
Fax: (559)621-7990
email mayor@fresno.gov

District 1: Blong Xiong - FAX (559) 268-1043, email District1@fresno.gov

District 2: Andreas Borgeas - FAX (559) 621-7892, email District2@fresno.gov

District 3: Oliver L. Baines III - FAX (559) 621-7893, email District3@fresno.gov

District 4: Larry Westerlund - FAX (559) 621-7848, email District4@fresno.gov

District 5: Sal Quintero - FAX (559) 490-5395, email District5@fresno.gov

District 6: Lee Brand - FAX (559) 621-7896, email District6@fresno.gov

District 7: Clint Olivier - FAX (559) 498-2541, email District7@fresno.gov 



*when referring to the CCSPCA, we are referring to those in charge: administration, Board of Directors, etc. We are fighting for  change at the CCSPCA for the humans who work in these conditions as much as the animals forced to "live" in them. Overall, the employees at the CCSPCA are caring individuals stuck working for an uncaring employer. 

CCSPCA's Ultimatum to Valley Rescues, part 2

 The CCSPCA issued an ultimatum to Valley rescues this weekend. They claim that they are "committed to reducing the number of stray and unwanted animals" and that their "agreement" is nothing out of the ordinary. With this is mind, I contacted a rescue representative from out of the area. Sure enough, they have agreements with the shelters the rescue pulls (saves animals) from. This representative sent me four agreements. I have reviewed them all and found that the CCSPCA's proposed agreement is most similar to that of Washoe Co's. There is a mighty big difference here, though: WASHOE CO IS NO KILL! The rescue community would happily sign an agreement like this if our shelter went from being the Slaughter House that it is, implemented the No Kill programs and started making saving lives a priority. Instead, keeping rescues from saving the lives of animals seems to be their top priority.

3. c & e. "A [rescue] hold may not be placed on animals that are deemed by the CCSPCA to be irremediably suffering due to behavioral and/or physical health or aggression for humane reasons." 
"...CCSPCA reserves the right to remove a [rescue] hold when a determination is made that the animals is sick, injured, or a safety liability because of aggressive behavior..."
This means, for example that puppies with parvo cannot be rescued. This is unacceptable. Although the CCSPCA may not believe that aggressive supportive care with the intent of saving lives is a worthwhile use of funds, rescuers do. We treat for parvo and distemper. We pay for amputations and entropian eye surgeries. We treat our animals for demodex and scabies. We do all of this without passing any of these costs on to our adopters. We do not believe that companion animals are disposable simply because they've gotten sick and the price of their care is hefty.  
"In the event of such occurrences, CCSPCA will make a reasonable attempt to contact the [rescue] prior to rescission." 
I would ask them to define their terms but, we've all had enough run-ins with the Slaughter House that their "reasonable attempt" is not an attempt by anyone else's definition. I'm sure Caffrey and Van Kirk would say that they are already making a "reasonable attempt" at saving lives (the City and County just doesn't pay them enough) and that this ultimatum is a "reasonable attempt" at working with local rescues. I say, BULL! Try harder!

3.h. "The [rescue] acknowledges that CCSPCA does not ensure the adoption suitability of any animal released by CCSPCA to them." Make up your mind! The CCSPCA proposes to stop us from rescuing and rehabilitating animals they deem "aggressive" (in other words every single pit bull) or from rescuing and treating those they deem "too sick". What's left? Isn't it safe to say that the animals that are left are those that the CCSPCA has declared "suitable for adoption?" Once the animal is transferred to a rescue organization, it is our responsibility; we hold insurance policies for this very reason. We do not need Big Brother CCSPCA looking over our shoulder, telling us what we "can't handle." The fact is, we're doing it better than they are. We're adopting out GREAT animals that the CCSPCA would have thrown away. We're making them look bad so they've issued this letter to stop us!

