A comment on an email petition being passed around

Recently there has been an email petition being passed around the internet regarding 14 dogs seized from a home in St. Paul. The petition states that these dogs are at risk of being euthanized by the Animal Humane Society and St. Paul Animal Control (SPAC). I know many of us receive a plethora of email petitions in our inbox for various reasons and causes. In the past, I have been "guilty" of simply "signing" and forwarding with the belief that I am making a difference. I have come to learn that I need to ask more questions and validate facts. In this most recent case, I personally spoke with Janelle Dixon of AHS and I also saw the 11 dogs in quarantine at AHS who are being well cared for. There are NO plans to euthanize them. After the hearing process, if the animals are released to AHS, we (Pet Haven) will work directly with them to help them in placing the animals.

If this petition arrives in your email inbox, I ask that you simply hit delete.

The following is additional information that can also be found on the AHS website:

"On March 25 the dogs were taken from a St. Paul residence under a warrant by the City of St Paul and St Paul Animal Control (SPAC). Issues associated with the seizure included: the individual’s lack of a permit to house such a large number of animals, lack of licensing to sell animals and the living conditions of the animals. Animal Humane Society was called to assist and we are now caring for 11 of the dogs. Three are under custody of St. Paul Animal Control and being cared for by SPAC.

As part of this investigation, the dogs are temporarily being held at AHS until a disposition hearing takes place on April 9. At this hearing the judge on the case will make the determination as to who will receive custody of the dogs.

In Golden Valley, the dogs are under the care of AHS’s veterinary staff. They are in good spirits. Nine of the 11 are generally healthy and two are elderly with a number of health issues that require ongoing attention. Should the animals be released to AHS in the hearing process, we anticipate working with our animal welfare rescue partners to find placements for the dogs.

As we are able to legally, AHS will make more information about this case available here on our website."