As you can see the public is outraged over this story and the only way we were going to get it out there was through the World Wide Web. The phone in my office hasn’t stopped ringing since the word started spreading on the Internet and over 60 people have posed comments here.
Many of the callers are asking how you can help. Here are a few importants things to do, since we have to keep the pressure on this story in order to make sure this problem gets corrected.
1. If you are a resident of Cecil County called the County Commissioners to let them know how outraged you are. Their phone number is 410-996-5201. In addition considering email them and here’s the link to the homes for our five elected commmissioners.
2. Call media outlets. This story was floating arounds since Oct. 2008 and media was fully aware of the piece. Your calls to any and all regional media will help to bring attention to this matter. This is very important if we’re going to affect change.
Here are some numbers for you:
A. Cecil Whig – 410-398-3311
B. WBAL Television – 410-467-3000
2.
Dear Mr. Smigiel,
I am the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Wicomico County and I wanted to offer our assistance if there is a need to house some of the animals from the CCSPCA. We are willing to transport and do whatever is necessary to help in this situation.
Our shelter phone number is 410-749-1213 and my cell phone number is 410-726-5421. I will look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Linda M. Lugo
Dear Mr. Smigiel:
I also wanted to add some comments, specifically as to how skilled volunteers are treated at the SPCA. Last fall I went in, as a professional dog trainer, desiring to work directly with the dogs, to increase their chances of being adopted. Basically it was treated like a huge joke, and I was led to some staff members, who were told “look, this one wants to train dogs.” I was then set to cleaning cages. While this is a necessary task I realize, it seemed there was plenty of help for that,and I had specific skills to offer. I was told that the dogs did not really need to be walked, as they had indoor/outdoor runs, and at that time, nobody was walking them daily. “They got walked in the nicer weather by volunteers.” So, if somebody with dog training skills shows up why would they not be welcomed and some dogs given a chance to learn some useful skills. I have not been back. At least in my business I am able to help dogs learn the necessary skills to be good family dogs. However, it is this at risk population that really needs the help.
Leslie Fisher
Look What I Can Do! Dog Training
Pat Miller Certified Trainer
[...] How You Can Help [...]
SEVERAL YEARS AGO I APPLIED FOR A JOB AT THE HUMANE SOCIETY IN CECIL CO. I WORKED ONE DAY WITH NO PAY AS A ON THE JOB TRAINING POSITION. I KNOW FIRST HAND WHAT GOES ON THERE THEY GET KITTENS IN THAT ARE THIN AND SICK AND INSTEAD OF HELPING THEM THEY PUT THEM DOWN THE FURNACE OUT BEHIND THE BUILDING HAD DEAD ANIMALS IN IT AND IT WAS NOT OPERATING AT THE TIME THE CATS IN THE CAT ROOM ALL HAD UPPER RESPETORY ISSUES AND STILL NO TREATMENT, THE DOGS WHERE NOT KEPT ANY BETTER I OFTEN WONDERED HOW THIS COULD GO ON. I ACTUALLY DID CONTACT SEVERAL PEOPLE IN CECIL COUNTY ABOUT ALL OF THIS BUT NOTHING WAS DONE. SOMEONE NEW NEEDS TO TAKE OVER AND CLEAN THIS MESS UP. I REALIZE THAT TIMES ARE HARD FOR ALOT OF PEOPLE THESE DAYS AND THEY TAKE THE ANIMALS THERE IN HOPE OF ADOPTIONS AND NOT ALL WILL BE ADOPTED BUT AT LEAST GIVE THEM A CHANCE AND DONT KILL THEM WITHOUT EVEN TRYING. I DO NOT LIVE IN CECIL COUNTY BUT I AM VERY INTERESTED IN THE OUTCOME OF ALL THIS GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS THE ANIMALS
Let’s take this to the next level. With all of the information readily available about the abuses of power and taxpayer dollars that has occurred for far too long at the Cecil County SPCA, I am outraged that no public officials are at the front gates demanding someone’s head. We must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, the innocent victims in all of this, the animals.
