Dallas Animal Services Sees Rise in Pet Adoption -- and a Rise in Pet Abandonment

• I think the SPCA investigates animal cruelty cases, not the Animal Services (Animal Control, let's be clear what the mission is) Department. Perhaps the DPD should liaise better with SPCA when responding to possible animal abuse cases: the disconnect appears not to be with Animal Control and DPD, but with DPD and the organization that actually investigates and begins criminal prosecutions of animal abuse cases, the SPCA.

• I can give you more info, actually ... as the cats were found in the yards of my neighbors -- the one across the street, and another right next door. Two cats were found, in two pieces each, early this morning: a white one and a gray one. Across the street, officer found the gray front half and the white one's back half; vice versa next door. The offense is listed as a "cruelty to animals" offense. The reason I haven't posted about them is because the DPD was called out, though an investigator has not been assigned to the case of yet. I spoke with several officers late today, including DPD Chief David Kunkle, who says he will look into how the DPD will proceed with its investigation. He cautions against alarm: Most animal cruelty cases, he says, turn out to be caused by stray dogs, as evidenced by the current string of cat killings in East Dallas. Cat killings, he insists, too often become the "stuff of urban myth." So before I set about to panic folks, I am waiting further comment from the chief and Northwest Patrol Division commanding officers in the morning. Earlier, Sid said there had been reports elsewhere in Northwest Dallas. Kevin Janse, DPD spokesman, went back and looked at one month's worth of police reports and found no other cruelty to animals offense reports. So, if nothing else, those cases, if they existed, were not phoned into the DPD. One thing that was odd: The DPD said Sanitation came out to collect the animals; last I heard, the neighbor had to scoop 'em and bag 'em all by her lonesome, as neither Sanitation nor Animal Services came out. My question is (and I am awaiting an answer): Why wouldn't Animal Services come out in the first place, if only to decide whether or not the attacks were done by humans or animals? So, there you have it.

• The Cat mutilations were reported to the police this morning. I have not heard anything else on it.

• That's horrible about the cats! Did you report it to 911 or 311? Something like that should be reported to 911 because there's a sick and violent person behind that.

• Any campaigns must be in English and Spanish if you really want the message to be comprehended. There is a large cultural difference in how pets should be treated, and if you want people to understand your message, well you've got to speak their language.

• At www.readlarrypowell.com we've preached the message of spay/neuter and "take proper care of your animals" for years. One thing that might help would be a persistent, ultra visible ad campaign to remind people to check shelters first when they start looking for a friend. This is a situation that can be solved only when the hearts of the unconcerned are touched. Converting the masses -- there's a challenge. This is on the heads of the public. City governments have only two real solutions to crowded shelters: (1) Get 'em into homes or rescue groups or (2) kill 'em. This is Texas. The traditional solution to an animal problem is always "Let's kill it."

• NEUTER YOUR PETS PEOPLE!

• My wife and I adopted a dog from one of the Dallas City shelters a couple of years ago. She's been a wonderful addition to our family.

• Unfortunately, animal abandonment will continue to rise for as long as people view them as nothing more than trendy possessions--going from one puppy to another like they were changing purses or upgrading a cell phone.

• It is great that adoptions are going up (sorta), but the city will never get a handle on the absolutely shameful number of animals that have to be put down until it actually enforces its code. It is all well and good that we have these fantastic animal ordinances on paper - but in reality they are totally meaningless because they are not enforced.

• Two cats that will not be going to the pound were found severed in half and dumped on several front yards this morning. Similar cat killings have been reported near Royal Lane and Web Chapel recently.

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