On 04/20/2009 dawn said: thank you ellen!will look forward to hearing more about the upcoming protest. As much as I realize that we all have lives and that life does indeed move forward, this is a situation that we cannont in good consicience allow to become yesterday's news. As the Beatles said, 'take a sad song and make it better............'
And thank you one and all for caring!!! |
On 04/18/2009 Ellen Weinstock said: working it outDawn, Diana, Sue and others: Thanks so much for keeping the issue alive here and elsewhere! Yes, I am working to pull together a protest at the Walk for Animals on May 2. Please save the date! Will post more info here SOON. |
On 04/16/2009 dawn said: picketing the big walkI am still willing and able to help picket the Humane Society's walk. Is anyone coordinating any activity on this? Has anyone at all heard if any of our picketing and letter writing campaign has done good at all to oust Janelle Dixon? I would love to hear of any progress being made on this. |
On 03/31/2009 Diana said: protestingi think protesting at the walk for animals would be a fantastic idea. or even Ellen's idea of broadcasting animals being euthanized on a big TV projection truck. noone wants to see that, me included, but i think it could create some serious progress. I coordinated the first 2 and co-coordinated the last one. With Colleen's help we can definitely get the word out about a protest during their walk. I'm just so disraught about this whole sick mess. I sent a very well written letter to EVERY MEMBER of the board of directors and a letter to Janelle herself, c/o the humane society and received not ONE reply. this is just so sad. and i am seeing advertisement for their walk EVERYWHERE.
my roommate had a party after his cat was put down, mainly to cover the cost of putting the cat down, but he had $350 extra dollars, which he donated to the Henn. HS. so about two weeks ago, he recieved a card, reminding of the walk and asking "if you could possibly enclose $300 or more, the animals would so appreciate it" signed by Janelle herself. i think this is just twisted. they should be asking for any little bit that helps. he will not be donating again. |
On 03/16/2009 Trish said: Dear Janellehttp://minneapolis.craigslist.org/rnr/1077877912.html |
On 03/10/2009 dawn said: are there going to be any more protests/picketing at the GVHS? If so, I would be happy to participate along with the walk in May. Sue-I think you may be the lady that my friend Sue and I were talking to the Saturday that we picketed. Maybe we can meet up again in May! |
On 03/09/2009 Sue said: May walkDoes anyone know who coordinated the protest two Saturdays ago? Maybe that person would coordinate a May protest? |
On 03/05/2009 dawn said: protest of golden valleyHello to all of you wonderful animal lovers. I attended the protest at the G. V. Humane Society last Saturday and would gladly do it again if another is scheduled. Also, as some have already talked about I think protesting their big walk in May is a darned good idea. When is it going to be and where would folks want to meet up? It may be a ways away, but maybe we should start making plans now.
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On 03/02/2009 Cat Lady said: The silenceWas I crazy? I somehow expected some sort of communication from AHS after their board meeting last week. I know that several people called and emailed the board expressing concern over the killing of these cats. The excuses used by AHS to explain the killings of these cats have been totally discredited by people who know better. But, today, there is still an article on the AHS web site saying the cats had to be killed to protect other cats, and I have not gotten a reply to the email I sent to the board. 3 protests later and AHS doesn't have enough respect for their donors to address their concerns? Not even a simple statement from the board saying they plan to look into the concerns? Nothing? I agree with Sue, protesting their fundraiser in May is a good idea. |
On 03/02/2009 Sue said: Protest May WalkI attend the protest on Saturday and I thought we had a good turn out. I was wondering if people would be interested in protesting at the huge May walk that the HS puts on in Golden Valley and St. Paul Como lake. I thought we should remind walkers of the 120 cats that were put down in February. What do people think of this idea? Another protester thought we should hand out flyers with HS hidden euthanasia facts. |
On 02/27/2009 Ellen Weinstock said: don't forget - Saturday, 2/28 at 1Just a reminder. Please come join us in protesting the Animal Humane Society's needless killing of over 120 cats tomorrow, Saturday, 2/28 at 1 p.m.. We'll be at Highway 55 (Olson Memorial Highway) and Meadow Lane N. in Golden Valley. Please wear extra gloves and long underwear, and bring signs if you can. |
