Update-Photos of one of the dogs suffering from frostbite are being added - these photos were taken on Day 5 after being rescued from the shelter. Please click the Slideshow link.
San Bernardino County, CA - Allegations of conditions so deplorable that dogs are literally freezing to death have surfaced for the San Bernadino County Animal Shelter in Devore, CA.
According to the People for Paws Network, dogs pulled from this facility just last weekend were suffering from severe frostbite. The rescue networkers further allege that the dogs that they pulled were filthy, and suffering from dehydration. Some of the dogs pulled were in shock as a result of the severe frost bite.
How could this happen at a government funded animal shelter? What conditions would allow for such horrifying injuries? According to the rescue, the shelter, which utilizes outdoor kennels, is regularly hosed down with the dogs present. When the temperatures dip below freezing, the dogs are left to suffer on the ice cold cement - nowhere to escape their misery.
A letter from the shelter's Supervising Officer, Doug Smith, refutes all allegations. He states that the kennels are equipped with automatic heating systems that would prevent the dogs from freezing.
Though Mr. Smith may deny the allegations, the networking group's own veterinarians confirmed that the dogs brought into their hospital, from this shelter, were indeed suffering from severe frostbite.
People for Paws Network has stated that one of the 7 dogs pulled from the county shelter actually passed away this morning as a result of the severe frostbite. The dog was also severely emaciated.
Perhaps even more disturbing is the allegation that this shelter refuses to accept and utilize donations of blankets and coats for the dogs in their care. It would seem that they are purposefully denying the dogs under their supervision any measure of comfort.
Right now, various rescue organizations in this area are working frantically to pull the dogs from this shelter - desperately trying to save lives and free them from their misery.
But something more must be done. County officials need to open their eyes to this glaring issue and make changes. The following are phone numbers for the County Supervisors:
Brad Mitzelfelt: (909) 387.4830; Paul Biane (909) 387.4833; Neil Derry (909) 387.4855; Gary Ovitt (909) 387.4866; Josie Gonzales (909) 387.4565
You can also email Doug Smith, Shelter Supervising Officer, at dsmith@dph.sbcounty.gov. Please let him know that shelter dogs deserve better than this. No dog should be made to suffer, especially at the hands of their tax paid care providers.
Please circulate this article to your care groups, animal advocacy pages, Facebook profiles and beyond. If the shelter knows that they are under scrutiny, they are more likely to make the changes that need to be made.
The animals located at this shelter are at the mercy of their care-providers. If nobody takes the time to speak up for them, nothing will change and they will continue to suffer and die.
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Comments
How can they get frost bite, isn't California like always 50 degrees now when everywhere else is like 27 degrees ?
What kind of shelter refuses donations ? I say, SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG and these poor animals need URGENT ATTENTION.
People in this area are reporting temps in the high 20's - news in the area is stating that there will be frost - so at or below freezing temps.
Maria- this is in the desert area of CA and temperatures can and do dip down. On top of it, they spray the runs down to clean them and the dogs get wet and then freeze
It is colder than 50 degrees at night sometimes.... although it doesn't have to be extremely cold in order to get frostbite. The fact that the dogs are laying on cold cement when it can get down to the 40's at times is enough.
Apparently it's even colder than what I mentioned... I haven't actually looked at a whether report but with how cold it can get in LA, I wouldn't doubt it. I sent an email to this Doug Smith, although my email was not as nice as some of the examples I see below. I think I told him he was evil and a sorry excuse for a humane being... or something in that nature. What can I say? I became irate when I first read this... still mad but I've cooled down.
**weather** wow... sorry... my autocorrect likes to incorrectly correct my spelling. Last reply I swear!
I called Brad Miztelfelt who literally LAUGHED IN MY FACE And told me these were all lies!!
I live in Southern California and it is a common misperception that it is always warm here. San Bernadino is in the desert where temperatures drop rapidly at night and can get to 20 degrees. The kennels are outdoors. It is really an awful situation that has gone on for many many years.
We have mountains that actually get snow. We get rain and snow and sunshine. We have peaks and valleys.
We have smog and fog.
Something is very wrong at this shelter. It is taxpayer funded but the meeting are closed to the public.