While I realize that due to society’s inability to have their pets spayed/neutered, we have created the cruel reality that healthy, happy pets are put to sleep every day. Instead of lavishing benefits and ridiculous salaries upon a Director who sounds a lot like Cruella Deville, we should be implementing a spay/neuter clinic and requiring that all pets are spayed/neutered, whether rescued, bought from stores, breeders, etc. This is the only way to end the vicious cycle of overpopulation.
But back to this issue. Unfortunately these SPCA workers are without conscience and will continue their horrible atrocities until forced to stop. Let’s use public pressure, humiliation, and accountability to demand the following:
1. Full disclosure of ALL funds and the appropriation of such
2. Outside agency audit of books and policies, and new business plan creation/implementation
3. Firing and criminal prosecution of ALL guilty parties, along with full restitution of misappropriated funds
4. Return to operation only under guidance of another agency, rescue, or shelter until a proper operating structure is determined.
To do this, we must spread the word to make everyone aware of these abuses of power, trust, and money. All concerned citizens, residing in all counties, should contact the Cecil County commissioners, the MD Attorney General, the Governor, major media outlets Channels 2, 11, 13 (ask for the investigation units), and talk show hosts like Oprah and Ellen. Once someone picks up the story, it will be nearly impossible for this horrid director and her incompetent staff to continue their reign of terror.
The squeaky wheel gets greased, so let’s all make some noise!
Finally. Maybe now we can effect a much needed change to the operation of our SPCA. As a person who rescues dogs I escpecially find the accusations disgusting. The people there who have commited these crimes against these beautiful creatures will find punishment, if not here then on the other side. The poor animals in that facility had no say in the treatment they recieved. A facility meant to be a savor and a second chance for so many babies just became their worst nightmare. Oh my, and the money that Ms.Demming makes per year overseeing and running that mess is HORRIBLE.
Im not a Cecil County res., but,What do these people intend to do about this? I have dogs and I wish I could take another one, I can help with a donation, or anything else needed. Have they done anything YET? Beside TALK? were are the dogs and cats at now? STOP TALKING AND DO SOMETHING NOW,TODAY, CECIL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
I have set up a petition for any interested and concerned citizens to sign at the website http://www.care2.com at the link below. The goal is 5,000 signatures to be sent to the Governor and Attorney General when completed. From what I have read, I do not trust that any official or governing body in Cecil County will actually do anything about this matter, so taking it to the state level seems to be the best option. Here is the link, please take a moment to sign:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/9/stop-the-abuse-at-the-cecil-county-maryland-spca
And another caring person set up a page on facebook that can be accessed at the link below. Please join:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43562744845
I also contacted every commissioner, the governor, the attorney general, the three major television stations, Oprah, and Ellen. I have heard back from a Channel 2 News reporter that they are investigating this story. One commissioner replied that the matter is “being investigated”.
I hope that the animals are safe while all of this is going on. Pray for swift and effective justice.
I’d like to organize a protest at Deeming’s home where people peacefully march, chant and hold signs with various slogans such as ‘Jeanne Deeming runs Concentration camp for Pets” – use terminology that is known to tap into truly loathesome imagery much the same way it works for the pro=life movement outside clinics. Deeming is also a dog show exhibitor and likely enters her dogs in local shows; this year, I’d be willing to print out a flyer and hand it out to everyone at the show – upcoming shows are listed at http://www.infodog.com. we can’t know if she’ll be at any particular show but getting out the word to the dog show people will make her persona non grata quickly.
Also a march during the Commissioner’s meetting would be great. How do we organize it?
This matter is now openly public and there will be no stopping the animal lovers and animal rights activists now! The press is not only local but is far and wide which is what was needed to get the tight lid off this jar of “monsters” involved in the CCSPCA. BUT, please we can’t forget the lost, abused and abandoned so no matter how negative or nasty this fight gets the goal should be to rebirth the CCSPCA to what it should be – the loving, nurturing and caring place where animals can go until a home is found or if not then the decision to euthanize is painfully and heartwrenchingly approached and without a doubt necessary to stop an animals suffering(I personally believe euthanization should be for the fatally sick or wounded and not just because an animal hasn’t been adopted by a certain time)
I go home everyday to my dog Scout who loves me unconditionally as I love her and we talk (well, I talk, she cocks her head in a that cute canine way) about how the CCSPCA will one day be a safe haven again!