On 02/25/2009 Ellen Weinstock said: take 2 minutes & save animals!Dear folks: I have been emailing lots of people about our Saturday protest at AHS & the need to contact board members. In return, I got this email that the AHS board of directors is meeting TOMORROW, 2/26 at NOON. Here is the info: Most of you are well informed about the St. Anthony cat situation. I just got off the phone after a very upsetting conversation with Deb Balser, HS public relations. When I inquired, she said every single cat had ringworm AND UR and FIV was present. I had many questions and she had no sane response. When I asked her if any rescue groups or individuals familiar with hoarding and rescue offered to take some of the cats, she said “No, not until after they were euthanized.” I was outraged. When I told her I didn’t believe all the cats were beyond help and that the HS did not appropriately consider options. She told me I was entitled to my opinion and hung up on me when I asked for her last name. Please consider the following: The 26 board members will be meeting tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 26 at noon) in Golden Valley. The next board meeting will not be held until April. The meeting is NOT open to the public. However, people can call (763-522-4325) and register their outrage at how this situation was handled and the tragic result. You may also e-mail your comments to board members to Megan Pelka (mpelka@animalhumanesociety.org), who is the assistant to Janelle Dixon, CEO/President. I was told by Megan e-mails she receives that are directed to board members will be forwarded to those board members. Considering the meeting is less than 24 hours away, I asked if she would also print out a hard copy to distribute to the board members at the meeting tomorrow. She said that would be done. In spite of my anger, I feel it is important to not only state my thoughts on the matter, but also to say a new protocol should be established regarding contacting rescue organizations and individuals when decisions are being made to destroy EVERY animal. Also, be sure to state your experience with cats, animals, feline disorders/diseases, hoarding and rescue, so they know you are well informed on the issues. Otherwise, they may think you are clueless and doing a knee-jerk to the bad publicity. ...
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On 02/25/2009 P.O.ed said: AHS "Mission Statement"I found some quotes from the AHS mission statement posted on a cat rescue site and wanted to share them. I was not sure if I should laugh or cry when I read these in light of the killing of these cats. "Mission of the Animal Humane Society To engage the hearts, hands and minds of the community to help animals." They also list as some of their "core beliefs" "We believe that animals are worthy of our time, money and attention." "We believe in collaborating with others to better serve animals." "We believe in being a leader within the animal welfare industry." "We believe trust is our heritage. People trust us to do good." How much of AHS mission and how many of their core beliefs were violated in the killing of these cats, and the false representations they made to their members, donors and the press? |
On 02/24/2009 Charlotte said: contact infoYou can find AHS board member contact info on the Animal Rights Coalition web site at http://www.animalrightscoalition.com in the story entitled "When 'Rescuing' Really Means Killing". I know there are strong emotions connected with this situation, but just a reminder to please be polite and professional if you call.
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On 02/24/2009 Diana said: SATURDAY1 PM! THIS SATURDAY! GOLDEN VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY ON HWY 55! MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD THROUGH THE POWER OF PROTEST! please join us! and again... don't forget to double up on the mitten front. |
On 02/23/2009 Ellen said: oops, P.O.ed!Oops, P.O.ed. I see what you did. You posted a link to other sources of the same data. Looks like people have been busy spreading the same information on other web sites. |
On 02/23/2009 Ellen Weinstock said: next SaturdayHey, everyone:
Please come protest the senseless killing of these cats (and the thousands more unnecessary deaths of dogs and cats perpetrated by the AHS every year) on Saturday. We'll be at Highway 55 and Meadow Lane N. at 1 p.m. Last Saturday, we were just outside the AHS Golden Valley property on Meadow Lane, but we will be closer to the road this time so more people can see us. Bring signs and dress very warmly, please! |
On 02/23/2009 Ellen Weinstock said: the better listHey, P.O.ed: It is easy to get the board members' names & send them letters c/o the AHS. I went through and Googled everyone & found many of their business addresses. That is what was taken down. I doubt they are often on the premises of the AHS to pick up their mail, so I provided as many of the other addresses as I could find. That's what was taken down, and I assume that's what Faye has. |
On 02/23/2009 P.O.ed said: AHS Board Contact InfoYou can find contact info for AHS board members all over the web. A simple google search will do it. Here is an example: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en-us&q=%22animal+humane+society%22+board+members+contact+information+minnesota&btnG=Search Write. Call. Email. |
On 02/23/2009 Faye said: Names and Addresses of Board MembersHello,
I do have the names and addresses of all the board members. If you would like them please email me at
fayeboops@netzero.com
Thank you.
