Laurie Hollywood was released on her own recognizance STAMFORD, Connecticut––Former Stamford Animal Shelter manager Laurie Hollywood, 42, of Newtown, Connecticut, on June 20, 2014 voluntarily surrendered to the Stamford police department in response to a warrant issued for her arrest on three counts of reckless endangerment. Hollywood was released on her own recognizance. Arraignment was […]
Stamford fires shelter manager for rehoming dangerous dogs
“Certain details will continue to be withheld” STAMFORD, Connecticut––Stamford, Connecticut mayor David Martin on June 17, 2014 announced the firing of Stamford Animal Shelter manager Laurie Hollywood for repeatedly rehoming dogs with bite history, without disclosing that history to the adopters. Investigation of the situation by the Stamford Police Department continues, Martin’s statement said, […]
Fitchburg becomes third public shelter to suspend operations due to liability concerns about pit bulls
FITCHBURG, Massachusetts––The Fitchburg Animal Shelter in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, on June 13, 2014 became at least the third public shelter in six weeks to suspend operations at least temporarily because of liability concerns associated with pit bulls. “The shelter is officially closed for any intake. We are not to receive any animals from owners, surrenders, […]
Roswell resumes releases of dogs to rescue groups following 3-day suspension after pit bull attack
Dennis Kintigh reviewed the shelter policies ROSWELL, New Mexico––The Roswell, New Mexico city animal shelter on June 16, 2014 resumed releasing impounded dogs to the Roswell Humane Society and shelterless rescue groups, after an over-the-weekend suspension while mayor Dennis Kintigh reviewed the shelter policies. Kintagh on June 14 followed Stamford, Connecticut, in suspending transfers of […]
New York City transition succeeding, says longtime ASPCA critic
Early in 2014 I was interviewed by The New York Times and the New York Post about my opinion on the ASPCA transferring humane law enforcement duties to the New York City Police Department (see ASPCA cedes lead role in New York City humane law enforcement to police.) I told both reporters that “Sometimes […]
ASPCA cedes lead role in New York City humane law enforcement to police
Oldest humane law enforcement agency in U.S. NEW YORK CITY––One hundred forty-seven years after Henry Bergh incorporated the American SPCA to enforce the New York state anti-cruelty act of 1860, the ASPCA is transitioning out of the lead role in New York City humane law enforcement. Since September 1, 2013 the New York City […]
New adoption center gives Fresno humane community a point of pride
A rare “good news for animals” event in a city which has had little to celebrate FRESNO, California––Celebrating a rare “good news for animals” event in a city which has had little to celebrate, the Cat House on the Kings and the Petco Foundation on February 15, 2013 together opened a new 1,500-square-foot adoption center […]
L.A. shelter deal transfers cash crunch to Best Friends
LOS ANGELES–“There is progress in Los Angeles!” exulted City of Los Angeles Animal Services general manager Brenda Barnette on January 5, 2012, anticipating the imminent transition of the idle Northeast Animal Care Center from a costly liability to an operating asset, run by the Best Friends Animal Society. “The contract between the city and […]
Aftershocks ripple from SF/SPCA (December 2000)
And are still rippling, 20 years later SAN FRANCISCO, PHILADELPHIA, KNOXVILLE––The San Francisco SPCA and San Francisco Animal Care & Control in calendar year 2000 together killed fewer than 2,000 cats and dogs. That was under 2.6 cats and dogs per 1,000 human residents, 15.6% of the national average, 1,001 fewer than the 1999 previous […]
Humane Society of the U.S. settles affairs without a Wills
by Merritt Clifton WASHINGTON, D.C.––Humane Society of the United States executive vice president Patricia Forkan is to assume authority over HSUS domestic operations effective on January 1, 1996. HSUS president Paul Irwin, now heading domestic operations, will move over to head the umbrella organization, Humane Society International, while current HSI president John Hoyt, 65, will […]