Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Case Update: Walker Co Humane Society in AL

You know how sometimes, whatever the reason, you come across something that leaves you feeling like you've been kicked in the chest?

You may remember the story of Boost, the Boxer who got loose and was turned in to the local shelter by good Samaritans in Walker County, AL. The shelter director killed him immediately and so the owner's heart was broken when he showed up promptly to redeem his pet. The shelter director's justification for the killing:

"The dog would not come out of the carrier so we had to use a capture pole. That is when he became aggressive.”

She further hinted that Boost tried to bite someone at the shelter.

Lies, damn lies and lying shelter directors who kill dogs:

  • Surveillance video from the parking lot shows Boost being taken out of the crate. (about 1:00 mark)
  • Surveillance video from the shelter lobby shows Boost being brought into the shelter (about 1:00 mark)
  • Surveillance video from the shelter kennel area - well it shows a shelter worker pushing a shopping cart containing a trash bag out the back door before turning out the lights for the day. [Insert run of curse words here.]

The video seems to confirm what the couple who turned Boost in to the shelter claimed - that he was not aggressive and no catchpole was used. It also might confirm my suspicion that the dog was brought in near the end of the day and the shelter director didn't feel like doing her job so she killed the dog instead of making a space for him. And then made up a story to cover her lying ass when the owner showed up to redeem his pet.

There is a legal case regarding this matter which I will continue to follow with interest. In the meantime, I can't help but wonder how many friendly dogs this shelter director is killing today. Or yesterday. Or tomorrow...

11 comments:

Alex V. said...

This makes me want to vomit.....

Heather Houlahan said...

Trash bag?

I saw an unbagged dead boxer dog.

YesBiscuit! said...

You may well be right Heather. My work monitor is very dark and I couldn't bear to rewatch.

Marji said...

Wow. Just wow. Is the legal case a civil one or will there be possible criminal charges, do you know?

The state's statutes aren't entirely clear but it sounds like Alabama does require a reasonable effort to find owners of animals impounded at the shelter. It also sounds like animals must be held for 7 days before being put up for adoption...

Sarah Ahiers said...

so disgusting. If it were my dog, i would have a real hard time not hurting someone.

Please keep us updated.

YesBiscuit! said...

Marji - This is a civil case. The city would have to pursue any criminal charges.
The defendant is seeking a gag order to keep things quiet and get the surveillance vids removed from the web. Boost's owner has filed a response and that aspect of the case will be heard Monday.

Valerie Hayes said...

Has the defendant stepped down or been fired yet?

Katie said...

Catchpole, bare hand... it's all the same thing, right?

This makes me want to vomit. Seriously. I feel so awful for Boost and his people.

YesBiscuit! said...

Valerie, as far as I know, Shelter Director still employed, presumably still killing friendly dogs and lying about it...

Valerie Hayes said...

I wonder what is wrong with the board of directors, then.

Bamagirl said...

Valarie- I'm wondering the exact same thing.