3. d. The CCSPCA's agreement tramples on the rescuer's Civil liberties:"In some instances, CCSPCA shall require the [rescue] to refrain from paying adoption fees of some SELECT animals..." 


Dis-crim-i-na-tion 101:

treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit.

Rescue organizations have in the past and may in the future opt to pay the CCSPCA's adoption fees in order to save that animal as soon as possible rather than wait until the animal has become so sick that it is no longer of interest to the CCSPCA. With this "rule" in place, the rescue volunteer and their organization is precluded from doing so simply because of who they are and who they are associated with. I see no reason for this rule other than the CCSPCA once again asserting its power of life and death of "its" animals. Hmm, does that sound like hoarding to anyone else?

3.f. "...if the [rescue] wishes to rescue three animals, 60 minutes must be allowed for the CCSPCA to verify the identity of the animals, retrieve it from the shelter and complete the paperwork (30 minutes + 15 +15 = 60 minutes)"
They're actually being very generous in their assertion that the CCSPCA staff can process out a doomed animal in this short amount of time. I've been there to pull one dog and spent three hours doing so. However, assuming this can be done, what if I show up and decide to save the life of an additional animal or two? Will I have to wait until the next day to save these animals when I'M STANDING RIGHT THERE?! Will they still be alive? Does this sound a little backwards to anyone else? Shouldn't shelter staff be overjoyed that rescue is coming and saving animals from lethal injection? Makes you wonder what their priority really is at the Slaughter House.
The CCSPCA closes at 4pm every day except Wednesday. According to this agreement, rescuers must start the process no less than 30 minutes prior to closing- for one dog. I've said this before, rescuers are volunteers, they hold regular jobs as well. Getting to the CCSPCA in the early afternoon is often very difficult. Here's what other shelters are doing to HELP the rescue process:
Kings County and Selma Animal Shelter (both embracing No Kill and lowering kill rates): Rescue Coordinators at these facilities will BRING THE DOG TO THE RESCUE!
Washoe Co (No Kill) included this in their rescue agreement: "Although animals should be released during normal business hours, special arrangements may be made when the facility is closed to the public." 

3.g. The [rescue] shall pay all applicable fees incurred at the time of placement...fees may include cost recovery for surgical alteration and/or procedures, microchipping, medications, diagnostics and vaccinations..."
First of all, prove it was done (with the obvious exception of spay/neuter). Since the agreement also states in 3.f. "ALL proprietary information must remain with the CCSPCA," we have our doubts about getting what they're asking us to pay for. The CCSPCA has refused to give us copies of vaccinations or kennel cards (now, they're handwriting on the transfer out sheet the date the vaccines and wormers were supposedly given). 
Second, the CCSPCA wants us to reimburse them for an animal they're going to kill anyway? Really? The only time an animal will be released to rescue is when its status has been changed to "awaiting euthanasia". The rescue will still have to quarantine the animal for two weeks, treat it for any number of illnesses from kennel cough to distemper, put the animal on a high-fat, high-protein diet since nearly all animals leaving the shelter are emaciated, and groom and wash the animal (we do this regularly; the CCSPCA charges adopters even for the bath!). Regardless, bottom line, the ANIMAL WOULD HAVE DIED AT THE SLAUGHTER HOUSE! What this section says to me is: HOSTAGE: pay or what you care about dies.

4. "No photography, videotaping, or recording of any kind is permitted with the CCSPCA's Stray Bldg or other areas marked "Employees/Staff Only" or "No Admittance."" If your animal is lost, wouldn't like to be able to go to Petharbor, search pictures and find your animal before it's dead? Me, too. Like rescuers, the general public also works and it's difficult getting down to the shelter to search for your animal. Many rescuers (myself included) have offered to photo and network stray animals with the intent of finding their homes. We have been refused. Once again, it makes you wonder what the priority is down at the Slaughter House. It certainly isn't to get as many out alive as possible.

