Join me Wednesday, November 22rd at 6:30 PM (EST) when my guests and I discuss the recent “mistaken” euthanizations of two pet cats by the Animal Rescue League of Berks County , PA. approximately a month apart during my show, A Close-Up Look at Anima Welfare Issues. The ARL has come under scrutiny by the public after a second pet cat, Sir Diddy (pictured), who was adopted and microchipped by this shelter in January 2017, was euthanized on November 13 after he escaped from his home on the 12th. He was taken to the shelter by a neighbor on the 12th, 1/2 hour prior to closing. The owners found out via social media that Diddy was taken to the ARL but the shelter was closed the following day not allowing them to reclaim him. Despite scanning twice for the microchip according to the shelter’s Interim Executive Director, Sir Diddy was deemed “aggressive” and subsequently euthanized.
Violet and Piper Wegman/ photo, Tiffany Wegman
In October, the shelter faced an angry public when a collared pet cat, Violet, was euthanized within four hours after being picked up by an ARL employee. Violet was considered “aggressive” and the now former (fired) employee made the solo decision to end her life without waiting to see to whom she belonged or wait to see if any owners were looking for her. No one has been fired for Sir Diddy’s death but they did issue an apology to the owners, Cody Lesher and Samantha Curran. While grave mistakes have been made by shelters, I find no excuse for this to happen for the second time in a very short time frame.
What necessary changes must occur at this shelter for this type of tragedy not to happen again? Join my guests, Dee Simmers, an animal advocate who has helped a family seek “Justice for Puss,” another cat who was euthanized by the ARL in 2015 and Tiffany Wegman, Violet’s owner/mom, who was a guest on a previous show to talk about the death of her cat as we discuss those changes.
There is no law in Pennsylvania which requires any animal shelter to hold cats for a certain period of time. Shelters are legally allowed to euthanize a cat once they have possession of the animal. However, the ARL needs to be held accountable for its actions. Apologies are not good enough.
Tune in at 6:30 PM (EST), Ch. 15 (Comcast) and Ch. 21 (Service Electric). Can’t see the show in your area? Streamline the show live over the internet by clicking on this link. The show will air again on Friday at 9:30 PM, Saturday at 5:30 PM, and Sunday at 8:30 AM.
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein is a television talk show host, speaker, writer and is an unabashed animal advocate. Her love for animals and quest for the hard truth is what drives her passion for all things animals. She hosts the show, ” A Close-Up Look at Animal Welfare Issues.” She adores her once-abused tripawd, Brody. If you’d like Tina to talk to your group or have a story, please email her at tevangelistaepp@yahoo.com. Like https://www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookAtAnimalWelfareIssues and check out AnimalWelfareIssues.com for all the tv shows, articles, and podcasts you may have missed!
Just caught the show. Wow! Can not believe it happened again. What the hell! Tina you once again knocked it out of the park! You and your guest Dee gave the shelter great suggestions on how the A.R.L. Can possibly regain the public’s trust.( if that is still a possibility) You were respectful and to the point. A breath of fresh air in a politically correct climate. You would be great to help them get back track. Since they don’t have a clue.I look forward to Mr. Hubric being on your show. I hope he is open to advice of people who have in depth knowledge of the animal field. Keep up the great work!
Thank you John for the nice comments. I hope the Animal Rescue League does indeed include training for all employees in light of what happened twice. I don’t think being rude is the answer to these serious issues. They need constructive critiques and positive solutions. Both parties involved with their cats being euthanized wants the shelter to do better and I hope the public wants the same. It won’t bring back Violet or Sir Diddy and nothing can change that. But this can’t happen again. If the shelter is open to good feedback and utilize it, I feel it will take time but they can restore their reputation. The community needs this shelter and it must do better.
I refuse to donate anything to a shelter which killed obvious pets. They are in need of serious help and change. I think the director, some of the board and staff need to go. If they care about the animals they’d leave on their own. Egos will prevent that from happening. That is very sad for the animals.
Yes they are in need of changes and policies. Hopefully, this won’t happen again but no one can guarantee it. And yes it is very sad for the animals and their families. Thank you.
And your show was excellent. You are a powerful voice and I hope they listen to your suggestions! They were right on the money!
Thank you Brittanyl! I appreciate the kind words. Glad you watched the show.
I agree 100%!!
Thank you.
What tf is wrong with this shelter? Killing two pet cats within a month is reason enough to get rid of people who are working there. Something is majorly wrong going on there for this to happen.
My sympathies go out to the families of both cats. If someone did this to my cat or dog, I’d sue. It’s not about money. I’d hurting so badly it would take awhile for me to do it. They deserve to be sued. Shelters are supposed to protect the strays. I’m hearing too many stories about shelters gone bad lately. It sickens me.
I feel they aren’t trained well enough to understand animal behavior of cats who are suddenly thrust into a shelter environment. Some cats don’t like being caged or confined. They have no idea what’s going to happen to them. Some will become defensive. Many won’t show their true personalities for these reasons and staff need to understand this.
Thank you.
Don’t offer a FREE cat to the families. That’s like pouring salt into a deep wound. Do these people have a background working with animals? Sheesh.
I agree with your sentiments. They may have meant well but it wasn’t the right thing to do at the time, in my opinion.
Thank you.
Excellent show! Damn girl! You didn’t mince words and told like it is. Thank you!
Thank you so much. You can’t mince words when two pet cats were euthanized in a shot period of time by the same shelter.
The show was for the shelter, the families and the public.