Betrayal by the ASPCA?: Oreo's Story

There are some stories about animal rescue that arrive in my email box each day that warm my heart and reaffirm my positive feelings that there are many people out in the world that love animals and deeply want to help them. Folks dig deeply into their pockets and contribute their hard-earned dollars to help needy, abused and neglected animals in order to find new, forever loving homes, or adopt special needs pets that have been overlooked and remain neglected in overcrowded shelters. Of course, I am always overjoyed when I hear about the many happy outcomes in which our forsaken and rejected animals are given a second chance to receive the care they so richly deserve. But yesterday was not a day in which my heart overflowed with joy. In fact, when I read the story which was sent to me by a dedicated and passionate animal rescuer, I could hardly contain my rage and anger. The subject line in her email simply read, "Betrayal by the ASPCA". Oreo after being rescued Dubbed by the ASPCA as their "miracle dog" last June, shortly after the ASPCA quickly responded to reports that a one-year-old dog named Oreo was intentionally thrown off a sixth floor Brooklyn building roof top, by her abuser, she was rescued. She had also appeared to have been beaten in the past, which was substantiated by several neighbors residing in the building who reported sounds of the dog being struck. The ASPCA nursed Oreo back to health and arrested the perpetrator. But here the "happy" part of the story abruptly ends. According to the "San Francisco Animal Shelters Examiner", in an article entitled "The Meaning of Oreo", last Friday, the ASPCA killed Oreo, in spite of the fact that a No Kill shelter had offered to save her. Ed Sayers, the President of the ASPCA chose to kill the dog instead of handing her over to Pets Alive in Middletown, New York who offered to keep her. Pets Alive is a member of the Mayor's Alliance for New York City. The ASPCA is also a member of the alliance. The public was in favor of Oreo being saved, and the No Kill Shelter had offered her lifetime care. Sayers claimed that the dog was aggressive and dangerous. What animal lovers nationwide are incredibly furious about is that most aggressive dogs, with patience, kindness and special training can be rehabilitated. Sayers issued a press release in which he claimed, "We are all upset by this", and emphasized that Oreo was truly vicious. He went on to claim that a lifetime in a sanctuary would provide a poor quality of life for the dog, so the decision was made to euthanize her. Even though Pets Alive is a facility with experience in rehabilitating aggressive dogs and is a highly respected and credible shelter Sayers chose to take this dog's life, prematurely. Additionally, Middletown, New York is only a little over an hour's drive from New York City. I cannot understand how the ASPCA could act in such a reckless and irresponsible manner. If they truly respect the lives of helpless animals, and are dedicated to save them, why would they disregard the compassionate invitation made by Pets Alive? No matter how I try, I cannot get my head wrapped around their decision to kill the dog without offering her another chance at finding love and protection. To say that I am upset about this is a huge understatement. I am livid! Read the full story by visiting: http://www.examiner.com/x-16635-SF-Animal-Shelters-Examiner~y2009m11d16-The-meaning-of-Oreo What are your thoughts about Sayers' action? Leave a comment and share them with us.