My daughters and I adopted a puppy just a few weeks ago from this shelter. IT IS TRUE! These poor babies are outside, SHIVERING, and our little guy had a HORRIBLE bronchial infection, we had to vet him asap, he STUNK like crap and was very weak leaving this shelter. We are SO glad to have gotten him the H**L out of that pit, it's a DISGRACE! I only wish I could have adopted more of them, it makes me cry to think of how inhumane they are there. PLEASE go and see for yourself and/or pass it on. These animals can't speak out, only we can speak for them.
Devore is right up against the mountains. It gets very cold there!
When they hose the kennels out to clean them, the water freezes in the kennel with the dogs!
Many have died do to the cold..
Has any one bothered to contact a Lawyer to bring charges against this shelter. You can make all the calls you want to these supervisors but you will get better action from talking to the wall. If you actually see animal abuse call the police and a lawyer. If you don't then your just as much a part of the problem..
them should all go to jail and this place closed down ,, abuse even in shelter ,, this is so so bad ,, help our animals ,, save lives not kille and abuse, make them suffer like this ,,
Penny thanks for covering this story. I received an email about this situation a few days ago from Southern California dog rescue groups. I'm glad to see People for Paws is doing something.
Thanks for letting us know about these "rescued" animals, FYI, below is the email I sent to Doug Smith, if you like it feel free to forward/edit/use it:
____________________________________________________
Hello Doug Smith, I understand that you're the Shelter Supervising Officer, at San Bernadino County Animal Shelter in Devore, CA.
According to the People for Paws Network, dogs pulled from this facility just last weekend were suffering from severe frostbite. The rescue organization further alleges that the dogs that they pulled were filthy, emaciated and suffering from dehydration. Some of the dogs pulled were in shock as a result of the severe frost bite.
How could this happen at a government funded animal shelter? What conditions would allow for such horrifying injuries? According to the rescue, your shelter, which utilizes outdoor kennels, is regularly hosed down with the dogs present - Are you kidding me? When the temperatures dip below freezing, the dogs are left to suffer on the ice cold cement - nowhere to escape their misery. Also, why are blankets and coats refused as donations? Is this shelter a cash-grab, rather than a not-for-profit organization of honourable individuals helping animals-in-need?
Shelter dogs deserve better than this. No dog should be made to suffer, especially at the hands of their tax paid care providers.
Thanks for your attention to this serious matter. The World is now watching to see what you'll do next....
Speaking for those who can't,
Jada
Toronto, Canada
What they will probably do next is ban that rescue from pulling dogs. That is the way most shelters around here operate! Thanks for your letter, If we all write and they know people from as far away as Toronto are paying attention maybe we can hope for some changes.
thanks for the letter. I used it to contact him.
Jada,
I like your letter so much, I just about copied it! Thanks for a great, polite and concise example!
This shelter is protected by council in the area-very tight knit group of people hiding the truth. For years these dogs have suffered and nothing has been done. Even when evidence has been put forth to prove that there is animal abuse occuring nothing has changed. A cash grab-yes but not for these animals. Dogs are killed even when the kennels are not full-senseless suffering of innocent animals-if a person is laughed at for telling the truth then I say shame on this shelter-you ALL should be fired, hosed down and left to freeze in a kennel without water or food. Devore does not represent the best interest of the animals or the public who are unaware of what is happening behind closed doors. What I do say to Devore is this-prove us wrong-i bet you can't!!!!!!
Here in Orange County it has been dropping into the 30's at night. I am in suburbs 9 miles from the beach. Many of the San Bernardino and Los Angels County so called shelters are in the desert or at higher altitudes and it gets VERY cold there. Every shelter I have visited washes down the runs with the poor dogs still in the runs so they are usually wet in addition to being cold. The O.C. shelter has outdoor runs about 3 feet wide, guessing about 10 feet long, concrete sides 2 feet high the chain link. The back of the runs have about a 4 foot cover and the back (no more than 2 feet) concrete floor is raised 5 or 6 inches higher than the rest of the run. Hot water is circulated in pipes built into the raised sections. According to the staff that keeps the dogs "toasty warm". The back sides the the runs are wooden with an inch or 2 opening at the bottom of the wood. In winter the wind howls through the runs and that little bit of warmth from the concrete is clearly insufficient. In the heat of summer the heat in the entire run is held in by the concrete.
