The following email messages & letters
have been received
by members of the Forrest City Area Humane Society.
Thank you!
I was online and watched the video http://www.wmctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11308300
from Memphis TN and was disgraced by what I saw it is just heart
brreaking that these poor animals can be treated so badly in
a Shelter the meaning for safe house, I am hoping that the people
there working were let go and that charges are being pressed.
I would like to help but with assurance that the same people
that let this happen to these animals were let go and going
to a nobel cause. I myself have always gotten my pets from H.S.
and I could not have asked for better pets and so has my family.
Please keep up the great work these animals need an angel to
look over them.....
Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed,
All nicely tucked in my warm new bed.
I'd like to open my baggage Lest I forget,
There is so much to carry--so much to regret.
Hmm . . . Yes there it is, right on the top.
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss;
And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame.
As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave,
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough--for they didn't want me.
Will you add to my baggage? Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things--and take me right back?
Do you have the time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage, To never repack?
I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see,
But I do come with baggage - Will you still want me?
- -- Author Unknown
El Paso, TX
I am with the City of Osceola Animal Shelter and just finished
watching the
video you shot at the FC shelter and I am weeping. I have never
seen such
deplorable conditions in all my time with the shelter. I cannot
imagine how
hard it was to shoot that video and watch what was going on.
I just want to let you know that if there is anything our shelter
can do to
help, please let us know! Hopefully your work this time will
not go
unnoticed and corrective action will be taken.
Has my home town really come to this?
Sorry to have such a subject to discuss. I have a suggestion.
As a certifiable old guy, it has been my experience that roaches,
skunks, vampires and "evil doers" in general cannot
stand the light. May I suggest you who live there, and are able
to keep up with what is going on, "SHINE THE BRIGHTEST
LIGHT YOU CAN FIND" on everyone in a position of responsibility.
This problem is disgusting. I know you feel that way too. So
sorry that so many I really care about are, in my opinion, suffering
under such neglect and lack of decency. Let me know if you can
think of anything I can do to help.
I e-mailed the Mayor, the Governor and former Governor Huckaby;
something must be done.
God bless and keep you and your folks who work so hard to help
these animals.
I just view a video on YouTube of the horrific treatment of
animals in the Forrest City shelter; I cried and was sick to
my stomach. I have e-mailed your mayor to express my shock and
disgust; I could not find an e-mail address for the shelter,
only the Humane Society. You Tube is great, but this should
be in your local paper and on local TV or the nearest station
to Forrest City. I am contacting the Public Health Department,
this shelter has to be in violation of some laws and statutes;
they also present a threat to public health.
I am also going to contact Governor Huckaby and appraise him
of this situation; I am sure he has contacts that can help with
this situation. God will not forget what these people have done
to those poor, defenseless creatures, and neither will I.
I have reviewed the youtube footage and became appaled.. Why
has the city not done anything to the workers of the shelter.
from what i saw there were more counts of animal curelty than
i have ever seen. i am a very big animal person and i have two
dogs myself. my husband and i only adopte from the local animal
shelter. i never knew that people could be so mean to animals.
i do hope one day that yall will be able to obtain control of
the building. Thank you
Ms. Hicks:
I assume your inbox is overflowing at this point! I, too, watched
the video and read the printed material concerning the neglect
and killing of animals at the Forrest City Animal Shelter.
I have, as have many others, dedicated my life to the care and
humane treatment of animals, particularly shelter animals. Recently
I have been working with the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter
in Louisiana, who has been plagued with maltreatment and neglect
of the Shelter animals by employees for many years. Assisting
Louisiana shelters has been a mission for me since Hurricanes
Katrina, Ike, and Gustof.
Tell me what I can do to help you and the animals of Forrest
City! My plan is to telephone the Mayor's Office this morning!
I am willing to offer my assistance at the Shelter? Usually
I speak with the City Councils, Board of Directors, and Mayors
about humane sheltering and working toward No-Kill! Next I meet
with the community members and animal rescue groups in the area
so that I can answer any questions they may have. In Jefferson
Parish, a NOLA No-Kill Task Force has been set up, and they
are working to educate the community on what is happening in
the Shelters, and doing whatever possible to save the lives
of the Shelter animals.
