Animal Welfare Professionals

Three months ago, I took on the role of vice president of the board at a nonprofit rescue organization dedicated to heping at-risk shelter dogs. However, the reality I encountered during this short span has compelled me to step away from the organization due to fundamental disagreements with its operations. What I observed and heard deeply troubles me. The dogs were living in deplorable conditions. Some of them lacked proper shelter, food and water. A heartbreaking instance involved a dog living amidst his own waste, confined to a kennel without regular walks. Another dog was continuously tethered, exposed to know predators on a property spanning 40 acres. And a dog with a paw injury received no medical attention. Adding to the distressing situation, the rescue had received substantial donations, totaling $20,000 in monetary and in-kind contributions in 3 short months. When I questioned the allocation of these funds, I was met with silence. My appeals to improve the dogs' living conditions were met with claims of financial constraints, and I was told that more donations were needed. Even my suggestion of relocating the dogs resulted in an unimaginable solution - euthanasia. While I am no longer formally involved with this nonprofit, I continue to be concerned for the dogs' welfare. Together with another board member, we have managed to save one dog, but the fate of the remaining five is uncertain. We are trying to save the rest but we are not sure we can as the rescue is not releasing the dogs. Whether we can save these dogs or not, the pressing question remains: how can we break this cycle of neglect and cruelty? Will the same thing happen to the next group of dogs once the current ones are relocated or put down.  We reach out for your insights and suggestions. We are immensely grateful for any ideas on how to save these dogs and prevent other future dogs from facing the same fate. Thanks for you help.

Three months ago, I took on the role of vice president of the board at a nonprofit rescue organization dedicated to heping at-risk shelter dogs. However, the reality I encountered during this short span has compelled me to step away from the organization due to fundamental disagreements with its operations. What I observed and heard deeply troubles me. The dogs were living in deplorable conditions. Some of them lacked proper shelter, food and water. A heartbreaking instance involved a dog living amidst his own waste, confined to a kennel without regular walks. Another dog was continuously tethered, exposed to know predators on a property spanning 40 acres. And a dog with a paw injury received no medical attention. Adding to the distressing situation, the rescue had received substantial donations, totaling $20,000 in monetary and in-kind contributions in 3 short months. When I questioned the allocation of these funds, I was met with silence. My appeals to improve the dogs' living conditions were met with claims of financial constraints, and I was told that more donations were needed. Even my suggestion of relocating the dogs resulted in an unimaginable solution - euthanasia. While I am no longer formally involved with this nonprofit, I continue to be concerned for the dogs' welfare. Together with another board member, we have managed to save one dog, but the fate of the remaining five is uncertain. We are trying to save the rest but we are not sure we can as the rescue is not releasing the dogs. Whether we can save these dogs or not, the pressing question remains: how can we break this cycle of neglect and cruelty? Will the same thing happen to the next group of dogs once the current ones are relocated or put down.  We reach out for your insights and suggestions. We are immensely grateful for any ideas on how to save these dogs and prevent other future dogs from facing the same fate. Thanks for you help.