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On 02/23/2009 Ellen said: where did it go?Hmmm. Mike, why did you take down my list of board members & their contact info? It was posted earlier in this thread, but now is gone. |
On 02/22/2009 Jody JOhnson said: board membersDoes anyone know exactly how to contact these board members? I don't want to send letters to the Humane Society and have them never reach the actual Board members. Do they have email addresses or individual phone numbers? all that is listed on the AHS site are their names. Thanks, Jody Johnson |
On 02/21/2009 d huffman said: I agree with Amy HIt was a ploy for money. If they killed the cats about 24 hours after they got them, I don't see how they could not have known they were going to kill them when the press was still swarming all over the shelter. Along with the pictures of the sad faces, some news stations included links on their web pages to "Donate". I am sure those links were live longer than the cats. I think that anyone who donated should demand they money back. Someone should also file a complaint with the Attorney General. It is pretty clear AHS lied to get money. http://www.ag.state.mn.us/ElectronicForms/CharitiesComplaintForm.pdf
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On 02/21/2009 Amy H said: A ploy for money, tooGreat articles Mike. I thought I heard that the AHS killed them about 24 hours after intake. Yet, they took a news crew through the shelter to show their "rescue." I think, ultimately, this was a ploy for money. Because then they waited DAYS to report the killing, after I am sure a ton of money poured in. I think every cent of that money should be forced to be spent on anti-hoarding enforcement. And if this was such a public health concern, why did these hoarders get to keep three of the cats? And I am sure they were not fixed. I am sorry, but once you contribute to the killing of over 200 cats on two different occasions, you have lost your rights to pet ownership. |
On 02/20/2009 julie hoffman said: Social ServicesI would like to know where Social services were after the couple moved from Coon Rapids in 2002, they seized 72 cats from them. This is the problem we have. So many animals and not enough people doing there job. If law inforcement inforced the laws that Minnesota has for our animals this would not of happened. It is very saddening to know how many law inforcement persons turn there head every day at animals being abused and neglected. I think it is really sad that you have to know someone in the right place that is an animal lover that will help be the voice for the neglected animals. there just are not enough people out there to inforce our state laws. |
On 02/19/2009 Diana said: protestingour protest was very successful. The Animal Humane Society already knows how upset we are, but i felt that it made an impact on the people going to the animal shelter. one man even pulled over and started screaming at us and laughing. but it was also strange and somewhat satisfying to see people pulling into the shelter and giving us thumbs up. the police were called but he seemed down for the cause too. even told us we could park on the street and by the hydrant without getting ticketed. it was such short notice on wednesday (and people work) so our turnout was not what i would have hoped for (even though it was still fantastic, thanks to everyone who came for the cause). So we will be there AGAIN THIS SATURDAY. 3 pm. which will be good, also, because the shelter is teeming with people to get their animal infusion on. the MORE THE MERRIER. TELL YOUR FRIENDS.
SATURDAY. 3 PM. GOLDEN VALLEY AHS!
make a sign, come out, be heard. remember your gloves.
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On 02/19/2009 Shari T said: I couldn't agree more, Mike!
As a follow up comment to what Mike has already said about contacting the AHS Board members, the most important thing we can do now for all of the animals as we move forward is to be as clear, rational, and courteous as we can be to everyone we encounter when discussing these issues... The fastest way to have someone disregard you as a "nutjob" or "wacko" or "crazy cat lover" is to go on an emotional rant (even thought we all are VERY emotional about this...I know I am!). Stick to the subject at hand and the facts as we know them. It is a much more powerful way of communicating and we'll get much further.