Janie...How can I help you and the animals of your area? I am
attaching my Bio for your review. If you feel you can use my
particular set of skills please do so.
Thank you for bringing these severe acts of cruelty to the public.
"THE GREATNESS OF A NATION CAN BE DETERMINED BY THE WAY
ITS ANIMALS ARE TREATED"............Mahatma Ghandi
Janie,
As a former FC citizen and animal lover, I am contacting you
because I have been disturbed (to say the least) and appalled
at what has been going on in the shelter after seeing the video.
Because I am no longer a citizen of Forrest City (I now live
in Little Rock), I don't know how much impact I can have in
calling the mayor. However, I am willing to do whatever I can
to help you. Please let me know what I can do to help. If it
includes calling Senators, Representatives, and anyone in between,
I will be more than happy to do so. If you would, please just
advise as to what specifically the issue is and what ordinance/s
need to be passed to help this horrible situation.
Good luck to you in taking on these heartless people for the
love of the sweet animals. If only there were more people like
us.
Hi, Gay.
Just watched your video of the animal shelter abuse there. So,
so, sad....
I hope there is some change quickly as a result of your efforts.
Proper treatment for the animals and termination of the employees
responsible for them and the RIP note.
Please keep me informed.
Little Rock, AR
Subject: I am trying to make sure....
that Louisiana is watching you.
Good luck with your battle and the courage to succeed.
New Orleans, LA
http://www.examiner.com/x-16570-New-Orleans-Pet-Rescue-Scene-Examiner~y2009m10d14-Humane-Society-in-Forrest-City-Arkansas-video-the-animal-shelter-neglect
I'm sending a check tomorrow. I'm stunned by the cruelty and
lack of humanity. This is AMERICA!! We are supposed to CARE!!!
We donate monthly to the Humane Society and ASPCA, but I want
to help you specifically, because the national donations are
obviously not helping you enough. Is it better for me to buy
the items on the list and ship them to you, or do you have an
agreement with a local merchant which would better utilize my
dollars? I will be happy to send the money to you directly if
that is the case. I'm mailing $200 tomorrow. Let me know how
to help with the other $300 I want to donate -either with the
goods or with cash.
I have forwarded the local news clip to Anderson Cooper at
CNN and Shepard Smith at FOX News. If there is anything else
I can do to help, please let me know. I am also notifying the
mayor that I have done so.
I don't know anyone in Forrest City. However, the situation
I saw on the news clips in Memphis last night highlighting the
FC mayor's heartless and cavalier attitude toward the helpless
animals makes me ill. There must be more that can be done. How
can we turn the national eye toward the situation and force
the mayor's hand? Shall I forward the local media news clips
to the national media? I will be happy to do anything you think
might help. My first check is in the mail.
i live in cordova, tn and was deeply troubled by the story
about the animal shelter in forrest city - i am not able to
take in any more animals (6 adorable cats) and am retired but
i am willing to help with small monthly donations if this would
help feed the animals - the story focused a lot on empty bowls
- i am a proud member of the aspca and would be proud to help
out - i hope the news story stirs up good response for the situation
in forrest city - my great aunt and uncle lived there years
and years ago :)
as you know memphis has PLENTY OF DIRTY LAUNDRY - don't know
anyone over there anymore and don't care about the tax deduction
- i care about our 4 legged friends - we lived in apartments
b4 buying our home and i fed 14 cats - 1 racoon (rocky) &
1 opossum (otis) - still take a bag of food for my old neighbor
to put out - will gladly send ya'll a little something to help
out - i wish i could send more but on fixed income
that is the worst I have seen in a long long time how can any
judge see
how horrible that is the hsus should be called in on this
Greenwood, MS
Keep up the good work, Gay. They need to restructure that whole
Shelter business and have it run by a board to whom weekly reports/updates
are required to be given by the shelter's manager. Also, the
board should welcome advisories submitted by the volunteers.
