Update on the Memphis Shelter Cruelty Case

Last week I wrote about the ASPCA Forensics Team being sent to collect evidence in an animal cruelty case at the Memphis Animal Shelter. The investigation began after a local resident took pictures of starving and abused cats and dogs at the city-run shelter and turned them over to the District Attorney’s office. After seeing the photos, District Attorney Bill Gibbons issued a search warrant and ordered a raid on the shelter.

Since the raid on October 27th, a lot of the sad details about the case and the abuse the innocent cats and dogs endured have been released. The following are the facts that have come to light so far:

At least 3 dogs died of starvation in recent weeks.
Employees euthanized at least one dog without following shelter procedures.
Confirmation was made that sick dogs with rabies were placed in shared kennels alongside healthy dogs without the disease.
Volunteers working at the shelter had made several complaints to Shelter Director, Kenneth Moody and Animal Services Administrator Ernest Alexander.
Neither administrator moved to improve the situation at the animal shelter.
The District Attorney’s office collected 17 boxes of evidence, 4 computers, 6 CD’s and DVD’s.

It was also confirmed that a little female mixed breed puppy was brought to the shelter in mid August and died on September 4th of “non-accidental starvation.” The veterinarian that examined the puppy said she had lost one-quarter of her body weight.

Memphis Mayor – AC Wharton took immediate steps to protect the homeless pets at the city-operated shelter. He has suspended euthanasia until the initial investigation is complete and he assembled a task force to examine the situation. He has also placed cameras throughout the shelter.

The investigation has also uncovered details about Ernest Alexander’s past work experience at an animal shelter in Alburquerque, NM. While working there, the shelter received complaints about empty food and water bowls and objections that the pets were exposed to extreme temperatures.

During his tenure in Alburquerque animal rights activist, Marcy Britton sued the city over conditions at the shelter. She said in an interview with The Commercial Appeal, “You couldn’t have found a worse person. Ernie never seemed to know what was going on. As bad as this is, I’m thrilled you had law enforcement there that would touch this.”

The raid of shelter has had an emotional impact on the residents of Memphis. A candlelight vigil is being held on November 5th to honor the innocent cats and dogs that died at the shelter and to raise awareness about the conditions at the facility.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Patrizia B.

7:06AM PST on Nov 11, 2009

Thank you for quoting Gandhi, Past Member.
Anyway, I was upset by the two photos I've just seen: I can't understand how can some human beings be so cruel: how can they sleep at night?I'm fed up with all this cruelty on animals. I must confess sometimes I don't sign petitions about cruelty on animals just not to be obliged to see horrible picture and read very sad stories: I unfortunately - in this case - have a good, visual memory,so...

send a green star

S R.

3:34PM PST on Nov 10, 2009

We should be thanking: District Attorney Bill Gibbons and Memphis Mayor AC Wharton, for taking this shame seriously and acting accordingly.
Hoping everyone involved inside the "shelter" would not only be punished severely but also never be allowed to work with animals or even approach one.

Pat P.

1:18PM PST on Nov 10, 2009

There is a criminal check for most jobs now, so why is there not one for the care-takers of animals?
It is just as important to have these people checked out, they are working with living-being, and this should not be taken lightly.
I know for one, if someone was in charge of my pet, I would definitely have these personages records run, and if they are in doubt, dont hire them, there are alot of people who love pets would love the job!

Jennifer L.

10:08AM PST on Nov 10, 2009

I live in Memphis & have been following this story. One of the things they keep mentioning locally is that many, many complaints have been made over the past year, & not just to the animal shelter, but to the police & the city council as well. They were just talking about it yesterday that most everybody on the council was aware of these conditions, & did nothing. Recently we've just had an almost complete change in government in the city, including a new mayor. In fact, the raid came on AC's 2nd or 3rd day in office. He had a lot to do with this raid, because none of the previous administration was doing anything. He deserves alot of credit for giving this so much attention, & has even promised to install cameras in the shelter that anyone can go watch to monitor the staff & animals.

Betty K.

7:04AM PST on Nov 10, 2009

"The greatness of a nation and its moral compass can be judged by the ways itsanimals are treated." --Ghandi

Antonio M.

2:55AM PST on Nov 10, 2009

It´s a crime! The poor animals can't defends them self’s, we must defend them!

Kumar A.

9:48PM PST on Nov 9, 2009

The trouble with people is that they don't realise eveything is holy, let it be a Humans or any animals and even tress, water and the list goes on. It clearly stated in Vedas, anything that is dead has to be buried.In order to purify our mind we have to become vegetarian only then will our body be purified. Then will we will have compassion and love for all living thing. We will share their pain and agony. A Dog becomes a extended member of the family and not just a Dog anymore. Only when we see GOD in all living things will we stop seeing, hearing and reading all the cruelty that is going.

Glow E.

8:02PM PST on Nov 9, 2009

I hope everything is going better and better. Blessing for all those animals and bless you.

Fay T.

7:42PM PST on Nov 9, 2009

This makes me feel so sad, disgusted and angry.
What kind of person does this? I just don't get it! There is a special place in hell for people that can allow this kind of suffering.

clara H.

6:41PM PST on Nov 9, 2009

Wow the poor animals. I want to hug them and make them feel better.