Reform Maricopa County Animal Care and Control

We are a group of dedicated animal advocates who support reform at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control in Phoenix, AZ.

05/17/2023

MCACC has announced the hiring of the interim director for the permanent position of director. Although we have always requested the hiring process be transparent, Maricopa County administration refuses the request.

We do questions some of the claims made of Ms. McKnight's accomplishments, however we hope that she is the best person for the position and that she is given the support needed by the new county manager, Jen Pokorski, and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

We do feel confident that she will not be worse than Michael Mendel, however that is a low bar. Here's to hoping for improvement for all. https://www.facebook.com/MaricopaPets/posts/pfbid02fPwpNQjq7z9Lnx2aUSMr26xkMj6etZo3pDvpQQEW66FsWxGoQYT8ADD8xjb7Dd27l

NEW: After a nationwide search, Debbie McKnight has been named the permanent Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Director. Debbie has extensive experience running an animal shelter and a background in animal care and behavior, most recently at Arizona Humane Society.

Since Debbie became interim director in March, MCACC has:
· Prioritized community events for residents
· Made it easier to find and adopt a pet through https://apps.pets.maricopa.gov/AdoptPets
· Hired an Animal Behavior Administrator
· Strengthened relationships with partners

MCACC will prioritize the following goals under Debbie McKnight:
-Improving care of animals in shelter to reduce disease spread & improve enrichment opportunities for shelter dogs
-Training and supporting staff
-Increasing adoption numbers
-Protecting public health & safety

Please join us in officially welcoming Debbie McKnight!

05/16/2023

Debbie McKnight, the interim director, has been named the new director at MCACC. This job is challenging and we hope she is successful.

https://www.facebook.com/MaricopaPets/posts/pfbid0bYW7Bjp1GR41sMrk3j6BihtaYGpcgVzn6cDmbVj3gAkKmhd2CMDR66ruCrfLmEnMl

NEW: After a nationwide search, Debbie McKnight has been named the permanent Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Director. Debbie has extensive experience running an animal shelter and a background in animal care and behavior, most recently at Arizona Humane Society.

Since Debbie became interim director in March, MCACC has:
· Prioritized community events for residents
· Made it easier to find and adopt a pet through https://apps.pets.maricopa.gov/AdoptPets
· Hired an Animal Behavior Administrator
· Strengthened relationships with partners

MCACC will prioritize the following goals under Debbie McKnight:
-Improving care of animals in shelter to reduce disease spread & improve enrichment opportunities for shelter dogs
-Training and supporting staff
-Increasing adoption numbers
-Protecting public health & safety

Please join us in officially welcoming Debbie McKnight!

05/14/2023

This is inexcusable. She was rescued and gave birth, however she sat for 3 weeks with absolutely nothing being done. She gave birth to 5 puppies and mom and pups are doing well. It was obviously a high risk pregnancy considering she was 9 years old and had tick fever. A wonderful rescue, Arizona Small Dog Rescue, has her and all are safe.

Veterinary care has been lacking for years at MCACC. Now, they are short vets because of their own fault. Some enablers would like to claim they can't find quality applicants for jobs because of their poor reputation caused by those of us who speak up. Could it be that they have allowed a toxic environment exist for far too long and those in upper management are responsible for their ruined reputation?
https://www.facebook.com/seniorcitizensofmcacc/posts/pfbid0KnxYHUtr6eemBjoKvpV1KzrY5KC7fCLzyDUUEUsY4rBs95aVHneFxaXufEeQkM2xl

💕UPDATE - RESCUED💕

‼️😭 PREGNANT SENIOR NEEDS FOSTER by 5pm 5/11 to save her babies 😭

‼️She needs shares‼️ pledges ‼️ and foster‼️

NAOMI is ID , listed as NINE years old and 57 pounds

‼️This should NEVER happen. We are heartbroken for her! Not only is she pregnant at 9yrs old, but it is clear that she has had MANY litters. Naomi was found outside of a junkyard with three other dogs. At least one of them, Shadow , is believed to be one of her puppies. When she arrived at the shelter on April 13th, staff assumed that her hanging teats were from prior litters and never checked to see if she was pregnant. Now that they finally did a scan to confirm pregnancy, they have given her 48 hours to be rescued, or they will remove the pups. While we aren't happy about her having another litter, this senior is also not in the best medical shape for surgery. She needs OUT to have this last litter safely and get the care she desperately needs!