Jackson, MS
The disturbing youtube video was just brought to my attention
today, and I can not stop thinking about it. I got Shelli through
the Forrest City HS and also recently adopted a dog from the
HS here in Jonesboro. It sickens me to think the animals are
being so mistreated and the conditions are so bad. I talked
to my friend who did assure me that it has somewhat been cleaned
up. I am attending nursing school in Jonesboro and really have
no reason for going back to FC, but I still want to help out
in some way. If donations is what would be most helpful I will
do that, or if you need food, blankets, anything, just let me
know. I just want the peace of mind that I did something to
help. I respect all that you do, and you have inspired me to
volunteer at the jonesboro HS. The Jonesboro HS is great, I
was very impressed. I can only hope the FCHS will get better!!
Thank you for your time,
Jonesboro, AR
I haven't helped in a while, but my thoughts and prayers are
with
the Society and the people who keep it going.
Thank You for all you do
and keep loving those precious
animals!!!!
Forrest City, AR
Mr. McCoy:
I am not associated with the Humane Society in any way, don't
even know who the principals are in that organization.
Having just viewed a video taken of our so-called animal "shelter,
to say that I am sickened and appalled would be an understatement.
There is absolutely no excuse for what I saw in that video.
Dead animals thrown into dumpsters and allowed to rot with their
bodily fluids flowing over the pavement, maggots everywhere,
and animals not being fed or watered for up to 40 hours? What
excuse can any city have for behavior such as this? I don't
care what kind of battles are going on between the City and
the Humane Society; something has GOT to be done, and as the
Mayor of this city, I expect you to play a major role in getting
this problem fixed. Rest assured that I am not the only citizen
of this county who is PAST READY to see some positve action
taken.
This letter will be sent to everyone in my address book, Mr.
Mayor. My clock now reads 12:16. How would you like to be forced
to wait until day after tomorrow to have YOUR lunch?
Forrest City, AR
You go girl!
Edmond, OK
That is a very powerful video and I am glad that you shared
it with me. I hope the "higher-up" people of Forrest
City see it and take action. It always bothers me when I see
animals mistreated. It even bothers me when I go to a pet store
and see the animals caged up. We adopted our cats from a no
cage cat house and it was awesome. All the cats roamed their
rooms with no cages, no mistreatment, food and water, and a
vet present everyday. I'm sure she told you about Felines Inc.
in Chicago. To me, that is the ideal place for rescued animals.
Seeing those animals and how they were treated in that video
brought me to tears. I know it is a little statement, but on
behalf of those animals you are saving and helping, thank you,
thank you, thank you!
Lots of love and support,
Pittsburg, PA
I sent an email to andrew douglas with channel 5. I am hoping
they can get
something on the air..I have a lot of friends over here that
are willing to come
over to "break out a can of whoop ass" let me know
if you are going to organize
something. This situation is horrible."
Memphis, TN
Animal Cruelty Video
I grew up in Forrest City, AR. I have recently heard of the
animal abuse at the shelter, and I was wondering what the entire
story is regarding this situation.
Unfortunately, since I now live out of town, I am a bit "out
of the loop" regarding the situation at the shelter. I
would really like for someone to let me know what's going on,
since it's been so highly publicized in the last few months.
Being the animal-lover I am, I actually didn't have the heart
to watch this video- I can only imagine the disgusting nature
of the abuse.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help remedy
this situation. I have already posted the video on my Facebook,
so I can get more people involved with this cause.
Thank you for bringing this to light, and for speaking for
those who have no voice...
Memphis, TN
Thank you for sharing the sad news about what could be a fine
place for homeless and abandoned animals.
My suggestion is to send your fine video to the National Organization.
If that doesn't bring them to F.C. to check on things I'm not
sure what will.
The sadder part is that F.C.'s conditions are not unique,
but rather the norm for a lot of shelters. No wonder our nation
is in the speeding decline it finds itself in.
If the president get the Nobel Peace prize for breathing maybe
next year "Mom" can get it for riding in your jeep.
God bless you for the tireless efforts you are making to help
God's helpless ones.
Ottsville, PA
That is one of the most disturbing videos I have ever seen.
Is there not a state or national organization that can step
in and make our fine mayor step up to the plate and be a more
responsible humanitarian? Let me know what I can do to help.
Have you thought about a Memphis T.V. station? That looks like
something they would like to sink there teeth into.
Forrest City, AR
Love the Jaws music!
Forrest City, AR
I know that voice! You go girl!
Edmond, OK
This video is the most disturbing and disgusting thing I have
ever seen. There is certainly nothing HUMANE about that place.
