Attention humans - VOTE

imagine if we all could vote

We the people have the power of our vote, our buying choices and our freedoms to believe in and express our opinions, and the ability to make change. Apathy, ignorance and opting out, weaken that power. The candidates and issues that we choose to support, whether locally or nationally, affect us, our pets, the planet, and the quality of our lives.

Whether you are for or against expanding the cage size of confined animals, decide to purchase or not to purchase a designer dog, or select a candidate of your choosing - you must weigh in. Deciding these things is our superpower.

Please, stay informed, get involved and participate.

What do Putin, a dog named Blue and a Teacup have in common?

I wrote this book to address the international epidemic of  breeding and trafficking in "Instagram worthy" mutts. No matter how many thousands of dollars or pounds you spent on a puggle - you bought a mutt. My hope is that everyone who likes dogs, knows someone who wants a dog, and all who rejects gratuitous cruelty, will read this book and advocate for the original, organic and unique dogs already waiting for you in shelters everywhere. The book is not scary or depressing but rather calls on us together to improve the lives of dogs everywhere.

I am donating the majority of the proceeds to spcaLA because without spcaLA there would be no book. You can also learn more about the book here. 

Thank you in advance for your interest!

Just released: WE ARE ONE - the film

As  we approach a holiday weekend, allow me to suggest the documentary film We Are One directed by Kevin Mukherji and narrated by Forest Whitaker.

Yes, I am in it, but so is Harold Ramis, Jimmy Carter, Maneka Gandhi, and many more. This film has already won honors in the Calcutta film festival and developing a buzz.

It is about the interconnections between animal cruelty, the environment, war and abuses of power. In my humble opinion, it is also about the dangers of damning science and lauding ignorance.

The film is about 90 minutes long and available now on Amazon Prime Video.

Let me know what you think.

Rescuing that which needs no rescue is what??

Your spcaLA had 2 French Bulldogs in fine condition that were available for adoption. There was no doubt that these dogs would be instantly adopted, both because the breed is popular and because the shelter price is thousands below their commercial market price. A bunch of questionable adopters flooded the shelter, who in fact, proved to be rescues, pretending to be "civilians" who wanted to flip the dogs for a high profit. They were, of course, busted and denied. First, your spcaLA is one of the preeminent rescue organizations in the country, among other things, second, these dogs didn't need help getting adopted or extra care, and third, why should we be complicit in their plan to cheat an adopter? When asked by our staff if they would, instead, like to help us by rescuing some of our long timers or dogs needing extra help and medical care out of the shelter - not a one offered. They only wanted to help where no help was needed to further their own greedy agendas.

There is a lot of buzz out there about fake animal rescue groups, corrupt rescue groups and the ideologues behind them. These all need to be exposed for what they are, and if possible stopped.

You, as consumers, potential adopters and stand up citizens need also be warned about legitimate groups who are interested in monetizing shelter animals, or flipping them for high profit as one would a house, a practice as remote from the original purposes of a rescue as possible. The result, is that you can pay an exorbitant markup for dog that was in the shelter with no attendant benefit to the dog or the shelter should you deal with the wrong group. To put it bluntly, offering to rescue one that needs no rescuing at all, or offering the wrong thing, like a sandwich to a drowning victim, is not only not a rescue but a boldface attempt to rip off a consumer who either donates to them or adopts from them.

To those rescue organizations that we do work with and who truly help, please accept my thanks and apologies that you have to see this. These genuine entities help with animals that need long term veterinary care and extra socialization, often beyond the capabilities of a shelter. These heroes also understand that the priority is always to place the pet with a family first rather than another holding situation.

We need to shun the impostors, posers, crooks and grifters and expose them from under any rock from which they surface.

If I am drowning, please throw me a line, not a sandwich. If I am peacefully floating, let me be.

Lorenzo's Oil Moments ...

The 1992 film Lorenzo's Oil is about a boy, Lorenzo, who was diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a neurological disease, which is usually fatal within 2 years. Dissatisfied with medical experts who saw no hope or relief, Lorenzo's parents tirelessly researched, scoured the world and developed a homemade oil that provided relief to the child and prolonged his life until age 30. 

I am seeing the same spirit in pet owners determined to make their pets happy and comfortable by inventing for their pets, that which is unavailable in the established public marketplace. It is truly amazing! Here are just 2 examples.