6. "The CCSPCA retains the right to inspect and/or request such records for monitoring compliance." HAHAHAHAHAHA! I tell you what, when the CCSPCA starts keeping accurate records, then they can have a look at mine. Not only does the CCSPCA have absolutely no business telling rescuers how to run their operation, they routinely lose paperwork, lose dogs, give rescuers the wrong paperwork and mislabel dogs with respect to gender. That's right! Males in with females, females being terrorized by a kennel full of unaltered males. Is it really that difficult to spot a male? One of my rescue friends told me recently that they received a call from the CCSPCA asking him to pick up a certain animal. He had no knowledge of this animal. They asked him to do this since the animal was already signed out to him. How did that happen? How inept are these people?
"...the [rescue] is required to complete and submit a 'PPO Placement Form' to CCSPCA, which includes the shelter assigend animal identification number and THE NAME, ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE [ADOPTER]..." Now they're asking us to do their job for them? I don't think so! If the CCSPCA is so concerned about getting the licensing fees, they can start trolling Craigslist and visiting all the backyard breeders. Hey! That might actually lead to more animals being spayed and neutered in the community thereby reducing the CCSPCA's intake and their kill rate... I guess that would be why they're not going to do that. Instead they're going to put it on the rescue organizations to violate our adopter's privacy so that ALTERED animals are licensed. 

9. "...the [rescue]...agrees to not interfere with the conduct of business between the public and the CCSPCA staff." This is the CCSPCA's way of saying, "Keep your mouth shut when we lie to the public about the likelihood that the animal they are bringing in as a stray or an owner surrender has a fighting chance at leaving alive. Do not offer any No Kill alternatives (such as training, sterilization, no kill rescues) to leaving their animal at the CCSPCA where disease is prevalent and adoptions are a meager 10%. Simply do not do anything we wouldn't do."

CCSPCA's Ultimatum to Valley Rescues, part 1

This dog had kennel cough, an easily treatable illness.
The CCSPCA killed him rather than spend .50 to help him.

The rescue community has been asking for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from the Central California SPCA (CCSPCA) for some time now. A MOU should outline the relationship between the shelter and the rescue. We have also been trying for over a year to have open communication with the CCSPCA; we have been ignored each and every time. What we received instead was a 6-page ultimatum outlining the power of the CCSPCA to control where rescue workers go and when, who they talk to, who they adopt to, how they run their facilities and, ultimately to kill a lot more animals.
I have yet to hear from every rescue in town. However, already Animal Compassion Team, Animal Rescue of Fresno, Central Valley Animal Lovers, Feline Friends, Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno and Westside Rescue are all are refusing to sign this! See for yourself why:

1. a. The CCSPCA is limiting the number of rescue volunteers allowed to save animals (pull) from the shelter to 5. Many rescue organizations have more than 5 board members. It is customary for the rescue's Board of Directors to visit the shelter, mark animals for rescue and pull them to safety when foster space allows. These same board members usually hold full time jobs. Unlike those at the CCSPCA, we do not get paid for our work with the animals. The letter leaves no room for a proxy representative in an emergency situation. Anyone who has dealt with the shelter from a rescue standpoint has gotten a call at 3:45pm to pick up an animal before they kill it when the shelter closes at 4pm. I don't have to tell you what is going to happen if one of these 5 people are not available when the animal is released...

b. The CCSPCA's letter leaves room for the Powers That Be at the CCSPCA to revoke rescue priveledges if and when they feel that we are not placing animals in "good responsible homes". "The CCSPCA may, in its sole discretion, reject or revoke any [rescue] application which does not comply with this Agreement or APPLICABLE LAW."  This is laughable, actually. Does anyone know what the screening process is at the CCSPCA for adopters? You must have an ID and the ability to pay for your sick animal- that's it.
c. The CCSPCA intends to limit the number of animals we can save. We're swimming upstream here in the Valley trying to save as many as we can from the Slaughter House. "Mass kenneling" is a nice way of saying 'hoarding'. 