Naomi has impeccable notes. She is the sweetest, most wiggly, tail wagging pup in town! She loves human affection! ❤️ Naomi walks well on leash & is NOT dog reactive. She loves treats & takes them gently. Volunteers have noted since her arrival that this lady is HUNGRY and now we know why!

This senior lady needs to get the heck out of there into a safe home to ensure that this is the LAST litter she ever has! There is a rescue that will back Naomi if we can find a committed foster. They will also need pledges to cover medical expenses. If you are in AZ & are willing to commit to fostering Mom for at least 6mths / puppies for 8 weeks, please fill out the foster application ASAP!

http://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/foster/SDN/Dog

Photos from Reform Maricopa County Animal Care and Control's post 05/10/2023

Rescue partners received the following email from Debbie McKnight, MCACC interim director.

Our hope is that they do implement the many necessary changes so killing dogs who actually have an outlet stops happening. We know that they have not had any standard operating procedures for processes mentioned in this email. That in itself is inexcusable.

We have been informed that Gina Martino, Outreach Manager and friend of assistant county manager, Valerie Beckett, was moved to another department. Chris Carlisle, East Shelter manager will now oversee the department. Rumor has it that a long-time employee from the alternative placement office was placed on administrative leave, however we do not have confirmation of that placement or know why.

We will continue to monitor actions by MCACC and will continue to report the news. Our hope is that positive changes will happen. Just saying that they will make changes is definitely not enough.

Photos from Poverty's Pets's post 04/28/2023

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control fails the community and the animals. What is even worse is Arizona Humane Society failing the community and the animals. They have a budget well beyond what MCACC has, they take in far fewer animals each year, they kill a much higher percentage, and there is absolutely NO excuse.

You don't hear about it as much because they are not a government organization although they receive government funds from many cities, including the City of Phoenix, AZ USA.

Please follow Poverty's Pets to keep updated on their efforts to make changes.

À cause d’un e-mail jamais ouvert, un husky est envoyé par erreur à la mort 04/25/2023

We normally don’t post articles in French, however it appears to be relevant.

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control can do better, however we have observed so little positive change.

https://www.lessentiel.lu/fr/story/a-cause-dun-e-mail-jamais-ouvert-un-husky-est-envoye-par-erreur-a-la-mort-980157367204?fbclid=IwAR0yhsUBTeD_BaFzPFM6C9FBACZmHwQ3c3Gf14YMmYP3QnFKlt4gtxvdVgM&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

À cause d’un e-mail jamais ouvert, un husky est envoyé par erreur à la mort Une chienne, qui devait être retirée d’une liste des animaux à euthanasier, a été tout de même endormie, un courriel important ayant atterri au mauvais endroit.

Phoenix dog shelter mistakenly euthanizes THIRD dog in three months 04/25/2023

Wow - this is not the kind of headline you want to make. Please pass this around. Our only hope is that they receive enough public pressure and negative publicity to turn things around.

Also, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors are to blame for not providing the resources to meet the needs of the animals in our community.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12008955/Notorious-Phoenix-dog-shelter-mistakenly-euthanizes-dog-three-months.html?fbclid=IwAR3WYQmTkrJ_Zl2snu8LEx_dli7ah8h8mH8OrizS5rU-s8_tuSCaIj6vEcU

Phoenix dog shelter mistakenly euthanizes THIRD dog in three months Moscato the husky was put down last week at the Maricopa County Animal Shelter after a rescuer sent an email to the wrong inbox.

04/21/2023
04/21/2023

Another poor soul mistakenly killed. If they had someone who actually knew the dogs and worked closely with rescues and networkers, this would ABSOLUTELY NOT HAPPEN REPEATEDLY.