Two of our adopters fell in love with an "underdog" at our shelter. "Underdogs", are dogs who are over 6 years old or who have been our guests for over 3 months and who we specially promote to stimulate interest in them. Once home, the adopters felt the dog was not eating enough of any food to thrive properly. They were determined to help their new family member and created treats from original recipes with all natural ingredients and USDA certified meats.  Miraculously, the dog loved them! Of course, they then created a company, The Urban Sidekick, so they could share this product with the world. Additionally, these adopters, who want to help other dogs find good homes, promote adoptions and sponsor the adoption fees of one spcaLA "underdog" a month! 

I met another pet owner who loves Collies. Collies, like many dogs can suffer from digestive upsets. Not happy with existing fiber supplements on the market, he looked at what helped people with similar discomforts and developed a homemade recipe for his dog. This concoction resulted in much relief and success for his dog. This pet lover also created a company, Fiber for Dogs to share this solution with dogs everywhere who were having similar issues. 

 This is particularly impressive as these are not products propelled by celebrity fame, branding and funding, but rather, like Lorenzo's parents, these were created out of necessity, love and a determination to make their own pets feel better when there was nothing else that could or would.

In my humble opinion, this is entrepreneurship at its finest!

The "Pick Your Price" Adoption Episode.

Paris and new mom

Your spcaLA just concluded a five day "Pick your Price" adoption event, where adopters chose their pet and paid what they thought was reasonable, be it one, or one million dollars. Though many thought I had lost my mind, and I did not actually disagree, the results were positive, and downright astounding. Over ninety animals were adopted during this few day period and, remarkably, most adopters paid close to or over our regular adoption fees. Also interesting, was that people did this at a time when the government shelters and a few private ones were giving away their pets for free during the same period!

Pepsi,Sprite,Fanta and new mom

I chose a few highlights to illustrate the mindfulness that went into these decisions. Sapphire, a dog diagnosed with cancer, and a more difficult path to a home, was adopted for one dollar by someone wanting to care for her and give her the opportunity to live out the remainder of her life in a loving home. Paris, was with us for several months. She had medical issues which made her difficult to adopt. She was adopted for virtually twice our  fees as her new family wanted to thank us for all the care and efforts expended locating a suitable home for her. Finally, someone adopted a set of triplet kittens, Pepsi, Sprite and Fanta, that the new family did not want to separate and offered our customary special price for two!

The fees proffered were deliberative, caring, tailored to each animal and fair which, in my book, is a testament to the greatness of human nature in general, and, specifically to the kindness of our constituents. Speaking, of the "kindness of strangers", Chadwick, a dog who was with us for over a year, and Frank, a dog who was with us a few months but was deaf and had medical issues, benefited from random acts of compassion, "paying it forward", as their adoption fees were already paid in advance by others who just wanted to help.

Allow me to be the first to say "thank you".

School fails test for care of class pet

At the close of this school year, a Hawthorne High School teacher surrendered a classroom rabbit, into our shelter as there was no one available to provide him a home for the summer. The rabbit was suffering from very obvious conjunctivitis in both eyes, ocular discharge that was stuck to his hair, dental disease, and other medical problems. His cage was quite filthy and we don’t know if the proper diet, (important for teeth and overall health) and appropriate medical care was provided to this rabbit while in custody of the school.

Notwithstanding the fact that the California Penal Code considers it a misdemeanor or felony to act, omit to act, or permit an action or omission to occur in the care of an animal, what lesson is being taught to the students? I can answer that question – a bad one.  A lesson that sanctions irresponsible behavior, that demonstrates a lack of empathy for another sentient being, that permits the infliction of suffering and pain on one dependent on the school for care and protection, and overlooks actions that are against the law. The lesson further teaches students that it is okay to use a pet and then discard him when he becomes inconvenient rather than teaching responsibility and the honoring of commitments. 

To make matters worse, this poor conduct is being mentored and tolerated by school officials, the very people who should be mentoring the opposite. There should be no pets in classrooms absent a plan for the proper care, medical checkups, stress relief protocols, husbandry and diet. This plan must be documented and enforced.

Without this, the students will learn the opposite of what they should learn from the experience of having a pet. This is far worse than learning nothing at all.

        "The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values." William S. Burroughs

P.S. We are, of course, in touch with the school district. If you would like to offer your opinion, respectfully and civilly, on this -  the Principal can be reached at LandesfeindV@centinela.k12.ca.us and the District Superintendent can be reached at OBrienG@centinela.k12.ca.us

The kindness of strangers ...

spcaLA

We recently had a successful pet adoption festival. Lots of booths, food, activities and new homes for pets. That said, an amazing thing happened. People were coming in and "paying it forward". In other words, paying an adoption fee, anonymously, for a stranger. For example, one who recently adopted one of our cruelty victims came to the festival and paid the fees for someone else, (this made our humane officer, who saved the abused pet tear up), a volunteer working the event did the same, and numerous unrelated others did so as well. I was astonished and joined our officer in a cry fest. My shelter staff told me that this has been happening a lot recently.

