29 September 2011

Rockwall Pets is reporting a terrible situation at the municipal shelter. There has been an outbreak of Distemper; all pets are now in quarantine and five pets have died (unconfirmed if Distemper was the cause for all or not). Since policy does not require any pet to be vaccinated upon entering the shelter, all pets there now are in danger.

One suggestion is to provide a safe place for all incoming pets until this is resolved so they will not be exposed or endangered, but no decision has been made on that yet. The shelter staff is reported to meet Friday to make decisions.

Rockwall Pets writes “We have to admit we’re getting a little nervous. We’re receiving notes from experts who’ve been in this situation before. Five dogs that we know of have already lost their lives due to this horrific incident. We believe in saving the lives of every remaining treatable dog, especially those who have been previously vaccinated. If you agree, please express your opinion to Mayor David Sweet and the city council: davidsweet@rockwall.com, margonielsen@rockwall.com, markrusso@rockwall.com, cliffsevier@rockwall.com, benniedaniels@rockwall.com, davidwhite@rockwall.com, michellesmith@rockwall.com in addition to city management and shelter staff: JWidmer@rockwall.com, RCrowley@rockwall.com, jcouch@rockwall.com, cvalentine@rockwall.com ”

It doesn’t matter if you live in Rockwall or not, if you’d like to express an idea, share an experience, or otherwise give a voice for the pets, please contact the Rockwall officials using the links above. Please keep all, the pets, Rockwall Pets, and the decision makers in your prayers.

The City has just recently voted to become no kill and has achieved impressive live outcome rates. Rockwall Pets is a fantastic rescue group and registered 501c3; they are considering setting up a CHIPIN to help the pets if the opportunity is given.

Rockwall Pets posted this update: “We finally got through to Assistant City Manager Rick Crowley, who said “only” nine dogs have been killed so far as shelter staff continues to battle a distemper outbreak. In our opinion, staff is still primarily concerned about intake problems now that adoptions are suspended. Hence our frustration: Why aren’t they using all available resources, including sending vaccinated incoming dogs directly to foster homes? It’s really difficult to help these people when they won’t allow us to help, and they won’t even help themselves.”

Please give a voice to the Rockwall pets at the shelter and support the efforts of the organization Rockwall Pets that has worked so hard to revolutionize their community by helping them become no kill! Shouldn’t the incoming animals be allowed to safely go to a foster or boarding to avoid additional animals being exposed?