RIP MOSCATO

“I’m honestly just devastated right now. We all are. I will try to explain what happened without too much emotion. I went down with our volunteer and my friend Emi to evaluate Moscato and Floofy on Monday. We met them and spent some time with them. Floofy was a crazy hyper puppy, and Moscato was just timid and scared, but did not have one mean bone in her skinny little body. We had tried to work internally to find fosters the last few days and with few options yesterday, decided to put out a public plea. Earlier in the day, we received an email from the alt placement department asking if we could pull them. Before posting the plea, we replied to that same email to say we were working on these girls and were going to try to get pulls in overnight. We got an email back that said “that would be great,” confirming they knew we were working on them.

We put out a plea post and got foster applications for Moscato and Floofy last night, and I did video call home visits and onboarding to prepare the new fosters for the dogs and explain our process - the same thing we do for all new fosters.

Once this was done and we felt confident, I replied to the last email response we received from alt placement to pull both Moscato and Floofy. Whenever we have done so in the past, we would get a confirmation email in the morning. I didn’t see that email this morning so I was very concerned and sent a follow up email…

I got a relatively quick response to this email confirming the pull for Floofy, with no mention of Moscato. I responded immediately asking about Moscato. The response simply stated that “Moscato already had another outcome.”

I sent an email back asking for confirmation that she had been killed (euthanasia means mercy killing and I refuse to use it in this context - though scared, this dog was not suffering and was not a risk to anyone and did not deserve to die. There was no mercy for her). We still have not received a response to that email. After this, Emi called the shelter repeatedly and finally just went down there to talk to someone.

They said that I didn’t copy the right email address and that they didn’t see it in time. I replied to the email exchange I had with alt placement from 5pm where I received confirmation that they knew we were working on them. I’m trying to come to terms with the guilt I feel over not copying every single email address I have for county, while also feeling confused how they were able to get our pull in time to save Floofy but not for Moscato when we literally sent both of them in the same email. Floofy’s name was in the subject from the original email so maybe they missed Moscato’s information? So many things I wish I would have done… I honestly don’t know what happened on their end and I know I’m going to feel sick about it for a while. I also know there’s absolutely nothing I can do about it at this point. She’s gone.

RIP to a sweet, timid, shy little girl who slowly accepted our affection in just a short visit. You were right to be afraid and you deserved so much better.”

-Alison

The Most Powerful Tool in Animal Protection 04/08/2023

This is an important read. MCACC continually claims that those of us who speak up are the reason they can’t hire quality employees and have a poor reputation. As I personally like to say, “I don’t make the news; I just report it.”

The new interim director wants us to focus on the positives. I will happily do so when I am aware of them. Full transparency and open communication would be a great starting point.

I have personally been fired from volunteering for another individual reporting excessive kennel temps. My non-profit has been defamed and discriminated against due to my advocacy for the staff and animals. They continually break the law when they punish individuals or organizations for speaking the truth.

I even know of instances where other leaders in the animal welfare use their power and influence to try and silence dissenters. If MCACC worked as hard to do better as they do to cover up abuses, neglect, and incompetence, we’d have a shelter we could be proud of supporting.

I am always hopeful that with a change in management, positive change will occur. Let’s hope that the new county manager, Jen Pokorski, and the new MCACC interim director, Debbie McKnight, will change course and right the many wrongs.~ L

https://nathanwinograd.substack.com/p/the-most-powerful-tool-in-animal

The Most Powerful Tool in Animal Protection The First Amendment gives advocates the protection they need to protect animals

A look at how the largest US counties gained or lost people 04/06/2023

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is in charge of the 4th largest and fastest growing county in the country. Supervisor Bill Gates has quoted that 200 people are moving in every day and this data shows 57,000 new residents in a year.

Instead of recognizing that more services for animal welfare are needed, they made the unwise decision to reduce their services. Their brilliant idea was to push responsibilities onto other groups, to do only what is mandated, and to prevent intaking animals.

Until we hear that they have a different plan, we will believe what we have been told.

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/wireStory/largest-us-counties-gained-lost-people-98239283

A look at how the largest US counties gained or lost people Several large, urban counties across the United States gained residents or stemmed population declines in the year ending last July

03/30/2023

Ms. Pokorski was assigned to MCACC as the assistant county manager who oversees various departments in December of 2022. She will now take Joy Rich's position as Maricopa County manager.