It's just ashame that people work in shelters that have no love for animals at all. I have 7 rescue dogs and 4 cats and i can tell ya that when it's cold out they are all in the house. Will forward and e-mail. Thanks for putting it out.
I just emailed that guy. I can't believe this. I posted it on my facebook for everyone else to do as well. This seriously makes me sick.
Can I have his address.
heaters don't magically make icy water disappear. i've written to local papers before to look into this shelter. i don't know how they, or the county administration, can overlook the issue now. this is outrageous. and this 'hygiene' policy of no beds or toys (also at o.c. shelter as robin states) is unreasonable. when they get dirty, throw them out. the dogs were drinking out of gutters just days before they wound up at the shelter. let's get real.
This particular pound (it's so not a shelter) has had numerous complaints, this is just one of many. Not to mention they have already banned many rescues from pulling here. It is pretty well known in Southern California that the Devore Pound is among the worst, if not THEE worst pound for an animal to have to go to & for rescuers to have to deal with.
I would also like to add that this isn't the only pound that doesn't use blankets or beds in the runs. I have been to many where I know donations go & I don't see them in the runs. But you see the runs getting hosed down WITH the animals in them & no where for them to go.
Something needs to seriously change in the "shelters".
One of the most surprising things I discovered about California is that is gets COLD at night, even in summer.
I tried off and on today to telephone the County supervisors but strangely enough they were never available.
This is disgusting, e-mail sent and sharing this on my FB page thanks.
Shared on Twitter and Facebook.Also forwarded to Care 2. Thanks Jada for the letter to send.I am using it-gives my brain a break
Disgusting! Email sent!
Your tax dollars at work. The government can't even run the government.
I will make calls today, yet again another issue with the pound system. It is up to public to police these horrible institutions- people say don't blame them they didn't create the mess, but then you have employees who would rather kill animals than work harder to get them out, or allow them to freeze on wet concrete. At the very least they deserve to be comfortable before they are euthanized. As to the public- get involved-foster a dog thru a rescue group! Volunteer at the pound closest to you. We do make a difference in these lives.
I will make calls today, yet again another issue with the pound system. It is up to public to police these horrible institutions- people say don't blame them they didn't create the mess, but then you have employees who would rather kill animals than work harder to get them out, or allow them to freeze on wet concrete. At the very least they deserve to be comfortable before they are euthanized. As to the public- get involved-foster a dog thru a rescue group! Volunteer at the pound closest to you. We do make a difference in these lives.
I just called the County Supervisor responsible for the Devore pound (909-387-4833) and spoke to staffer "Marshall." Marshall, shockingly, acted offended about the "rumor" that dogs have frostbite. He was confrontational, asking me if I have personally seen these allegedly injured dogs. He said there was one dog who was licking his paw and he was adopted and now he's happily living with a family and everything is fine. I was speechless that he wouldn't even PRETEND to be concerned. Please EVERYONE call "Marshall" and tell him his denial only hurts the innocent animals!
Vanessa, same thing happened to me, I called Marshall Riley, is his name cause I asked twice! He is very good at spinning everything around! He asked me for proof and wanted to push me off onto Brian Cronin, and the shelter, I said they will really tell me they are abusing the dogs? His response was " let me get this straight, you are upset about something you cannot prove, you don't know where DEVORE is cause you have not been there and now you are calling all the employees liars?" Ugg!!! I got nowhere with this person (?) I then fired off email to all of them... I wish I had asked him to prove it wasn't happening... We all need to keep calling and sending emails.
SupervisorMitzelfelt@sbcounty.gov, SupervisorBiane@sbcounty.gov, SupervisorOvitt@sbcounty.gov, SupervisorGonzales@sbcounty.gov, SupervisorDerry@sbcounty.gov
so far no bounce backs.
They can easily ignore emails. I think it's more effective to call.
I am ashamed to live in this county. Both San Bernardino City and County are horrible to animals. They refuse to let a humane organization take over their shelters. NO EXCUSE.
i'm so glad someone is bringing this to light. those of us involved in rescuing dogs from this shelter know about the horrible conditions and nothing is being done. maybe now the dogs willed be cared for properly. there have also been allegations of dogs being left in cages bloody and injured with no medical care and mass euthanasia of dogs when there are empty kennels for them. we need to treat the animals that are entrusted to our care far better than this!