Definition of Hoard:

noun

a supply or accumulation that is hidden or carefully guarded for preservation, future use, etc.

This dog died of starvation shortly after being rescued. 

Rescuers don't hoard animals; if we did, we wouldn't be busting our butts every weekend and in every spare moment to adopt them into forever homes. 

2. a. Brace yourselves for this one: "The [rescue] shall provide animals obtained from the CCSPCA with a healthy, clean and safe environment and shall provide the animals with necessary and prompt veterinary care, ample nutrition and shelter." Are they freaking serious? Rescues already hold themselves at a much higher standard than the Slaughter House but, who the hell do they think they are to dictate to us what our facilities should look like? Have they ever walked through THEIR nauseating facilities? And vet care- Ha! More than 60% of animals unlucky enough to find themselves at the CCSPCA will die of a lethal injection often because they are "too sick" to be adopted (remember it takes .50 to treat a small dog for kennel cough and a whole dollar to treat a large dog). Nutrition? I've seen animals too small to reach the food bowl at the CCSPCA; no concessions are made. Myself and my fellow rescuers have pulled animals from the shelter only to have them die of starvation and/or dehydration shortly after. Shelter? Don't get me started. Ms. Van Kirk, please go to Dictionary.com and review the meaning of the word "shelter" before you dare challenge rescues on their ability to care for the animals you would have thrown away.


b. Here's the best part of this rule: "The CCSPCA reserves the right to request an inspection...on the property where the animals will be maintained. Failure to cooperate with a requested inspection, as DETERMINED ACCORDING TO THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE CCSPCA, ...subject the [rescue] to termination of its ability to request holds on shelter animals and to accept shelter animal placement." Now, before you ask, "What's the big deal? We're not hiding anything." Ask yourself this: rescues rely on volunteer foster homes LIKE YOU to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned animals. Do YOU want the CCSPCA visiting YOUR home? Do YOU want to be put in the position of refusing, knowing that it means the rescue can no longer pull from the shelter? Can you say, "Big Brother"?

3. a. The CCSPCA retains the right to tell us WHICH animals are placeable: "...animals that are determined to be aggressive, dangerous, and/or POTENTIALLY dangerous, will not be made available [to rescue]."

Scrappy was terrified in the shelter.
Under the new rules, he would be dead
rather than enjoying his new family.

This section gives the CCSPCA carte blanche to kill without giving the animal a second chance at rehabilitation. Aggressive animals are a danger to humans and other animals. No reputable rescue will pull an animal known to be highly aggressive; it would be irresponsible. However, animals in the shelter are very often not showing their true personality. The shelter is a terrifying place. It scares humans, imagine how the suddenly homeless animal, surrounded by dogs he doesn't know, sleeping on a cold floor with little to no human interaction feels. I'd be likely to bark, snap, bite and shy away, too. Personally as a rescuer, I pull the timid dogs. They're scared out of their minds and, more often than not, just need someone to be kind to them. This "rule" precludes me from saving the animals I prefer saving. 

b. "An animal subject to a [rescue] hold shall be available to the [rescue] for UP TO 3 calendar days following the mandatory holding period AND upon release by the CCSPCA. Animals not picked up by the end of the third day will be considered by the CCSPCA for additional time or [killed], at the discretion of the CCSPCA." Since we are no longer allowed to view, touch or photograph the animals' kennel cards thereby limiting our ability to know when the hold is up or when the CCSPCA might decide to release the animal, is the CCSPCA going to contact us? Is the CCSPCA going to make any effort to communicate with rescues at all aside from this preposterous letter? The answer is NO. This letter was written to exert control over the rescue community and, ultimately to blame us when they "have to" kill more animals.