It looks like CMA time from the board of Veterinary Medical Examiner:
——————-
Statement by the Maryland Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners on the Cecil County SPCA
ANNAPOLIS, MD (Jan. 13, 2009) – “On October 6, 2008, the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (SBVME) inspected the Pet & Equine Veterinary Hospital, a licensed hospital housed within the same building as the Cecil County SPCA. Although they are housed in the same building, the Pet & Equine Veterinary Hospital and the Cecil County SPCA are separate and distinct facilities. When the SBVME inspected the hospital on October 6, 2008, it passed inspection, which focused primarily on the hospital’s sanitation standards. Under the Maryland Criminal Law Article, issues of animal care and cruelty not associated with the operation of a veterinary hospital are under the jurisdiction of local authorities C not the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners C and would be prosecuted by the State’s Attorney. The SBVME has received no official complaint about the operation of the Pet & Equine Veterinary Hospital or the Cecil County SPCA.” – Chris Runde, D.V.M, Chairman, Maryland Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
Approx. 5 or 6 years ago the CCSPCA killed my german shepherd when i lived in Washington Woods. My fiance and i retained a local cecil county attorney and successfully sued the CCSPCA for animal abuse and cruelty. We won. When the 2 CCSPCA agents killed (kicked, beat and asphixiated) Rocky they did so in front of member of the local K-9 unit as well as residents and children that lived nearby. I went door to door for 2 weeks looking for eye witnesses and even interviewed a 5 year old child that saw the killing – talk about sad. After the dog had been killed the CCSPCA would not allow us to have our dog they said they would give it back in 3 days because they needed him for “evidence” even though there was no offense commited by the dog – he never bit or attached anyone. I did disobey them and opened the doors to the dog wagon the CCSPCA had right there and i saw my dog laying there with rocks and dirt in his mouth – they had drug him in a noose for 2 entire blocks back to their truck. Fortunately for us we didnt give up. A few days later we contacted an animal doctor in Centerville, MD that had our dog – he was given Rocy by the CCSPCA to have him complete a cremation on him. The CCSPCA told the doctor that the dog had an alergic reaction to pepper spray. Lucky for us the doctor thought that seemed a bit strange and did not do the cremation. Instead, after we informed him of the events surrounding Rockys death he completed an ecropsy (animal autopsy). His investigation concluded that Rocky was beaten and asphixiated until he died. Rocky had a hard start in life … we “rescued” him from an owner (neighbor) that never let him out of a 6 x 8 cage in his rear yard and he was malnourished. When the neighbor moved and left him behind we took him in and fed and cared for him. We had another shepherd at the time (Wolfie) and they became fast friends. Due to his previous neglect ROcky had one leg that didnt work well so when he and Wolfie escaped from our fenced rear yard and came face to face with the CCSPCA guys Wolfie was strong enough to run away and actually ran to the water retention basins on Red Hill Road to wash the pepper spray off himself – he then returned to my house where my fiance was waiting for him with others. ROcky wasnt so lucky … he was killed. The two CCSPCA officers were never fired from the CCSPCA but the one GLen Kreske (spelling) quit and subsequently became a police officer (and was permitted to carry a gun) in lower cecil county. Hows that for justice???? I still live with this sad reality every day and hoped our ruling would stop the abuse, but apparently the CCSPCA feels they are above the law.
I’m not sure how I missed this very important posting. A legal case that proves that not everyone is “full of crap” with the accusations against the Animal Control officers of CCSPCA. I hope attention is brought to this during the investigation.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your pet, Anne. I’ve been there (unrelated to this issue of course) and its one thing to lose your pet through natural means – quite another to have him taken from you, despite years of rehabilitative attention and love.