The public really needs to get involved to help these animals. I was at this shelter last week and yes they were rinsing down the cages with cold water. The animals were cold the wind was blowing and they used no blankets or raised beds for the dogs to get off the cold cement. There is a doberman ID# A477620 that is so emaciated you can see all his bones. Skin and bones and yet he still finds the strength to stand and greet you when you walk by. He is in desperate need of help!
Jada, I copied your comment as well as the whole article and emailed it. Here is my added comment: the subject is headed ; THE WORLD IS WATCHING NOW"
"Mr. Smith, the world is watching now. Not getting away from it. Deplorable conditions and cruel employees are the crux here. They need addressing and you will be monitored on this issue. Animals will no longer be "whipping posts" for cruel people and no longer ignored by the public. Those days are gone. Here are the days of videos and responsibilities. Do the right thing for the animals. The humans in this story need retraining and a comeuppance. No more torture and cruelty. No more "oh it's just a dumb dog". Those days are gone, also. There will be accountability from here on out for everyone involved in cruel, inhumane acts against animals. Animals now have their due and it has been a long time coming. Please, do the right thing. Thank you. Sharon Slocum"
I LOVE your letter! Very much to the point without being openly offensive...it's sooooo hard to not be offensive, but you did it!!!
I called Gary Ovitt (909) 387.4866; and was told by the person that answered the phone that Public Health is looking into this. Will we get a response, will anything be done. WHO is going to be held accountable. Doug Smith, Shelter Supervising Officer, at dsmith@dph.sbcounty.gov.denies these allegations but is a flat out LIAR! Veterinarians have CONFIRMED it did happen. Perhaps Doug Smith needs a new job if he can't handle this one and keep the animals safe?: Doug Smith we are watching you and you WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE!
TONYA - DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE INFO ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH'S INVESTIGATION? WANT TO GET THIS IN THE LOCAL PAPERS QUICKLY!
Veterinarians are responsible for reporting abuse as well!!! They are professionals who should know better. That good ol boys club at that shelter and county supervisor's office needs to be broken up. Has anybody contacted The SPCA or HSUS?
I used to work for an animal control agency in So. Cal, and I can tell you that we denied EVERYTHING. There could've been a dead dog lying in the middle of the lobby floor, and they'd deny it to your face as you pointed to it. There are no ethics in Animal Control, because there are no speaking victims. You can do anything you want, and nobody can prove it. And I promise you with all my heart and soul, that was the attitude of the employees. I quit in disgust even though it was the most money I have ever made.
thank you for beng so truthful as much as it hurts! People have to know what really goes on! And yes, the shetlers deny everything! They are state funded by tax payers $$ and can't risk losing that or being shut down---out of work! So instead the dogs pay the ultiimate price! Sad.
Relative to Devore's shelter, this is not surprising news. They have one of the worst reputations for negligence and as a high-kill shelter in the nation. Many rescuers in So. Calif. have been "working" this shelter to help, but as all of you know,among other things, there are too many dogs, not enough volunteers, too few places to put them all of which equals high kill shelters. In the past, I have also written to Devore's officials. No response. I believe they are staffed with a majority of people who really don't give a tinker's damn about the responsibility THEY ARE PAID FOR to at the very least, keeping their "charges" comfortable. Unfortunately, I also live in an area having a shelter with a terrible reputation. But I also know there are several groups (including shelter staff) trying to educate a preponderance of illiterate and ignorant population to spay/neuter benefits, vaccination given at no cost, services for free for the homeless, and this shelter is really trying to "clean up it's act". It CAN be done. But with people like those in Devore, unless and until they are investigated, fired, new caring staff is hired, this will be an ongoing situation.
Here is an article I found posted on People for Paws Network website:
Devore Animal Shelter in San Bernardino, California Accused of Letting Dogs Freeze!
Allegations of Severe Cruelty Surface Again (By Donna Thacker)....
This allegation first came to my attention via a Facebook post. Many may not consider Facebook a reliable source, but those posting these allegations are legitimate rescue groups whose only interest is to help these
animals. They posted their concerns of unbelievable conditions at Devore Animal Shelter.
The rescue groups told stories of the dogs being hosed down in their pens, and left wet and shivering as the temperatures in San Bernardino dropped to alarming numbers. When some people hear "California" they automatically think of warm temperatures, and find these concerns about freezing dogs unbelievable.