The entire rescue community is heartbroken and outraged tonight.
The Central California SPCA has escalated their efforts to stop us from rescuing animals. Rescues throughout the Central Valley received a letter today from the CCSPCA. In no uncertain terms, this letter details the rules, regulations, procedures and demands rescues must comply with or be precluded from saving lives. Establishing rules sounds reasonable, right? Well, you haven't heard the rules yet. Over the next few days, I will be revealing to you how the CCSPCA has effectively stopped the rescue of any animal from the Slaughter House and instead, sent them to their death.
In 2011, the CCSPCA managed a pathetic 4800* adoptions on a $6 million budget. With no budget whatsoever, local rescue organizations saved nearly 3400* animals from the CCSPCA. In sharp contrast to the "care" impounded and surrendered animals receive from the CCSPCA, once in the care of the rescue organization, these animals were treated for kennel cough, distemper, parvo, demodex mange, broken limbs, eye infections, and/or upper respiratory infections. They were altered, evaluated, loved and sent on to their forever homes. These 3400 animals received a second chance at a happy life because rescue volunteers valued the animals' lives enough to spend their time and money to give them that second chance.
Now, the CCSPCA has tied our hands...

* These numbers are from the CCSPCA's workshop, presented to the Fresno City Council on December 1st, 2011.

The rescue community lost a wonderful woman and friend when Alma Kowalski died last week.

Alma was intensely passionate about the animals she worked so hard to save. You may never have heard her name as Alma was not one for attention or glory; she preferred to remain anonymous, taking solace in the knowledge that her efforts had changed the fate of another animal.

Alma selflessly lent her support to many organizations in rescue. It is impossible to measure the scope of Alma's contribution to rescue's life saving efforts. This is a VERY SMALL sampling of the lives Alma saved through her networking and sponsorship. Without Alma's compassion these animals would not be alive and happy in their forever homes today.

Services will be at Lisle Funeral Home at 1605 "L" Street, Fresno, 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, 2/16. 

There will be a brief service at the Chapel followed by burial at Clovis Cemetery. 

There will also be a potluck at Vet's Hall at 3509 N. First, Fresno, Ca. between 4 and 7.

$how Me the Money Part III: The CCSPCA Blames YOU!

In our first installment of “$how Me the Money”, CVAL revealed serious discrepancies in the intake, reclaim and euthanasia statistics reported by the CCSPCA. Unfortunately, these are the only numbers we have to work with so we will all have to pretend that they make sense. In the next installments, CVAL will show how each element of the No Kill equation is already working in the Valley WITHOUT ANY ADDITIONAL BURDEN TO THE TAXPAYER.

“$how Me the Money Part II” challenged the CCSPCA’s claim that their Rescue Department has been expanded recently and that they need additional taxpayer funds to save any more animals through this department. This segment revealed what Valley rescue organizations are truly capable of and are already doing in the Valley to save lives and reach out to the community.

For our third installment we will be examining the CCSPCA’s “Public Relations & Community Involvement” and comparing it to Kings County’s vision of Community Involvement.

The CCSPCA (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) operates on $3 million in taxpayer funds with an additional $3 million in donations. For $6 million in 2011, the CCSPCA euthanized 29716* companion animals. That’s roughly 61%* of the animals entrusted to their care. The CCSPCA** refuses to implement any of the No Kill programs until the City of Fresno grants them a half a million dollar annual pay raise. While Kings Co has a smaller intake (and a smaller budget to go along with it) their program director, Teri Rockhold has incorporated the elements of No-Kill and is affecting a change in their community. Kings Co has a lower euthanasia rate (45%) and a much more proactive Public Relations program. In fact, Kings Co is reaching out to the community and saving a larger percentage of lives after a $200,000 budget cut!

What's the Price of Compassion?