Dear Mr. Smigiel,
I was coming home today and heard the last part of your interview with C4. The emotion in your voie was so strong that I had to read what was written on the website. I write this with tears running down my cheeks for all those unecessary wasted lives and wonder what kind of monsters could do such things. It is outrageous that a community would tolerate this behavior. What kind of people are they? I promise that I WILL call the numbers posted in hopes that, in some small way, it will do some good. When I got home I hugged my 2 twelve year old Goldens knowing that no hand ever struck them in anger. Please continue to let your voice be heard. I will follow the outcome with great interest and willing to do my part to correct this horrible situation. I am so sorry Anne to read about your wonderful Rocky.
I cannot do much, but if time and effort is necessary to correct this please count me in.
People have to held accountable for these actions.People have to be held accountable for the use of my tax dollars. The animals are victims pure and simple.
Don’t supply and collect money for a premise that is a lie. IT IS FRAUD!! ANYBODY UNDERSTAND THAT FRAUD! all the people here cannot be lieing CCSPCA SUE ME PLEASE IT IS F****** FRAUD!
Dear Anne – that was one of the most heart wrenching stories of all. My heart goes out to you and your family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know first hand after my molly died, the hurt never goes away. Especialy when our pets were Killed!! I feel confident that if we never back down, stay focused this horrible place will be in the hands of better qualified personel Please call me if you would like,to join your fellow citizens in our fight against this house of horrors ccspca! I’m giving all I’ve got for my molly and all the other poor animals. 443-466-3110. We are getting together again tommorow afternoon! . We will never give up. I promised molly
Please EMAIL Cecil Counties States Attorney Chris Eastridge and urge him to turn over the investigation to States Attorney Joe Cassilly ( Harford County, MD )due to so many claims of conflict of interest.
Mr.Cassilly is fair, honest and impartial and will be able to investigate the accusations brought by all of the ex-employees and citizens.We need to speak out for those who cannot speak out for them selves!!!
PLEASE CC Delegate Smigiel on the emails so we can PROVE that we, the citizens of Cecil County, have requested this and have yet to receive any satisfactory response.
Simply cut and paste this into the ” TO: ” line on the email that you send:
csmith@ccgov.org;michael.smigiel@house.state.md.us
Please contact Governor O’Malley and request a full investigation at :
http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/
I just called Cecil Counties States Attorney Chris Eastridge and spoke to a woman who took my name and number. I demanded that this investigation needs to be turned over to Harford County due to a conflict of interest. She didn’t understand so I explained that the Asst States Attorney (Baynes) is also a CCSPCA board member. I commented how odd it is that criminal charges have never been brought against CCSPCA nor even an investigation. Call Mr. Eastridge’s office 410-996-5335
I also spoke to a very nice young lady at Mr. Smigiel’s office who provided the phone numbers. She also advised that the Head Criminal Investigator for the Atty General is not taking this lightly and there will be a full investigation. It “won’t be swept under the rug” to quote the young lady.
She also advised to call the Comptroller of MD at 410-260-7561 as well. I did so and left a voice mail.
To quote John Paul Jones “I have not yet begun to fight!”
Dear Mr. Smigiel,
A close and dear friend of mine, Melanie Bass, has been working for over 2 years, yes, two years to get attention to this horrific matter. As a witness to many of her phone calls that she made to the SPCA in the past, as well as to local police and government agencies, I will be happy to testify or sign any legal documents necessary to help with this case. It is passionate citizens like Melanie that have needed to be heard for so long. I appreciate you taking the time and dedication to this matter.
Please let me know how I can help,
Sincerely,
Lisa Simpers
410-939-2471
And where is WBAL? Here is the number: 410-338-6501. Was told cannot run the story, hmmm I would why??
Why can’t they run the story. Channel 2 and 13 both ran the story on Tuesday night. Channel 2 is evendoing a follow up piece tonight. Guess I know what will be my primary news channel from now on.
Maybe, Barrack’s choice of dog and inauguration coverage 24/7 on this channel is taking up the actual news time.
SAD!!!!!! SAD!!!! SAD!!!!!