It was a welcome relief to have someone other than Valerie Beckett in charge of MCACC. We have not been privy to any changes that have been made. We'd like to think that she identified the toxic environment, the lack of care for the animals, and the lack of transparency, however we haven't observed changes from our position as concerned citizens.

Our hope is that Ms. Pokorski has the courage to let the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors know that the policies that Joy Rich implemented for them failed miserably. We understand that the overpopulation problem is not easily solved and that the state of animal welfare throughout the country is in crisis. That does not mean that MCACC shouldn't do the best they can, push for more support and resources from a wealthy county, and stop pushing true animal advocates away.

Help us welcome our next county manager, Jen Pokorski! Jen's a longtime public servant chosen by the Board of Supervisors to be the next "CEO" of the nation's fastest-growing county. She'll step into her new role early next month!
https://www.maricopa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2686

03/30/2023

The monthly stats look good for MCACC. Our personal issues have been with the lack of care the dogs receive while at MCACC, not meeting the needs of the community with their managed intake policy, and the toxic work environment that leads to extremely high turnover.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/112FywHXXhx1ElYOs_s4v_M7KQ2dDlA0u/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19wIBwlamHgRFGDhFj90k3Of0KT-JBU8W/view?usp=sharing

2023.03.03 Lorena Bader (Shelter Count)#5982.pdf

03/30/2023

Joy Rich is retiring and Jen Pokorski, the assistant county manager assigned to MCACC, is her replacement. Ms. Pokorski has done little to show that she is aware that change is desperately needed, however I hope that after overseeing the shelter for several months that she truly understands the many issues.

I wish I could say that Joy Rich did a great job. Unfortunately, she ignored when the civil rights of individuals were violated, when the community begged for her to listen to their concerns, or when the staff and volunteers at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control were bullied and abused. Of course, she was putting in place the policies of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. I just wish she had the courage to stand up to them and do what was right. Had she at minimum, met with those of us who merely wanted better for the humans and animals in our community, I would not have had to publish a petition. I do have hope that Jen Pokorski has identified the need to act differently and I am beyond grateful that Valerie Beckett is not the new county manager. https://www.change.org/ReformMCACC

Chairman Clint Hickman says outgoing county manager Joy Rich "embodies everything you would want in a public servant." She is a "trusted advisor" to the Board, a "mentor to her leadership team," and an "advocate" for all county employees. Joy is retiring next month after nearly seven years as county manager. Thank you, Joy!

Running For Office 03/29/2023

The 2024 election is around the corner! Anyone interested in making a change?

https://elections.maricopa.gov/candidates/running-for-office.html

Running For Office If you are a candidate looking to run for office in Maricopa County, a Political Action Committee supporting or opposing county, school or special district ballot measures, this page will provide you with the information, resources needed to participate in elections. Our front counter is open by app...

Timeline photos 03/19/2023

This is what a progressive shelter does - provides a way for the community to get their pets vaccinated. Parvo and distemper run rampant in the community and distemper outbreaks have resulted in hundreds of needless deaths at MCACC.

We are truly impressed that they figured out a way to make these services available to the public. Let's hope this is the first of many changes made that protect the community's pets.

Are your pets up to date on their vaccinations? If not, Maricopa County Animal Care & Control can help! On 3/18 from 9 AM to 12 PM, they are hosting an event where pets can receive free parvovirus, distemper, and rabies vaccines and free pet licensing. Learn more: https://www.maricopa.gov/5908/Pet-Care-Event

03/19/2023

Pepper spraying dogs and snaring dogs would not be considered "fear free" sheltering. Because they now redact so much information in a public record request, it is difficult to determine if it is law enforcement or animal control who is engaging in these unnecessary actions.

Both pepper-sprayed dogs are not dangerous, nor vicious. Our guess is that they also have no protocol for how to clean a dog who has been sprayed other than putting a sign on their kennel.

If you can't bring this dog in without pepper-spraying or snaring, animal welfare might not be a good fit for you.