I (stupidly) read some of the commentary regarding this situation on the Star Tribune site yesterday and was quickly reminded how ignorant and uninformed people sound when they are ranting emotionally and not sticking to the situation at hand. The arguments best presented were calm and concise and asked questions where warranted. We want to present that "informed" side to the public as we state our case for reform. We will hopefully get a much better response. Thanks to all of you who care so much about the animals!!! We can make a difference... |
On 02/19/2009 Mike Fry said: A Note About Contacting AHS Board MembersFirst, I would like to thank everyone who has been emailing, posting and calling Animal Ark concerned about the decision by AHS senior staff to kill the cats removed from mobile home in St. Anthony, Minnesota. Though tragic, I believe this event has created an opportunity to open a meaningful conversation about policies and practices at AHS relating to animal care and policies. Second, I would like to emphasize that while I believe that contacting the AHS Board of Directors is an appropriate action to take, I feel a strong need to point out there is no indication the Board was involved in the decision to kill the cats. Additionally, I believe it possible the Board may not have been provided with information that was complete or accurate. Therefore, and I cannot stress this enough, I feel strongly that if anyone chooses to contact Board members of the Animal Humane Society, they should be professional and courteous. Additionally, I believe they should limit their requests to the following: 1) Ask the board to conduct a complete and thorough inquiry into who made what decisions and when. 2) Ask the board to conduct a full review of the intake, quarantine, isolation and euthanasia policies at AHS to ensure the policies do not result in unnecessary deaths in the future. 3) Ask the board to hold any staff person, at any level, fully accountable for the tragic and unnecessary outcome in this case, if they violated any policy or provided inaccurate or false information to the Board, members of the pubic or the media. I believe that by focusing on the issues relevant to the Board, this event could open up an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, and, ultimately, needed change. |
On 02/19/2009 Marie F. said: taking actionIt's really helpful to have all of the suggestions here about how we can respond to tragic situation at the AHS. I've been trying to spread information as best I can. And it was so helpful to get the addresses of the AHS board members - thank you, Ellen W! I'd be really interested in pursuing the other suggestions as well. For instance, I'd love to learn more about how I could add to the effort to make the Companion Animal Protection Act (on Nathan Winograd's website) a reality in our community. And I think that Sheri T's ideas are great. For instance, a petition could be really helpful. I'm wondering - if there's general interest in moving ahead with a petition, how would we proceed? Has anyone drafted a petition? If not, should we form a group that would draft a petition, seek feedback, and ultimately, work on getting the word out to people who would want to sign it? I'd be more than happy to be part of such a group (even though I have zero experience drafting and disseminating petitions, I'd be happy to do whatever I could do to help!). And I'd be really interested in being part of any group effort to work toward passing the legislation described in the Companion Animal Protection Act. If Animal Ark thinks that forming groups (say, to work on a petition and/or to work on making an intensified, concerted group effort to work toward making the CAPA a reality in our community) would be a good idea, should we work to make it happen? Perhaps we could be "committees" of a sort under the umbrella of Animal Ark. And if there already are such groups, would they like any more help? I'd be more than willing to help.