According to a local resident, these wet dogs were facing temperatures that were in the 20's during the Thanksgiving week. Weather for You.com also reports the temperature in San Bernardino as falling into the 20's for a night time temperature.
Several dogs were removed from Devore Animal Shelter by a rescue group and taken to a veterinarian hospital for evaluation. These dogs were diagnosed as having frost bite. The rescue group and the veterinarian wish to remain anonymous, due to legal reasons and pulling right issues. They assure us that all information will be disclosed soon.
While, the rescuers and the animal hospital wish their names to remain anonymous, People for Paws is trying to help by sharing as much information as possible on their Facebook page. They have photos of some of the rescued dogs on their face book page. Some of them are very graphic!
You can also read the email that Devore Animal Shelter's Supervising Officer, Doug Smith, sent out to various rescue groups, denying any allegations of dog's being hosed down or freezing in the frigid temperatures. A local resident, in fact told me in a phone conversation, that 1 of the dogs that has been rescued has died.
Devore Animal Shelter Has Been In the News Before.
A Google search reports a long standing list of complaints and accusations against Devore Animal Shelter. In 2005 a worker, that was serving community service at the Devore
Animal Shelter, contacted a reporter and made a complaint about the deplorable conditions. Another temporary worker also reported witnessing the beating of a dog.
According to a report in 2009, Devore Animal Shelter had a stray named Brownie, who they found had a micro-chip. Brownie's owners were contacted, but the shelter wouldn't release him without a $150.00 fee being paid. The owner's could not afford the fee, and according to the report, Brownie was euthanized.
The list of reported horrors from this shelter goes on and on, even though they continue to deny it. They reportedly have stated that, these rumors are started by people who insist on no-kill shelters. A petition has been circulating the internet, claiming that Devore Animal Shelter kills dogs even when they have ample room to house them. According to the petition, animals are stolen from Devore Animal Shelter on a regular basis.
The petition asks that a new administration be put in place at Devore Animal Shelter. The petition states that animals are housed in the killing room and watch as others are put to death. Petitioners want this practice stopped and ask for sanitary and medical care to be a priority.
What Can You Do to Help the Animals at Devore Animal Shelter in San Bernardino CA?
Read all of the information that is circulating the internet about this shelter. All of these reports cannot simply be a disgruntled worker, or no kill advocates making trouble. I have spoken with people who have witnessed these horrors. I have spoken with people who have seen the dogs that were removed from the shelter.
If you are anywhere close to Devore Animal Shelter, go there to see for yourself what is happening. Supervising Officer Doug Smith has put out an open invitation for people to come to the shelter. Take him up on it.
Share the information with whoever you can, call the shelter, call your local paper. Call the Humane Society of the United States, call the ASPCA! Help those who are trying to help these animals in anyway you can. This is my way of helping, by telling you this story as it was told to me.
Douglas Smith
Supervising Animal Control Officer-II, Shelter Services
County of San Bernardino
Animal Care and Control
909-887-8055 Public
909-887-7519 Fax
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
Phone: 202-452-1100 Monday—Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST
Note:
This writer emailed Supervising Officer Doug Smith and requested a quote for this article. There was no reply.
Petition to Sign
Link to the article can be found here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6075884/devore_animal_shelter_i...
On page 3 of the article, there are some links to the references used for the article, the petition to sign and PFPN's facebook page.
Also, in the comments section the writer notes that she has heard from Doug Smith. Here is a copy of what she said he had to say:
"Donna Thacker 12/01/2010
I just received an email from Doug Smith, the Supervising officer at Devore.Here is what he says in it's entirety: "The accusations advanced recently by a select group of individuals against the Devore Animal Shelter are untrue. We invite interested parties to tour the shelter facility to see the many improvements made to enhance animal care at this facility." Douglas Smith Supervising Animal Control Officer-II, Shelter Services County of San Bernardino Animal Care and Control 909-887-8055 Public 909-887-7519 Fax dsmith@dph.sbcounty.gov"
I tried to email Doug Smith but unfortunately the email will not go though. This is an out rage. I work with animals every day and I can't believe a shelter is be run in these conditions. So if you have another address It would be much appreciated. I have alot to say to the man picking up a pay check for letting these animals suffer.
Here's is the link to details of the Devore beating:
http://www.nokillnow.com/devorebeating.htm
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