Those of you who know me, and my career choices, can vouch for the fact that I often have low expectations of human nature. I have never been so happy to be proven wrong!

Me of little faith stands humbled.

Thank you spcaLA staff, volunteers and supporters. You're the best!

Come on MLB - no tormenting wildlife in baseball.

During a rain delay at Comerica Stadium in Detroit a goose flew into the scoreboard. The crew, in an attempt to motivate the goose to fly away, set off fire crackers at him, chased him and ultimately caused him to crash into an LED board and fall 2 levels. Fortunately, there was a veterinarian in the stands who helped the goose and arranged for his safe transport to a wildlife sanctuary.

Major League Baseball should institute, mandate and demand humane practices and protocols to handle a wildlife visit on the field. Birds, squirrels, geese and others have long been guests at stadiums and are even showcased on the video screen between innings for fan entertainment.

Throwing firecrackers and otherwise tormenting wildlife is not the message we want to convey to our children, is surely not family entertainment, and a statement to that effect should be issued and reinforced by MLB post haste. 

As stated by Bob Talbert "Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best".

Use of force simulator next step in assisting law enforcement with pet encounters

Statistics indicate that 70% of shots fired by law enforcement are at animals, mostly family pets, then wildlife. In response to a highly publicized shooting of a dog in Hawthorne California, spcaLA developed a course, certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Training and Standards, to assist officers in avoiding lethal force where possible thus enhancing the safety of pets, the officers and members of the public at or near the incident.  

We just announced the next step of this training which, in concert with the National Canine Research Council (NCRC) and MILO Range, is an interactive training using a force option simulator. This 21st century training will transform the way that law enforcement interacts with dogs—tremendously enhancing safety for the officers, the animals and the public.

Additionally, this program will be unique in that, unlike other simulator programs, we are using family pets in the simulations and NOT trained police dogs or animals actors. No trainer can tell a dog to pretend to be a household pet, nor it is fair to the officers to provide such inadequate training and put them back in the field. 

It goes without saying that we will be using the best credible science available in the development of this interactive curriculum.

There are times that an officer must use lethal force to protect him or herself. Where the officers find themselves criminally and/or civilly liable is when the justification for lethal force is not present. When this happens, everyone suffers.

Our collective intention is to make sure that this doesn’t happen.

Loving a pet is not a disability

courtesy google images

UPDATE: American Airlines has now joined other airlines in restricting "emotional support" animals on planes.

Back in April of 2011 the misuse of "service" and "emotional support" pets was spiraling out of control. At that time the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) shrunk the definitions of permissible service animals to dogs and miniature horses which negatively impacted those relying on other animals to assist with their disabilities. Additionally, states enacted their own definitions of "service" and "emotional support" animals and mandated criteria for each. Sadly, in lieu of compliance, an industry of fraud was born to capitalize on the fact that people wanted to take their pets everywhere. Service and support dog vests, tags, and scarves in assorted colors and styles materialized on the internet, sales of "doctors' notes" for $1200 and up could likewise be obtained, and people took advantage of the fact that most places would rather not engage in interrogating a person seeking the shelter of our disability statutes. Predictably, the situation spun out of control as people asked to board a plane with a peacock, demanded that their dog accompany them on a ferris wheel (I was there for that!) and generally tested the public's tolerance, both of pet lovers and haters alike, to suffer pets everywhere. Suffer, because the majority of these pets are not skilled helpers but rather just the goofy family pet who is forced to be in places that he or she finds scary and intolerable.

I love the emotional support of having my dogs with me at the office or where appropriate. That does not magically turn my dog into a legal emotional support dog. As President of spcaLA I want everyone to understand and benefit from the intense human animal bond and bring a pet into the family for all the attendant emotional benefits. That is because we all have the capacity for love and not because we all share a diagnosis rendering us disabled under the law.

In 2011 I warned that continued abuse of these laws would lead to severe and additional backlashes which would impact negatively on those with bona fide and true needs for these animals. Now, due the level of fraud surrounding these animals, the uptick in bites, the complaints of those allergic to or frightened of these pets, 21 states have either enacted or are exploring new laws to address this and criminalize such behavior while airlines are also adjusting their policies and documentation requirements to bring a pet on board.