Public animal record:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kXSu-PoccVK10fBRJrBKTZUIq7PYIDa7/view?usp=sharing

03/04/2023

MCACC has continually made a dog the poster dog for the Bissell Empty the Shelter adoption event and then either e-lists or actually kills the dog.

Tony is the latest victim. It isn’t difficult to decide that you won’t put any poster dog on the kill list. It shows lack of foresight and lack of communication.

Feel free to let Cathy Bissell know that this is not acceptable. Btw- Tony was adopted and returned because the adopter’s female dog kept attacking him. Although the shelter had him labeled as needing to be an only dog since his return, the adopter says he got along with several other dogs and it wasn’t his fault. They recently removed the only dog requirement.

https://apps.pets.maricopa.gov/adoptablePets/DetailPage.aspx?RecordLocator=ODAyNDI0NDhB

Email: [email protected]

03/02/2023

MCACC wants to be the hero in this case. Unfortunately, they aren't. Their misguided managed stray intake policy leads to animals being left at the shelter because you must have an appointment to bring in a stray and they usually are scheduling a week out. They will pick up from your house within 72 hours. If someone is not able to hold a dog for that long, they suggest putting the dog back on the streets.

This little girl likely has an owner. The guy who dumped her probably found her and didn't know what else to do. You don't take an animal to the shelter if you are trying to harm them. Instead, he went to the place where he thought he could get help.

They say she is 12 weeks or younger so she was immediately placed up for adoption and adopted. If she did have an owner they are out of luck. We will continually demand that MCACC does better. They could have contacted a foster or rescue and asked if they could hold her while an owner search was done. That would also give time to make sure she is healthy.

Update: Adopted!

This morning, an MCACC West shelter employee noticed an individual place something in a trash bin outside the shelter. Initially, the employee thought it was blanket donations and asked the person about it as they were walking away. Since the individual did not respond, the employee asked if they dumped a dog. The individual then yelled at the MCACC employee who asked the individual to visit during open hours so we could offer assistance. Instead, the person ignored the offer and drove away.

Discovered inside the trash bin, we found this pug pup who immediately won over everyone’s hearts! Thankfully, she is happy, energetic, and eating well! “Dumpling” is now available for adoption at our West shelter.

Please know, MCACC has multiple programs to assist individuals in crisis. There is no reason to relinquish an animal in this way. MCACC and many animal welfare organizations around the community strive to ensure homeless animals get the greatest chance for finding their forever families. If you or someone you know are experiencing challenges, please work with us and we will do our best to share appropriate resources for people and animals in crisis.

https://www.maricopa.gov/401/Animal-Surrender

03/02/2023

Michael Mendel, MCACC director, was fired and Valerie Beckett, assistant county manager, was reassigned in December of 2022. Crystal Enojos, deputy director of MCACC, recently resigned. We were hopeful that Jen Pokorski, the assistant county manager taking Valerie Beckett's place, and the interim director, Bill Wiley, would make some immediate changes to bad policies put in place by the former administration. We had also hoped that they would recognize the importance of the community, rescues, non-profits, and volunteers when gathering information. Finally, we had hoped that they would put the well-being of the animals in their care at the forefront of decision-making.

At this point, we haven't seen any significant improvement and they have not been willing to even make a public statement. Their efforts in finding quality candidates for the director's position have not been successful. They have now enlisted the help of a recruiter, but more than one person he has contacted has turned him down.

They also refuse to use the services of outside consultants who could offer fresh perspectives and could identify areas for improvement. They have chosen not to go this route, even when these services were free.

Finally, they continue to let dogs sit in their kennels for over a week at a time without getting out and they dump large numbers of dogs on the e-list/euthanasia list/kill list due to deterioration. Staff still antagonizes from outside the kennel to get a reaction. Networkers and volunteers are unable to even find out if a dog is dead or alive with the new changes.

What simple changes could be done NOW? Here are suggestions and there is absolutely ZERO excuse why they couldn't be implemented immediately. All MCACC needs to do is to look at Pinal County Animal Care and Control in Casa Grande or Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson to see that it can be done. Both of these municipal shelters do amazing work with the resources they have. They are supported by the community and they are viewed as models for other municipal shelters.