What a nightmare.
My heart and thoughts are with you as you persevere - keep
your faith!
Seattle, Washington
"Gay keep up the fight. You have a lot of supporters online
here. Without a doubt the AC director is a stooge of the mayor.
Having delt with this type of behavior before. You must keep
a detailed diary if you will of each and any occurance. Two
HS members need to go the shelter. Never send one of you alone.
I think many, many people on FB and their friends have sent
emails to the mayor, council members and the city attorney."
Kentucky
Dear Mayor McCoy,
The depiction of the animal shelter in the video on YouTube
is the worst I have ever seen in the United States. People who
are depicted on Animal Planet's Animal Cops shows are regularly
prosecuted for animal cruelty and abuse for similar treatment.
I have also looked at the news reports online and conditions
may be better, however, the rodent feces present in the cabinets
was appalling. I'm not sure how anyone could work there without
contracting a disease
The film on YouTube appears to represent real conditions. For
the sake of the animals, please cooperate with the Humane Society
to rectify the conditions. As it is depicted, the animals would
be better off euthanized and the shelter closed permanently.
The Miami/Dade animal control shelter had similar issues and
was investigated by the U. S. Humane Society. No rescue would
take dogs from the shelter because of the expense of treating
the animals for the diseases they contracted at the shelter.
After several years, conditions improved and rescues are once
again taking animals from there.
In situations like this, the animals are the only losers or
winners.
unknown
I've just watched the video of the Forrect City animal shelter
and I'm sick to my stomach.
Thank you for standing up for the dogs and for what's right!
I've just posted a message on my Yahoo group for SHelter And
REscue groups in NJ and neighboring states.
The word is getting out there and your mayor and city council
will hopefully be getting lots of input. I found their addresses,
phone numbers and email addresses online and included them with
my posting.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/SHARE_SHelter-And-REscue
Horrendous conditions at animal shelter
Hi SHARE Folks -
I rarely post messages about conditions outside of SHARE's
area -
New Jersey & neighboring states. However, once in a great
while, I
learn about a situation that is so horrible that I present it
so you can
do the magic of networking and make a difference. This is one
of
those cases. Please watch the video if you can handle it. I
warn you
that it's very graphic. Then spread the word and make the contacts
listed in the article.
Networking does work. Together, we can be a powerful force
for
change. Please make some calls and write some letters. Let's
help
these animals.
Thanks for all you do for so many animals
New Jersey
I watched the YouTube video that was made documenting the cruelty
happening in the city shelter. I am beyond outraged and extremely
upset about what is happening there. I can't imagine how the
members and volunteers of the Humane Society must be feeling.
When I read your statement that the Mayor has done absolutely
nothing... well, I got even madder.
I want to help - I want to help you guys and the animals that
are suffering. I live in Virginia, or I'd help you in person.
But there is the wonderful power of the Internet and the massive
amount of animal loving friends that I have from all over the
world. I don't think the Mayor wants the world looking over
his shoulder... but that's the ONLY way something will change.
I'd like to start a petition that would call for a complete
reform of the shelter there. I'd like to see the Mayor answer
the question "WHY" he has done nothing. I guess because
I am an outsider, I want your OK to proceed. But perhaps people
from the outside screaming mad is what the situation needs.
I don't know these people (thank God) and they don't know me...
so the Mayor can't claim any vendetta on my part, or anyone
who signs a petition, makes phone calls, etc. I want to see
if I can get in touch with some friends I have at the larger
animal welfare organizations (Best Friends, Humane Society...
but NOT PeTA). I also live about 20 miles south of Washington
D.C. and Capitol Hill. If you need me to go visit the Senators
there, I can do that, too.
Please email me back and let me know. If you'd like to call
me, my cell number is XXX-XXX-XXXX. I can call you back so you
don't have any long distance charges, if needed. I really, really
do want to help - and I know a lot of folks that want to do
the same.
