The Last Day...

Tuesday, June 30^th, marks the last day that the Animal Protection League will serve as the contractor for the Prince George’s County Animal Management Division. While the controversy over their departure began several weeks ago, these last days have brought a new level of distress to the local animal welfare community.

 

This final day of APL’s contract also marks the major move of the animal management facility from its dated facility in Forestville, MD to an updated and larger building in Upper Marlboro, MD. While more kennels and cages for the animals of the County sounds promising, the upheaval of the shelter operations has rescue workers concerned. Although vehemently denied by Chief Taylor, accusations have been made that he has ordered the mass euthanasia of the animals currently sheltered within PGAMD.   As such, the rescue community has put forth extreme efforts to evacuate as many animals as possible from this potentially lethal situation.  

 

In response to these accusations, Chief Taylor issued a statement addressing the concerns of the community. “It saddens me that after working in the animal community for nearly thirty years, information is being disseminated that totally contradicts what I have been working and striving for during these many years. My goal has always been to provide a better quality of life for animals in Prince George's County and the Washington metropolitan region, as well as outstanding customer services. I want to personally reassure the animal community and all others concerned that the animals in Prince George's County will continue to be treated with a high level of care and compassion, and the professional efforts of all shelter employees will continue. Rest assured that animals will not be euthanized for the sole reason of not being transported to our new facility, which is nearly double in size."

 

Anonymous sources inside the shelter have discredited Chief Taylor’s above statement, directing the animal community to respond with immediate action.  In addition to rescue groups pulling numerous adoptable animals from the current shelter in Forestville, groups such as Last Chance Animal Rescue have offered free spay/neuter services to 501(c)(3) organizations who pull animals from the PG shelter. Other groups with limited room to pull have offered financial support for those who may have the ability to house even a single cat or dog.

 

“Thankfully, the animal loving community has come to the aid of the animals as PG Animal Management makes final preparations to move to their new shelter,” states animal advocate Tammy Zaluzney, a former shelter director for another Maryland facility. “Moving animals comes with many challenges, and because of these lifesaving efforts, many animals will not be faced with the stress of the move or the possibility of euthanasia to avoid it.  The life saving efforts of the community has proven nothing short of miraculous for the animals now on their way to rescue homes.”

 

As the week progresses and the animals begin to be transported, the rescue community plans to continue their efforts to remove animals from the County’s care.  Many continue their search for suitable foster homes that can adequately handle the abandoned pets of Prince George’s County. If you can help, contact Kendra at 703-867-8142.  Financial sponsorship is available for those able to foster dogs and cats from this shelter.