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On 02/19/2009 Linda said: Senseless killing of catsI'm just sickened that the AHS murdered all those so called "rescued" cats from the hoarders and so quickly. I hope Janelle Dixon gets fired, they need to get someone in charge who will actually look out for the welfare of the animals. We should all contact the AHS board members and let them know what we thought of this massive murder. |
On 02/18/2009 sb said: Dixon's gotta goWell, I see AHS has a blurb out on their site trying to justify the killing of the St. Anthony cats by saying they were protecting the public and other animals from infection. That doesn’t fly. It might if they only killed a few, but 130, NO WAY. There are many animal control facilities nation wide that will release an animal to “Rescues Only” if they present health or behavior issues that they are unable or unwilling to deal with and there are many rescues and experienced fosters in the area that would have been glad to pitch in and help and offered to do so. They missed a huge opportunity here to gain support and create a better future for animal welfare in Minnesota. All I can say is this whole thing just sickens me. AHS does do a lot of good but they could do so much better. BUT it appears better will not happen until there is a change in management starting with Janelle Dixon. Hmmm…I wonder why they don’t offer an open forum. I guess I’ll have to send some letters. |
On 02/18/2009 Lucky said: humane society killersThis doesn't suprise me at all. I worked at the Coon Rapids humane society (a branch of AHS) and more pets were euthanized than put up for adoption. They just didn't want the trouble of all those extra cats. One case in particular that sticks in my mind is we had a shy purebred rag doll cat that would dump her litterbox and hide under it. I asked to foster her but they refused. I offered to buy her and they refused. They euthanized her for being messy. Don't let the humane society fool you. They are in for money just like anyone else. Did you know the full time employees there get a holiday bonus? In 2005 the bonus was 800.00 per employee. Couldn't that money be better used to help animals? I was there for that purpose and learned differently. |
On 02/18/2009 Judy said: I'll do my part . . .I will be printing out the names of the board members of the Animal Humane Society and writing to them. Mike, if you think a full-page ad would help, let us know. I will definitely help with the cost of that!! Those cats were beautiful - and they never even got a chance. I even commented to my husband about how calm some of them were in the cages as they were taking them out of the house. What a sad, sad story. Shame on the AHS!! |
On 02/17/2009 Mary said: Thank you for the list of AHS board members. I will be sitting down and writing a letter to each one. |
On 02/17/2009 Shari T said: We must use our voices to educate and demand reform
As Mike said,there is no easy answer to this... One thing we all can do is to educate everyone we know by sharing this story in a viral email campaign. I am amazed by how many people are oblivious to what is happening around them and are shocked to learn the truth. Once they are aware, however, they do want to help (or at least support) the changes we need to make.
Send the facts about this situation to everyone in your email address book (and stick to the facts...ranting makes us look less credible)
What about something as simplistic as a petition for change that is signed by many and presented to the AHS board members? Hard to ignore if we get enough support. Take a look at the Companion Animal Protection Act (CAPA) that is on Nathan Winograd's site... It's an 11 page document that outlines legislation regarding exactly what we're talking about here. I don't know if this is CA law or not (Mike, do you know?) Just some thoughts... letters to the board members are also good things to do. How about taking out a big ad (full page?) in the local newspaper? That would get some folks attention. We could take up a collection for that since I'm sure it's expensive... The Star Tribune may not be happy about that either (oh, well...) What other easy things can you all think of??
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On 02/17/2009 Diana said: Wednesday a.m.some of us will be at the Humane Society in Golden Valley at 10 am on Wednesday, when they open for animal rescues, to do some peaceful protesting with some signs. We are just so upset about this. Whether or not they knew about the offers of help, they shouldn't have euthanized those cats so quickly. If they had needed extra facilities or lost cost vet service, someone, Animal Ark, Cause 4 Paws, Best Friends would have offered assistance, especially since this is such a strongly precidented situation. So if you feel like we feel, definitely come out and join us. |
On 02/17/2009 Charlotte said: Tell it to the AHS Board of DirectorsJanelle Dixon clearly doesn't care much about public opinion - so people need to start making their opinions known to AHS board members who can control the hiring and firing and ultimately control the pursestrings. That's how the AHS gas chamber was stopped. Allen Stensrud, the director at the time, didn't care what anyone said, but when the board members at the time started getting phone calls and emails things changed rather quickly. Here's the current list of AHS board members besides Dixon: Murphy McKee –Chair, Nic Pifer – Vice Chair, Walt McCarthy – Secretary, Jeff Ament – Treasurer, Ed Clausman, DVM, Barb Colombo, Kerry D’Amato, Lisa Goodman, Dean Hedstrom, Don Jacobsen, Sheila Kennedy, James Lane, Linda Lee, Teresa Morrow, Deborah Patterson, Dr. Ned Patterson, DVM, Wayne Popham, Boyd Ratchye, Damon Schramm, Kristi Skordahl, Carolyn Smith, Stephanie Swanson, Dr. Robert Washabau, DVM, Lia Melrose, Emilie Buchwald, and Cyndi Lesher. The public needs to let the AHS board members know that AHS is an embarrassment to this community with its anachronistic policies and refusal to even consider a different way of doing things other than killing almost 50% of the animals who come through their doors every year. And now you can add straight out misleading and lying to the public, their donor base, to the list. |