August 8, 2011
April 2, 2011
Who Is Really Responsible?
MADACC has two cat cages in their lobby that they use for adoptable cats. We are happy to report since the introduction of the cages a few more cats have found homes. What concerns us is that there are only two cages to showcase adoptable cats. Most of us would assume that maybe they don't have any more cages and they are doing all they can with what little they have. The sad truth is they do have more cages that are available, at this very moment there are two set of cages sitting idle in the shelter. Each of these sets can house six cats. That is twelve more cats that could be displayed for adoption right now, at this very moment. Even more disturbing is that these cages are not being used for animals at all, they are used as storage for donated dog beds which they don't use either.
Why are they not using these cages to display adoptable cats? The two adoption cages currently in use have glass fronts. Animal Control Officials have made excuses that they can only use adoption cages with glass fronts. Apparently people are going to stick their fingers in the cages and get bit or scratched which would be a liability to them. They also think that people might steal the cats.
If MADACC deems the cats adoptable then they should show no signs of aggression, which makes us question why there is such a concern that the public may get bit or scratched. There are many other adoption agencies that have proven to be successful by allowing the public to interact with animals. If MADACC was truly concerned about liability issues their actions do not reflect it in other areas. MADACC sometimes allows proactive volunteers to take dogs to off site adoption events and sometimes people come into the shelter to meet a dog before making the decision to adopt. We can't forget the wonderful dog walker volunteers who take MADACC's dogs for walks where their is plenty of opportunity for the public to touch or pet them. Obviously there is always a risk of someone getting bit in these situations. It is hard to hide behind the excuse of liability when their practices do not fully reflect their claims. MADACC has the power and ability to house twelve additional adoptable cats right now.
So far this year MADACC has killed 194 cats, some of them for time and space constraints. If time and space are an issue the most logical action would be to use those cages to save lives instead of using them for storage. MADACC makes a statement on their website to explain the senseless killing that occurs there, "Although [MADACC'S] mission is to save lives, their community’s irresponsible pet ownership requires them to euthanize animals, and then they are faulted for doing so." If MADACC's mission is to save lives they are doing a deplorable job. Last year in 2010 MADACC killed 7,064 animals. It is disturbing that MADACC thinks it is acceptable to blame and condemn the community they are funded by and whom they serve. When they place blame and the burden of death on the community they are removing themselves from all responsibility and accountability for their actions. The empty cages used for storage are an unsettling example of the apathy and disregard for life that permeates the leadership and culture of MADACC. We, as a community need to hold them accountable for their actions and demand change.
MADACC is currently looking for an Executive Director. No Kill Milwaukee wants to see a Director who will embrace the no kill philosophy and provide leadership that is consistent with the communities values.
We encourage you to contact MADACC to express your outrage regarding their apathy. We can't allow them to continue blaming us, the community to deflect responsibility. These animals and our community deserve better. Also, we need to demand they put those empty cages to use for adoptions, for saving lives.
Contact MADACC
John MacDowell, Interim Executive Director jlmac2@madacc.com
Kevin Wilken, Shelter Manager kwilken@madacc.com
Laura Proeber, Shelter Supervisor lproeber@madacc.com
(414)649-8640
3839 W Burnham Ave
West Milwaukee, WI 53208
Why are they not using these cages to display adoptable cats? The two adoption cages currently in use have glass fronts. Animal Control Officials have made excuses that they can only use adoption cages with glass fronts. Apparently people are going to stick their fingers in the cages and get bit or scratched which would be a liability to them. They also think that people might steal the cats.
If MADACC deems the cats adoptable then they should show no signs of aggression, which makes us question why there is such a concern that the public may get bit or scratched. There are many other adoption agencies that have proven to be successful by allowing the public to interact with animals. If MADACC was truly concerned about liability issues their actions do not reflect it in other areas. MADACC sometimes allows proactive volunteers to take dogs to off site adoption events and sometimes people come into the shelter to meet a dog before making the decision to adopt. We can't forget the wonderful dog walker volunteers who take MADACC's dogs for walks where their is plenty of opportunity for the public to touch or pet them. Obviously there is always a risk of someone getting bit in these situations. It is hard to hide behind the excuse of liability when their practices do not fully reflect their claims. MADACC has the power and ability to house twelve additional adoptable cats right now.
So far this year MADACC has killed 194 cats, some of them for time and space constraints. If time and space are an issue the most logical action would be to use those cages to save lives instead of using them for storage. MADACC makes a statement on their website to explain the senseless killing that occurs there, "Although [MADACC'S] mission is to save lives, their community’s irresponsible pet ownership requires them to euthanize animals, and then they are faulted for doing so." If MADACC's mission is to save lives they are doing a deplorable job. Last year in 2010 MADACC killed 7,064 animals. It is disturbing that MADACC thinks it is acceptable to blame and condemn the community they are funded by and whom they serve. When they place blame and the burden of death on the community they are removing themselves from all responsibility and accountability for their actions. The empty cages used for storage are an unsettling example of the apathy and disregard for life that permeates the leadership and culture of MADACC. We, as a community need to hold them accountable for their actions and demand change.
MADACC is currently looking for an Executive Director. No Kill Milwaukee wants to see a Director who will embrace the no kill philosophy and provide leadership that is consistent with the communities values.
We encourage you to contact MADACC to express your outrage regarding their apathy. We can't allow them to continue blaming us, the community to deflect responsibility. These animals and our community deserve better. Also, we need to demand they put those empty cages to use for adoptions, for saving lives.
Contact MADACC
John MacDowell, Interim Executive Director jlmac2@madacc.com
Kevin Wilken, Shelter Manager kwilken@madacc.com
Laura Proeber, Shelter Supervisor lproeber@madacc.com
(414)649-8640
3839 W Burnham Ave
West Milwaukee, WI 53208
Milwaukee Animal Control (MADACC) Declines Training On Saving Lives
Bill Bruce, Director of Calgary Animal Services hosted an educational conference yesterday, 3/31/11 in Madison. He decreased kill rates by implementing progressive practices in his shelter. In 2009 Calgary Animal Services killed 203 dogs and 188 cats due to severe behavior or health problems. In 2009 Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission ( MADACC) killed 1840 dogs and 4363 cats. All MADACC supervisors were invited to attend this free conference which included free dinner and gas for travel. NO ONE from MADACC attended! With a kill rate as high as they have it is disturbing to see they have absolutely no urgency or interest in saving more lives. Since 1999 our taxes have been funding killing through the inadequate management of MADACC. Killing perfectly healthy and adoptable animals does not reflect the values of our community. Speak up and tell MADACC to stop the killing. Call them, write them, visit them! There is power in all of us, the power to initiate change.
Contact MADACC
John MacDowell Interim Executive Director jlmac2@madacc.com
Kevin Wilken Shelter Manager kwilken@madacc.com
Laura Proeber Shelter Supervisor lproeber@madacc.com
(414)649-8640
3839 W Burnham Ave
West Milwaukee, WI 53208
Learn more about Bill Bruce
Contact MADACC
John MacDowell Interim Executive Director jlmac2@madacc.com
Kevin Wilken Shelter Manager kwilken@madacc.com
Laura Proeber Shelter Supervisor lproeber@madacc.com
(414)649-8640
3839 W Burnham Ave
West Milwaukee, WI 53208
Learn more about Bill Bruce
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