All of the above will hurt both those legitimately disabled as their options narrow,
those of us always seeking appropriate places to bring the family pet, and our pets who find themselves in horrifying situations where they can't succeed. Wanting to be with your pet is a symptom of love not of a disability. Let's make sure those who truly need service and support dogs have as much freedom to do so, while the rest of us be mindful of their needs and act accordingly.

Would you stop at a red light at 3 AM on a deserted street?

There has been a lot of discussion in the public square about the meaning of ethical leadership, or what is a true leader -  and is the presumption of morality implied in the definition. I muse about this as I am in a leadership position and frequently observe colleagues, politicians and read about the subject. There is a difference between being in charge and being a leader. Keeping the trains running on time feels different than motivating people to want to keep them running in concert with a particular set of ethics, moral standards and corporate or tribal culture. Sustaining vibrancy, loyalty, curiosity and a productive work ethic is the challenge. It is easier to use an authoritarian management or military style as it requires that your "followers" simply follow orders. As someone never known for following orders I always wondered if those that did wanted to do so as they believed in the leader, or they believed in the construct of the organization, or, if it was just easier. Easier in that no independent thought, decisions or friction was involved. Conversely, and particularly in a mission based organization, presiding over independent theorists, highly opinionated thinkers, and, in some cases radical ideologues can be more akin to refereeing a brawl or presiding over a vibrant, cohesive forward thinking successful organization. How do we get to the latter?

I think the secret sauce is trust in the ethical reliability of the leader, freedom to express dissenting opinions, belief that the leader believes in the mission of the company and safety in that the leader has everyone's back in good and bad times. Finally, evidence that the leader, is in fact, not just a follower and unworthy of earned respect.

It is important to get this right because the reality is that leaders, both good and bad, mold and mentor a lot of minds. As Tom Peters said "Leaders don't create more followers, they create more leaders". When my son was in grade school he had a trading card that belonged to a friend in his pocket, which he forgot was there, and jumped into a pool, ruining the card. He was distraught, thought he should say nothing as he knew his friend had a lot of these cards and wouldn't notice that this one was not returned, but he spoke to me first. He wanted to know what I thought the right thing to do was, how people learn that without asking their mom, and, what real ethical behavior looks like. I asked him if he thought a person should stop at a red light, in the middle of the night, when no one else was watching. His little face lit up, he showed his friend the wet card and apologized. His friend neither remembered that my son had the card nor did he care! But my son felt better and liberated from his burden. Imagine my shock when years later, he recounted this in his college application essay.

I write because I am troubled by things I am seeing in the Animal Welfare Field.

        If a politician tells you the city needs to be no kill by a certain date - do you stop taking animals in need into the shelter, dump shelter animals into unsavory hands, and /or fudge statistics to appear to meet that goal- or do you explain that we all share these goals, that these things take time, that you are the expert and lying to the people and donors never solved anything long term. In fact, lying digs a deeper hole than the one you're already in.

       If a donor tells you to go to another country and bring in high profile animals to your shelter for publicity and donations, and you know doing so would not be in the best interests of your animals and organization - do you say no and explain why or do you do it, suffer the bad consequences which cost you more in funds and credibility than the donor could ever provide.

       If activists hear about a program, like play groups for shelter dogs, kick up a media storm insisting that you are incompetent if you don't do it, maybe even offer to fund it - do you explain that you don't have the personnel to manage it safely and effectively, or do you just do it while dogs get beaten up and molested by the pack because you lack the trained personnel to handle these groups safely.

       Do you self-deal or decide to act or not act based upon your best interests rather than that of your organization.

Entering into Faustian bargains for an immediate short term solution usually leaves the leader with a larger future problem and no soul. Often that type of leader blames his people for the failure. It certainly won't inspire trust, loyalty, productivity, optimism, and excellence from the staff or the community. If anything, all they see is a weak follower.

Would you stop at a red light at 3 AM on a deserted street?



                  "A leader is not an administrator who loves to run others, but someone who carries water for his people so that they can get on with their jobs." Robert Townsend

Warning - Demand for puppy mill animals created by "rescues"

There has been more attention paid to alleged "rescues" and sham non-profits stealing funds from kindhearted people who wish to help animals in need and who are actually in financial cahoots with puppy mill breeders and for profit commercial dealers. Many of these "sham artists" purchase dogs from these mills, and posing as "rescues" sell them at high prices to those philanthropically motivated to pay those prices believing that they are helping a charity and furthering a mission of mercy.

