A candid conversation was held between Police Chief Warren, Assistant Chief Dunn, Animal Officer McAnally, Rosenberg residents Lorene Lindsey and Danna Psencik who invited FBPA! to attend the meeting to address issues of accountability, staffing, volunteer program, euthanasia procedures and animal advisory board. Given a crucial role in transitioning the animal shelter to meet the purpose of the new department mission statement of taking “proactive measures to place stray and abandoned animals in adoptive homes”, the Police Department of Rosenberg and the shelter staff are expected to set goals, both in short term and long term and to have an action plan to close gaps, to manage change and to measure success through a well-outlined process. Expectations also include placing public interest above self-interest, reaching out to learn new knowledge and understanding industry standards.
The department’s focus on “disposition goal”, explained by Chief and Assistant Chief when it comes to assessing the performance of the shelter is little-known and it records singular effort. Disregarding the industry’s standard of overall save rate is eschewing reality, accountability and shows lack of commitment to save lives as clearly mandated by the new mission statement on the city website. It also does not fulfill the new mission statement’s requirement of being “proactive”.
Advocates stressed the current save rate of 48% is notably low. It drastically dropped from 96% in April to 48% in September this year. Chief was also adamant about keeping Officer McAnally as the Interim Shelter Supervisor despite save rate plummeting over the last five months. He stated the consideration is timeless due to the wonderful job that Officer McAnally is doing. The Chief also reminded advocates that he does not promise the job position will ever be posted.
Assistant Chief Dunn shared information about the hiring process of a kennel tech position and stated interviews will start soon. She is adamant about putting the shelter in order. She also understands the need to recruit more volunteers and foster effective communication to facilitate invitations to adoption events. In regards to protocols of euthanasia, Officer McAnally stated that most animals that are put down are overdosed with xylazine, rendering them unconscious before the second needle goes in to finalize the process and that heart stick is used only as a last resort, or for aggressive dogs. Weight used for euthanasia dosages is based on the weight of animal upon intake. However, the city has not been able to provide a copy of Standard Operation Procedure on Euthanasia.
Chief clearly stated that Advisory Board meetings are open to the public. Lorene Lindsey asked that consideration be taken to make the meetings more organized and professional. With reference to their professed efforts to make positive change in improving shelter management, finding a dog left in the City of Rosenberg Animal Control truck, parked outside the Police Department for over one and a half hours while Officer McAnally attended the meeting is not a reflection of change. The truck engine was off, the minimal ventilation was cut off and the tree shade did not provide comfort to a frightened, howling animal cooped up in a small, dark space for over ninety minutes. We urge the city and the shelter, as the responsible authority, to stop this callous practice. It creates controversies, liability issues and a bad reputation while they are trying so hard to make positive changes. Residents from Rosenberg, Fort Bend County and nearby areas encourage officials responsible for shelter operations to be progressive and shift the focus to saving lives.
About Fort Bend County Pets Alive! FORT BEND PETS ALIVE! is a non-profit, 501(C)3 organization, dedicated to helping make Fort Bend a no kill community through programs such as adoptions, education and community outreach, low cost spay and neuter surgeries, fostering, Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender (PASS), and promote rescuing from euthanasia list.