Help is NOT on the Way.

At 11:09 AM on Sunday, July 24, 2011 an email went out to the Alamo Area Partners for Animal Welfare's Yahoo message board, that a pit bull had been tied with a short chain in front of a thrift store on Rigsby and had given birth to seven puppies.  The information came from a woman who had first seen the animal on Wednesday and reported it to 311.  In the subsequent days it was again reported to 311 as well as SAPD who said they would relay the message to ACS.  Still no one came to help.  The mama pitty was naturally protective of her pups and the woman and the owner of the store were too frightened to get close and free her. They pushed food and water close to her and tried desperately to find someone to assist. 

Within one hour of being notified, members of the rescue community had mobilized, alerted the media and planned to meet the news stations there at 1:00 PM.  Imagine everyone's surprise when, after five days of calls with no response, a truck from ACS showed up at the exact same time as the media and rescuers.  Of course, by this time half of the puppies were dead.

ACS employees, board members and volunteers have access to the message board and it was only after a private call for help went out and it was learned that the media would be involved that anyone from that agency was sent out to help. 

Kens 5 Story

How can we educate people in this City that animals matter, that pets are not disposable, when the agency responsible for their welfare doesn't think even seem to care.

My rescue recently took in a chihuahua mix with severe burns on her back. She was chained in a yard with no shade and had received no medical treatment for her severe injury, allowing infection to fester.  I was told we should have called ACS and allowed them to open a cruelty investigation, but with their response times, history of failing to properly care for animals and widespread disease at their facility, I didn't feel this little girl would survive ACS' "help".  So the people that hurt Audrey will go unpunished, but I refuse to take the blame.  The system is broken, the animals are suffering and the City management that allows this to continue is at fault.