Linda Van Kirk, Executive Director of the CCSPCA opened her presentation on December 1st to the Fresno City Council by stating that the CCSPCA is a private, non-profit organization that does a “job” for the city for a fee. “We are but one of your many vendors,” Van Kirk said. The CCSPCA says that they cannot and will not implement the programs of the No Kill equation unless they receive an additional $471,000 in taxpayer money upfront with an additional $511,000 in taxpayer money annually. She then said that the high euthanasia rate is not the fault of the CCSPCA but, the fault of the community. The kicker came later when Van Kirk told the council that the CCSPCA did not want their meetings held in a “political theater” nor do they want A PUBLIC FIGURE TO SIT ON THE BOARD BECAUSE THAT WOULD OPEN THE CCSPCA TO THE BROWN ACT, which would in turn OPEN THE BOARD MEETINGS TO THE COMMUNITY.

Van kirk told Council member Oliver Baines, “We do not wish to have any public figures on our board… If there is a public entity sitting on our Board of Directors, then we fall under the Brown Act and it opens it up for the public to attend.”

Virtually every member of the City Council that addressed Van Kirk challenged the CCSPCA’s decision to exclude the community that contributes $2 million dollars annually to the organization.

Oliver Baines asked Van Kirk why the CCSPCA has chosen to close the public from their meetings. Van Kirk responded, “We want our Board meetings in a business-like fashion. We have but an hour once a month to meet and there’s no way we could do that if we opened it up to the public.” Baines pointed out that the Fresno City Council conducts their meetings in a professional manner and still remains open to the public. “We have a responsibility to our constituents as to ensure that the dollars we spend do have some transparency to them and are available for [the public’s] scrutiny…I want some more community involvement and transparency with your meeting.”

Blong Xiong emphasized that the CCSPCA has chosen to take public money and with that come certain requirements. Xiong expressed concern for the fact that the public has no recourse for addressing issues with the CCSPCA, “There has to be a participation level. For me to even consider any of this presentation…that core issue will have to be resolved…The public needs to be included.”

Clint Olivier pointed out that while the city of Fresno contributes no taxpayer money to the Chaffee Zoo, $50,000 to the Agency on Aging and nothing to the Air Board, each of these community organizations allows a member of the City Council to sit on their Board of Directors. Olivier said to Van Kirk, “I think that, especially for $2 million, this organization probably should have a seat on your Board and I join with my colleagues in calling for transparency and openness.” Councilmember Olivier followed up his remarks with a letter to the editor on December 21st in the Fresno Bee.

Lee Brand simply said, “Any time an agency accepts public funding it should have an open meeting.”

The CCSPCA’s answer to the members of City Council was published recently. 

In other words, nothing will change. 

The public will continue to foot the bill for the CCSPCA’s lack of compassion and unwillingness to try anything new. The public will continue to be shut out.

In short, the CCSPCA ignored the council’s mandate for transparency and accountability to the community and instead blamed the community in one breath and shut them out from being a part of the solution in another. 

You're Being Blamed...Ask For A Refund

According to the Workshop submitted by the CCSPCA, the organization received over 48,000* animals in 2010 from the community. That’s a large number and blaming a community that is over breeding their pits and Chihuahuas, allowing them to run loose seems like a justifiable scapegoat, right?

Wrong. 

Here’s why: 

It is the responsibility and the mission of The CCSPCA to educate the community. 

Just to name a few educational topics: 

• The importance of Spay & Neuter
• Pet vaccines and health maintenance
• Training- general obedience, crate training, house training
• Puppy care
• Cost of caring for and maintaining a pet
• What to do when a pet is lost- the CCSPCA website provides excuses for their high fees and the ultimate murder of your lost pet but, it doesn't tell you that you should check the shelter every other day or that there are 13 places you should check.