In California, the Los Angeles District Attorney issued a rare Fraud Alert,  the California Attorney General has been working tirelessly to expose these pretend charities, investigative reporters have been turning over rocks under which such scams are revealed, and the Washington Post  wrote an in depth article about "rescues" purchasing from puppy mills rather than helping animal shelters place existing homeless animals.

To make matters worse, ignorant politicians, in an effort to reach unrealistic and arbitrary low euthanasia goals, routinely aid and abet this problem and are thereby directly responsible for causing pain and suffering to animals. For example, in Los Angeles, the Animal Welfare Committee led by Paul Koretz has yet to enact anything that not only doesn't harm animals but actually helps them. His solution for everything is to keep animals out of the shelters by manipulating pet limits, zoning ordinances, and redefining terms like "pet shop", the upshot being more pets are stashed around the city in the hands of sham rescues living in airline crates, or, handed over to individuals living in squalid hoarding conditions. These animals suffer horribly for years at a time out of sight of law enforcement or a kind soul to provide relief. These are exactly the conditions that allow these "rescues" to purchase, store and sell puppies from mills who have already suffered enough at the hands of financially motivated breeders and dealers.

People - please -
                   
                    these "rescues" and self-promoting politicians are working against their shelters by increasing demand for puppy mill animals rather than encouraging the populace to adopt from a shelter.

                    these "rescues" and ignorant politicians are doing nothing to improve the health and husbandry of our pets, but only changing their location, often for the worse.

           
                     these bad actors may often be committing all kinds of larceny and fraud as to their charity status, the origin of the pet and the existence of vaccines, veterinary care and other required documentation.


Finally, we can never win the pet overpopulation war and find every adoptable and treatable pet a home if we don't pay attention to what we are purchasing and who we really are electing. We must be vigilant and focus on what we see and facts, rather than what we are told by those who want to make a profit or get our vote.

Ban on bringing elephant parts into U.S. rescinded

courtesy google images 

We were horrified to see that the ban on bringing elephant parts into the United States has been rescinded which would allow trophy hunters, "poachers" and others to bring the heads, tails, tusks, feet, of elephants into this country for bragging rights. 

Your spcaLA has been fighting for the humane treatment of elephants and other endangered and protected species, and against the cowardly, barbaric and uncivilized "sport" of mutilating and torturing animals since our inception in 1877.

We, of course have issued a statement against this action, and urge a reinstatement of the ban.

Also today, California, State Senator Henry Stern announced that he is considering legislative action, in concert with animal welfare advocates, to prevent the possession of elephant trophies in California. Californians can find their representatives to express support at www.govtrack.us/congress/members.

Furthermore, Americans who are concerned about the slaughter of elephants for their parts can contact their members of Congress (www.govtrack.us/congress/members) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service at www.fws.gov to express said concerns.

Is it just me, or does this feel like this came about because a couple of whiny spoiled kids desperately need to show their daddy what they did and make him proud? Are we proud?

When Sexual Harassment Occurs at a Charity

Sexual harassment, in its many forms is an abuse of power that gratifies the harasser, but, is also always accompanied by a demand for secrecy. Typically, the threat takes the form of "if you tell, then terrible things will happen to you" or, "tell whoever you want because you won't be believed".  Victims, women, men, children, often accede to silence as the disparity in power is real, people don't listen, and one could try to fight and still be shoved to the curb, blackballed as a trouble maker, and viewed as a victim of hysterical and wishful fantasies.

What happens when the work place is a mission driven charity? 

In assorted accounts of the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) sexual harassment scandal it was revealed that victims were also told to stay mum lest they hurt the movement or cause suffering to animals. This is coercion on steroids as presumably the belief in the mission of the organization is the tie that binds victim and abuser together. It is holding an innocent, or vulnerable living thing hostage, to be harmed if you speak out. Imagine telling someone in a pro-life organization that if they report harassment and disrupt the work and reputation of the company babies will die. Imagine the same regarding AIDS work, child abuse, bullying prevention, or the care of veterans. Of course, one could posit that taking down someone like Harvey Weinstein could negatively affect his capacity for philanthropic giving. True, but his victims may not share his charitable leanings, let alone, be working for said charity.

In other words, you must be groped for the greater good. Truly horrifying. It is unconscionable and a level of harassment that must not go unnoticed. 

spcaLA has always sought to speak for those most easily exploited and abused. In 1877, we incorporated to not only protect animals but also women and children. At the time, all were considered property under the law.