1. Allow volunteers to have full access to the Chameleon database.
2. Do not remove an animal from the portal until it is dead.
3. Conduct dog-to-dog assessments.
4. Allow groups that have successfully conducted public dog walks in the past to continue.
5. Start playgroups and allow all dogs who like to play to get together daily and co-house dogs who become friends.
6. Don't just pretend to follow Fear Free Shelter guidelines; actually put it into practice.
7. Train both staff and volunteers to use 'click for quiet' training.
8. Allow day foster and overnight fostering to the general public.
9. Communicate openly and honestly with the public in a town hall setting.
10. Treat those who want the shelter to improve as partners, not enemies.

We know that these changes are not impossible because many have been done before at MCACC. Unfortunately, those in charge, starting with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, have decided that going back to the old days of 'the pound' is acceptable. As a community, we will NEVER find that acceptable.

Here is a reminder of Ceritt who was mistakenly killed. This is what happens when killing becomes robotic. The spin doctor/PIO for MCACC, was disingenuous when she said one step was missed. Those who killed Ceritt did mark that they checked the rescue email, but they obviously did not. Our guess is this won't happen again, however it would have if all involved had not spoken up. Our voices matter.

03/01/2023

HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO SPEAK!

UPDATE: Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 9:30 am Board of Supervisors Formal Meeting

Tomorrow March 1 the BoS will have 2 agenda items under Animal Care & Control and anyone will have to chance to speak and ask questions in person or online. I recommend speaking to Agenda Item 42 in opposition of allowing the Federal Grant of $1M to be used for the sole purpose of county wide Spay/Neuter and in favor of: Engaging an outside consulting form to evaluate and recommend best practices worthy of a world class animal shelter, Implementing a robust animal Behavior Team consisting of 1 lead and 2 handlers at each facility, Develop go home programs designed to instruct adopters proper protocol for bringing home a new dog, Develop programs to help people keep their dogs, Hire an external firm to attract and hire competent & compassionate leaders & veterinarians, Develop a robust program to attract volunteers, Develop a marketing campaign with a social media team to promote adoptable dogs!

Please follow the instructions below for the following agenda items (I will speak in the virtual forum):

Agenda Item
41. PETCO LOVE GRANT AGREEMENT AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
42. COMPETITION IMPRACTICABLE WITH FIX-ADOPT-SAVE

In Person: To make general comments during "Call to the Public" OR speak on an agenda Item, you must fill out a speaker form at the meeting and turn it in to the Clerk's staff.

Written: To leave comments for the Board of Supervisors, please send them to [email protected].

Virtual: To speak on a Planning and Zoning Hearing or Statutory Hearing Item virtually, submit speaker form https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Clerk-of-the-Board-of-Supervisors-27/Board-of-Supervisors-Speakers-Form-324. You must submit your speaker form before 8 am on meeting day. If speaking virtually on a hearing item, desktop computer access is best. Cell phones must have webinar application downloaded to participate. (General comments for "Call to the Public" must be in person.)

Residents may watch the Board meeting live-streamed at Maricopa.Gov or Maricopa.Gov/324 at the time of the meeting.
Residents may also watch live meeting via GoToWebinar.com at this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5477618924865278551
Enter the webinar meeting ID 239-055-691.

Residents may listen to the Webinar by dialing +1 (914) 614-3221 and enter the Audio Access code 397-455-619 #. Long distance charges may apply. No audio PIN is needed

register.gotowebinar.com

Debbie McKnight - Vice President of Field and Animal Welfare - Arizona Humane Society | LinkedIn 02/24/2023

News from MCACC:

Debbie McKnight from AHS will take over as interim director in mid-March. She is apparently taking a leave of absence from her position as VP of Field and Animal Welfare at AHS. We hope that she is dedicated to saving lives as Arizona Humane Society saves far fewer than MCACC.

They have extended the posting for the director's position and have hired a recruiter. Information coming from those knowledgeable in animal sheltering indicate that many of the most qualified individuals will not even apply. We feel that until MCACC goes on record and commits to working with the community and acknowledging that change is needed, they will struggle to find the top candidates.