Thank you -
Virginia
Dear Forrest City, St. Francis County, and State of Arkansas
officials,
I am part of a fast-growing group of animal advocates who are
being made aware of the horrible conditions at the Forrest City
Animal Shelter in Forrest City, AR. To get a sense of how far
the word of the horrors have spread, please check out the following:
(I will warn you that this video is very graphic)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjaxCr1t4mA
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=search&gid=154176409742
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=143366794080&ref=mf&v=info
http://www.fcahumane.org/20091006pr_website_janie.pdf
I assume you are aware of the ongoing battle between the Mayor
of Forrest City and the Forrest City Area Humane Society. It
appears that the Mayor is upset over the video posted online
showing the abuse and neglect at the Forrest City Shelter.
Now the Mayor is accused of trying to force the Humane Society
out of the affairs with the Forrest City Shelter. It has been
posted on the internet that the Director of Animal Services
will kill the animals in the shelter Monday November 30th, with
the Mayor's approval. Is there no one else in the state of Arkansas
that cares for these voiceless animals?
Your prompt attention to this situation is required.
Pennsylvania
CC: Office of Senator Blanche Lincoln
Office of Senator Mark Pryor
"I emailed the Mayor around the middle of last week about
this and asked him to please look into this matter, not realizing
he was aware of it and was backing the ACO!!! But, if enough
of us bombard him and the officials with letters, emails, faxes,
ph calls etc., they just MIGHT do something to better this situation!
I think they all(at the shelter) need to be fired, and some
real ANIMAL LOVING ppl should be hired!!"
unknown
I have grave concerns regarding the Forrest City Animal Shelter.
The images in the youtube video are extremely alarming and call
for immediate action on your part. I am writing to ask that
radical improvements be made at once, including the employment
of new staff and a qualified director who will stop the suffering
of innocent animals in the shelter. There is no excuse for a
filthy and diseased environment, rat and mice droppings covering
numerous surfaces, maggots everywhere, with helpless animals
denied sufficient food, water, and care.
The ownership issue between the Forrest City Humane Society
and Forrest City Animal Control is not grounds to delay action.
For indeed, to delay would be criminal as the animals need immediate
intervention. These animals, many former "pets", are
yearning to be with humans in a good home Many have been subjected
to physical abuse and treated with contempt. They are abandoned
to heartbreakingly painful conditions.
Although you may deem these animals inconsequential, they have
great value well beyond dollars. What they represent is the
potential for connection with humans, the ability to heal our
wounds, and bring joy to our lives. In return they ask for very
little. I feel it is our duty to treat them with compassion
and consideration, as privileges and treasures that they are.
I also ask that you bring about an investigation of conditions
pursuant to Arkansas's anti-cruelty statutes. It is absolutely
essential to determine who is responsible for such wide-spread
neglect, whether pound employee or community resident, and hold
them accountable. My heart aches thinking of the pain, the agony,
and the sadness these animals suffer. Please do not ignore this
great injustice, but act swiftly, using your authority in the
spirit of the coming season of love and celebration of life,
to improve their conditions and see to their needs.
I know your time is limited and I thank you for your urgent
attention.
Sincerely,
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Thank you for getting back to me and for helping me to understand
the situation as it truly is. In fact, I was contacted yesterday
by one of the volunteers of the shelter, and she too, was most
gracious in her explanation of what is taking place at the shelter
and that your group is trying to rectify these problems.
So, please forgive me if I sounded harsh. I just cannot stand
the thought of any animal anywhere, suffering for any reason!
If you think it would help for some of us throughout the country
involved in rescue, to write a couple of letters to your city
officials, please let me know. Also, do you know if any of the
national animal welfare groups have been contacted to help you
in your efforts to effect positive change at the shelter? In
Defense of Animals (IDA), ASPCA, The Humane Society of the United
States (HSUS), The Animal Legal Defense Fund and so on.
Thanks for all you and your group are doing to try and make
a difference in those innocent animals' lives.
Overland Park, KS
In memory of our big, sweet golden boy Tate . . .waiting at
the Bridge 9/21/09
In memory of our sweet kitty boy Sidney . . .waiting at the
Bridge 12/26/07
In memory of our dearly beloved golden girl Kelsey . . . waiting
at the Bridge 3/1/07
In memory of our darling golden boy Bentley . . .waiting at
the Bridge 12/21/06
Letter
from the Humane Society of Pulaski County - 11-18-09 (PDF) -
Please click to open
Letter
from the Humane Society of the Ozarks (PDF) - Please click to
open