For 140 years, spcaLA has been independently serving the Southern California community. We are not an affiliate or chapter of HSUS, nor any other spca or humane society.

Your spcaLA is in the business of preventing cruelty, which includes abuses of power in all forms. 

Why would you punch a police horse and other musings from "she who is pushing a boulder uphill"

courtesy Google Images

In an effort to spare lobsters from pain, authorities in Switzerland have deemed it illegal to toss a live lobster into boiling water. Regardless of your opinion of this, the effort represents a trend of mindfulness of the suffering of sentient beings and a movement toward kindness to and mercy for animals.

Yet, for the second consecutive week, a Philadelphia Eagles fan punched a police horse, respectively, in the shoulder, face and neck when asked to disperse. This is already behavior that is against the law, and they were each arrested, but in a world where global efforts to protect animals are prevalent, some still take out their anger on animals, significant others and children.

One step up the hill and two steps back.


In recognition of the human animal bond, and the value that people derive from service, emotional support animals and family pets, laws are changing to allow more shared activities, as well as opportunities to travel with, dine out with and live with pets in contravention of "no pets" clauses.

As a result, there is now an epidemic of impostor service dogs, pretend support dogs and general hubris at the expense of those who truly need these dogs and the general public at large. Of course there is a corresponding lucrative industry of fake vests, certificates and medical vouchers available for purchase to anyone at all. After a 70 pound dog, claimed as an emotional support dog, bit a passenger, twice, in the face on a Delta flight, Delta is instituting new rules before such a dog can board their planes. Besides a health statement Delta will now require a certification of the dog's ability to behave. Since more "emotional support" dogs have materialized, there has been a parallel increase of bites, peeing, pooping and other accidents on planes primarily because people refuse to be mindful of others and want a bulkhead or free upgrade for themselves and their "service" pet.  The backlash will hurt everyone, including the exploited pet. After all, what could happen to the pet, without whom you can't travel, if he or she bites someone? Besides liability exposure, the life of your pet can be put at risk.

One step up the hill and five steps back.

If you can hear me from underneath my boulder, please, a little less self-service and a lot more community service would be much appreciated. Some kindness and empathy would not hurt either.


See you at the top of the hill!

The Focus on Optics is Really a Polite Way to Opt Out

A colleague sent me an article about an 81-year old veteran, dehydrated, malnourished, with ulcerated skin and broken ribs, who needed to be admitted to the local veterans hospital. After keeping him waiting for 9 hours, and despite the availability of beds and the recommendations to admit him by the medical staff, the hospital administrator denied him admission due to ratings and statistical concerns. Fewer patients, yield fewer bad outcomes, and result in an appearance of more favorable good outcome percentages. The colleague was wondering if this "business" sounded familiar to me in the animal welfare world.

Sadly, it is a familiar problem in the animal business. Does an empty cage mean that no animal needs shelter, or rather, that there is an organized effort to keep numbers down so percentages of adoptions appear higher and euthanasia numbers are lower?  The constant susurrus of verbal directives to deliberately reduce intake of strays, to re-characterize stray cats as "community pets" thus leaving them in the streets, to drive through the night and dump animals brought to the shelter back into neighborhoods, and to not do the hard work to properly manage the husbandry and health of the animal population, all keeps pets away from essential care while creating the "optics" of success or lies politicians and administrators love to tell.

The above efforts are further augmented by schemes to alter zoning laws, redefine pet stores and increase personal pet limits, all designed to deny animals admission and abdicate the responsibility and public reliance of and in the shelters. The crown jewel of this process is the massaging and manipulation of statistics to create the appearance of success in dark contrast to the reality. Imagine the result if some of this energy were used to actually solve the problems and provide care where needed.

I have written before with disgust how poorly, we, society, treat our vulnerable residents. Whether the reasons are apathy, sadism, doctrinal (as in Ayn Rand capitalism) or ignorance, there is no shortage of suffering in the news. Veterans are ignored, children starve, the sick can't get help, and injured stray pets die on the streets, while others crow about their statistical success rates and lie that the problems are solved. The common denominator between these industries, whether a government or private entity, is that the pressure to appear competent, to earn more funding, not only causes a distortion in reality, but actual harm. In other words, optics over achievement. An appearance of success that masks failure.

The focus on optics is nothing more than a premeditated and malevolent plan of opting out.

The danger here, is that when the common fiction is such that we believe the problem is solved, there isn't a chance in hell that help will arrive. Be forewarned that this can backfire - why provide resources to solve a solved problem?

The door is slamming on all of us.