When Ms. Van Kirk closed the Board of Director’s meeting to the public in the spring, she completely shut the public out of having any input in an organization that kills over 60%* of companion animals entering the CCSPCA annually. The public may not have any say in what goes on but, they’re still paying for it:

• $2 million annually from Fresno City
• $1 million annually from Fresno County
• $3 million from general donations (adoptions, cash and in kind donations)

If the CCSPCA can’t offer simple education to their adopters and customers, one has to ask, “Is the CCSPCA mismanaging the taxpayer’s funds?” We already know that they mismanage and waste their resources. Neither the City of Fresno nor the taxpayers are getting what they pay for from this “vendor”. Despite receiving $3 million annually in taxpayer money, the CCSPCA simply does not do enough to educate the community. The CCSPCA claims that they, “constantly strive to increase outreach and public relations” through these programs:

• All Dogs Can Bite & Good Pet Citizenship classes- Has your child attended one of these classes? I have three children in school and year after year, Ms. Caffrey (CCSPCA Humane Education Director) fails to educate any of my children on animal compassion or safety.
• Spay Fresno- Ever heard of this? Ever seen this advertised anywhere like, in low income neighborhoods maybe? Did you follow the link? Any idea if you qualify? Of course not since writing a simple webpage in order to inform community members in need is not a priority at the CCSPCA.
• Low cost microchipping- The term “low cost” is subjective, I suppose but, charging people $30 to microchip is not what I would consider low cost. Most rescues will do it for $20 or less. This is not helping the community.

• Animals seen on TV- Besides stroking the ego of the overpaid Humane Education Director and her daughter, what does taking one or two animals (out of 400 daily) on TV really do? Let’s be honest, the animals that go on TV are not a true representation of what the public will find when they visit the CCSPCA to adopt. Ms. Caffrey and her daughter usually choose either a puppy or a purebred dog, wash it, and groom it before featuring it. What the public will find when visiting the CCSPCA is filthy, matted, depressed animals sleeping in their own waste. It’s no wonder their adoption rate is a pathetic 10%. The TV spots aren’t helping much if at all. Try taking some stray animals on TV. Get them home.
• Radio- Well, everyone loves Ray Appleton and I have personally seen the results of his satellite shows so, kudos to Grace for getting that done as often as she does. Otherwise, it’s radio, you can’t see the animal! Once again, the CCSPCA is wasting an educational opportunity. Use these radio spots to get the word out about Spay Fresno, what to do if you lose your pet, training, volunteering, rescue, vaccine clinics…the possibilities are endless.
• Free Dog training- Ever heard of this? Again, of course not! (By the way, Humane Education Dept, if you’re not going to answer the phone when a customer calls for more information (559.233.0115) the least you could do is update your outgoing message. We all know you were kicked out of Riverpark nearly a YEAR ago!) If the community doesn’t know about it, it’s not helping.
• Vaccinations clinics- No information on pricing can be found on the website. I had to call (559.237.1125). A parvo vaccine (your pet needs a booster of this yearly) is $19 (HOPE offers this for $15) and a Rabies vaccine (1/3 year booster) is $9. Giving credit where credit is due, these are actually reasonable prices but, these are only valid on the clinic days.
• Press releases- On what? They’re certainly not alerting the press to the abhorrent conditions at the Slaughter House, they’re not asking for help with rescue or transport- Oh, that’s right, press releases asking for more money. Where is that money going? There are no obvious signs that it’s going towards the CCSPCA mission.
• Facebook- Has anyone visited their Facebook page? Ever tried to ask a question? Ever noticed the animals featured or the pictures (are you seeing a pattern yet)? Just for perspective’s sake, there are about 400 animals at the shelter on any given day. How many animals are featured on the CCSPCA Facebook page daily? (hint: get more volunteers!)
• Website- The CCSPCA website is one of their most underutilized resources. I attempted to use the website to gather this information. For the most part, additional research was required. Again, that is not helping the community. Most people will not go to the extra trouble of finding the answer themselves.

