Memphis, TN (abc24.com) – Problems at the Memphis Animal Shelter have been making headlines for years, prompting Mayor A.C. Wharton to say he would take the “MAS” from worst to first.
A recent report, generated by the local Rotary Club, has more or less validated most claims by animal advocates against the shelter.
Saturday, November 19th, those animal lovers marched in the Midtown streets to call attention to the problems outlined in that report.
Save Our Shelter Memphis representative Sylvia Cox supports the findings. “Everybody knows now that the problems are not new,” Cox said. “The city has taken way too long to address them. It's time for the city to actively and aggressively address and correct these problems.”
And that’s what her group was trying to call attention to with the march. Animal rescue worker George Grider adds that animals should receive more respect.
“Memphis does not take care of its dogs,” Grider said. “We have a culture here that does not see dogs the way they should be seen.”
Grider added, “Not every animal that goes into that shelter will be saved, but once they are in that shelter, they should be treated humanely and caringly.”
SOS Memphis also wants more careful screening of employees hired to work at the animal shelter. Cox said her group does approve of the city’s new shelter which recently opened, but seeks more accountability.
