Search Finds Abuse At Memphis Animal Shelter
Posted on Saturday, 7 of November , 2009 at 5:44 pm
MEMPHIS, TENN—Animals should be safe at animal shelter but what the ASPCA and Memphis police found at the City of Memphis Animal Shelter is wholly unacceptable.
Early on Tuesday, Oct. 27, Memphis County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant of the City of Memphis Animal Shelter at the request of the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office.
Officers investigating allegations of animal cruelty found more than 200 dogs and cats living in substandard conditions—many had been deprived of food and water. The ASPCA was called in to assist with forensic evidence collection and analysis, as well as facilitate the rescue and veterinary care of animals at the shelter.
After receiving tips from concerned residents regarding the conditions at the facility, Memphis District Attorney General Bill Gibbons requested an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office. According to the search warrant, some of the dogs “are involved in court cases involving dog fighting and have been marked ‘Hold for Court.’”
The search warrant also indicated that some of the employees broke health codes by keeping dogs quarantined for rabies with dogs that are not required to be quarantined in the same kennel. In addition, the warrant reported unsanitary conditions, overcrowding and “vicious and sick” animals being housed along with other pets, according to the ASPCA.
The ASPCA is collecting evidence for the prosecution of the possible criminal case, as well as lending the services of its special forensic cruelty investigation team, comprised of disaster animal rescuers, field service investigators, Dr. Melinda Merck, the nation’s premier forensic veterinarian and Kathryn Destreza, Chief Humane Officer for Louisiana SPCA and Contract Investigator for the ASPCA.
During the initial stages of the investigation, local veterinarians and volunteers from American Humane Association staffed the shelter. 11-07-09
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