The position for Animal Behavior Administrator only received 6 applications in the week it was posted, so they have extended that posting as well. The previous administration pushed out one of the best behaviorists available and now they are attempting to replace someone who was skilled, respected, trusted, and. a true animal advocate. They have big shoes to fill.

We pushed for the shelter to hire an outside consultant. They were even offered free services from a reputable organization but they turned them down. It makes no sense other than those in charge not even understanding that they are failing or wanting to do better. There is no one in charge that knows how to successfully run a shelter the size of MCACC.

On the positive side of things, the save rate remains around 94%. Our position is realistic and does not focus on this number. Although it is admirable, what isn't is the lack of care for the dogs they house, the toxic work environment for staff and volunteers, the managed intake which has reduced the numbers of strays they take in, and the responsibility they push on to the small rescues who are not funded like MCACC is.

Please keep following, sharing, emailing, and speaking up when you see concerning issues. Together we can make a difference.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-mcknight-787135ba/

Debbie McKnight - Vice President of Field and Animal Welfare - Arizona Humane Society | LinkedIn View Debbie McKnight’s profile on LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional community. Debbie has 5 jobs listed on their profile. See the complete profile on LinkedIn and discover Debbie’s connections and jobs at similar companies.

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Videos (show all)

Thank you for joining our meeting!  If you missed it you can listen here!
Mondo is no longer with us but we wanted to share his story and explain why he was completely neglected by MCACC and fai...
Mcacc is so inconsistent..Spice is due to be euthanized in a couple days due to becoming fearful, and got spooked on the...
ALL of these dogs were euthanized during the Bissel free adoption event. Instead of giving them a chance to find a famil...
This is an example of nothing more than FAILED LEADERSHIP at MCACC. Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/ReformMCAC...
UNPROFESSIONALISM 101:Michael Mendel, director of MCACC, and Valerie Beckett, assistant county manager, both contacted t...
Reform MCACC Now
Unfortunately, absolutely nothing has changed at MCACC since we first published our petition. Instead, they have doubled...
🆘🆘🆘Another Dog Dies in their Kennel🆘🆘🆘Willow was a happy, wiggly, 1 year old boy who became ill in the shelter. He was d...

Category

Address


Phoenix, AZ

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Home Fur Good Home Fur Good
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HFG is a no-kill animal rescue whose mission is to eliminate the euthanasia of adoptable animals.

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2500 S 27th Avenue
Phoenix, 85009

Serving the pets and people of Maricopa County. https://www.maricopa.gov/5375/Comment-Policy

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Phoenix

Arizona E-listed, Adoption, Rescue, Foster.*NO SALES!!!* also please understand *i am not a rescue*

Maya_A_Dogs_Tale Maya_A_Dogs_Tale
25 N. 40th Street
Phoenix, 85034

This 10-yr-old sweetheart is accepting hoomans to call her very own. She's an aspiring therapist, scholar in basic commands & top-rated house sitter. Let's help her find her family...

Phoenix Veterinary Referral and Emergency Phoenix Veterinary Referral and Emergency
4015 East Cactus Road
Phoenix, 85032

Adopt JoJo - AAWL Adopt JoJo - AAWL
Phoenix

My name is JoJo and I'm a current resident at AAWL in Phoenix. I love the human and doggie friends that I have made but I would love nothing more than to find a home and humans to ...

Monopoly classroom Monopoly classroom
14770 Dix Toledo Road Southgate MI 48195-2615
Phoenix, 14770

A monopoly is basically when a single entity controls somewhere over 75% of the market for sales and

Adopt Cuppa Jo at AAWL Adopt Cuppa Jo at AAWL
25 North 40th Street
Phoenix, 85034

Cuppa Jo currently resides at Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) and is currently on the search for her furever family and home.

Adopt Ajay AAWL Adopt Ajay AAWL
25 N 40th Street
Phoenix, 85034

Hi, I’m Ajay! I’m a handsome, adoptable boy looking for my forever home full of love and tennis balls. Think you might be the one? Come visit me at the Arizona Animal Welfare Leagu...

Adopt Taki-AAWL Adopt Taki-AAWL
25 N 40th Street
Phoenix, 85034

Hi my name is Taki and I’m looking for my furever humans!