The community members in Fresno County have not been given the information or the tools to make informed decisions, to move forward in compassion. The cost of altering a pet at the George Whittell hospital (the for profit hospital sitting on the CCSPCA property) is one of the highest in town (starting at over $100). This alone is doing nothing to help a struggling community with an over population of companion animals. Since it is a for profit hospital, no other, low cost or free options for spay/neuter and vaccines (such as the HOPE Foundation or VIP) are given to pet owners who cannot afford their prices. A community member that receives no help or guidance from the CCSPCA will most likely not know where else to look and:
• Their pets will remain unvaccinated and unaltered.
• They themselves will remain uneducated.
• When their female pet eventually becomes pregnant, the puppies/kittens will be given away unaltered or surrendered to the shelter to be killed. Is this cost effective?
• When their male pet is caught roaming at large in search of a female in heat, it will be impounded, the family will not be able to reclaim the animal because of the ridiculous fees (often in excess of $300). The animal will still be killed. Is this cost effective?

An Alternate Approach
At Kings Co Animal Services (which is also an open door shelter), Teri Rockhold is taking a very different approach to community involvement. Rather than closing the public out, she and her staff are working their collective butts off educating them. When asked recently what impact Gov. Brown’s repeal of the Hayden Act (making it mandatory for shelters to hold stray animals for a minimum of 72 hours) would have on animals services in Kings Co, Teri Rockhold replied, “Well....good question. I can tell you that KCAS will still be in the business of "sheltering" (in the true sense of the word) the animals of KC. Moving them out ALIVE will always be the goal. If all mandates are lifted, we'll figure out a way to do business as usual. Though the state may move backward, KCAS will not. Old school animal control, with or without state support, cannot continue to be the status quo.”

Kings Co Animal Servicesis taking every step imaginable to educate and embrace their community members. Along the way, they’re saving more lives:
• Free spay/neuter programs
• Adopt your dog instead of reclaiming- this makes it possible for pet owners who cannot afford the reclaim fee to recover their beloved companion animal. CCSPCA would rather kill it.
• Hanford Mall adoption center- in addition to offering offsite adoption events, KCAS allows high school kids to work for their "volunteer hours".
• KCAS helps owners get their animals back by going to people's homes to discuss why they haven't reclaimed their dog.
• KCAS visits local school sites whenever requested.
• KCAS attends the annual "Farm Day" educational fair for 3rd graders at the fairgrounds.
• KCAS holds citations so that people can do the right thing instead of being punished for codes they didn't know existed.
• KCAS holds "carnivals" in targeted areas to help feed, educate, and vaccinate Kings Co’s companion animals and their humans.
• Then there's the open door policy to the public and rescue organizations. 

We talk about the “No Kill Equation” but, really most of these programs are just common sense:
1. Owners want their dog back? Why not find a way to make that happen and decrease the likelihood that the dog will be at large again by altering it (altered dogs are less likely to roam)?
2. Owners can’t afford to reclaim their dog but they were responsible enough to search for their dog? Again, why not find a way to make it affordable AND send it home altered?
3. Owners don’t know the rules and regulations regarding owning a pet? Let’s educate them rather than seizing their animal and killing it.
4. Owners don’t know the proper care/maintenance schedule for a pet? How about holding fairs in order to educate them and future generations while at the same time making the community safer with healthier animals?

I could go on and on… There is a better way to battle the pet overpopulation than killing 61%* of them. We are capable of finding and implementing that better way but, we must take that first step forward. We must be ready and willing to think outside the box and find a way. The community must be involved, yes. They must first be educated on the problem and the solution. We cannot responsibly blame our community for the overpopulation until we have given them the information and the tools to make different and better decisions.

*These numbers and percentages are based on figures retrieved from the CCSPCA's City Council Workshop and published in the first “$how Me the Money”. We have already discussed that the numbers don’t make sense- it’s all we’ve got, though.
**Every reference to "the CCSPCA" is referring to those in power, namely the Board of Directors. Overall, the employees at the CCSPCA are good people working for a bad company. The employees deserve our support. We are not only trying to bring No Kill to Fresno for the animals of the Central Valley, but for the people, too.