I called WBAL many times. They were my news group, I used for all of our marketing, when I lived in Baltimore. But, Our wonderful CCSPCA president is the bully! Same with the Whimpy Whig!!
Does anyone know if the attorney general is going to investigate? I have heard that our local police feels there is a conflict of interest and is asking the Maryland State Police to step in.
Our state attorney is asking for Harford County’s State attorney to pick up this investigation.
Is this just everyone passing the buck??? These departments are suppose to be professional, why can’t they perform their job? Please call our sheriff’s department and Chris Eastridge and ask questions regarding the investigations. Do not let this fall silent. We are their voice.
The local State’s Attorney has a conflict of interest due to the Assistant State’s Attorney sitting on the CCSPCA Board of Directors and acting as their attorney. It is hoped the Cecil County State’s Attorney will send the matter to the Attorney General, who will then ask the Governor for permission to investigate or the AG can decide to send it to an outside investigator. The Cecil County State’s Attorney could also decide to ask an outside State’s Attorney’s Office to handle the case.
I would hope that the Cecil County State’s Attorney doesn’t send the case to Kent County because he used to work there. While they are all good men I would hope with the seriousness of these allegations they choose to send the matter out of County, to Harford or Baltimore County where the office will have the resource and no conflict with the locals. I trust we will have an answer in the next few days as to who is going to investigate. When I know something I will let you know. Until then it is important that we continue collecting affidavits and additional information and keeping the pressure on the Commissioners to do what they can to get this matter sent to the Attorney General for investigation.
The Cecil County State’s Attorney should send this matter to the Attorney General.
Dear Mike Smigiel,
Thank you for being the voice our voiceless friends. We need you on our side, you’re a brave and kind man.
Everyone who wants to help should contact:
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St., NW
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 202-452-1100
If they get enough complaints maybe they can offer a solution to
this tradgic ordeal. The HSUS will offer SPCA guidelines, training of staff, vet, and officers along with letting them know what they can and cannot do. I would encourge everyone to contact them by telephone and let the phones ring off the hook until something is done. They probably or maybe have already heard about it but maybe we all need to pull together and let them know we are serious on where we stand and what we stand for.
The following is just a small article on their website
By long-standing tradition, each is an independent organization, each with its own policies, priorities and governance (governed by its own
bylaws and board of directors in the case of humane societies or local ordinances and officials in the case of municipal animal care and control agencies).
While we do not investigate local animal shelters, we do work very closely with them and offer them many programs and services. If you’d like more information, please see What The HSUS Does for Shelters
Funny how the Cecil County SPCA will NOT take applications, Anyone know WHY????
SPCA International, Inc
By registering as an SPCA Volunteer, you will be adding your name and contact information to our list of volunteers who could be called upon to help in saving animals in times of need. This extensive database is intended to become the largest family of animal lovers worldwide.
Everybody who completes this form will be on our Basic Volunteer List. If you’d also like to be on our Readiness Volunteer List for disasters and/or our Foster Home Volunteer List for shelter animals, please indicate below.
If you’ve had any experience as a veterinarian, animal health technician or shelter employee, or in transporting animals or other relevant experience, please mention it in the “Comments” box. Thank you!
Basic Volunteering
Everyone who fills out the following will appear on our basic volunteering list, meaning we can contact you in
case of an emergency in your area or whenever a shelter close to you needs help.
Pet owner?
Pet Type: – Select – both (cat and dog) cat dog
Readiness Volunteers
In addition to basic volunteers, the SPCA also counts on those who are willing to help out with shelter or
rescue assistance in the event of a major disaster (think of the many pets left stranded after Hurricane Katrina).
If you want to be called upon as a Readiness Volunteer, please read the agreement and indicate below
that you understand and agree to accept these special responsibilities.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY & HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
I acknowledge that I am at least eighteen (18) years of age. I understand that by entering into the SPCA International Readiness Volunteer Agreement I have agreed to add my name to SPCA International’s list of Readiness Volunteers. By agreeing to be on SPCA International’s list of Readiness Volunteers, I have simply agreed to receive volunteer invitations, via-phone or email, from SPCA to volunteer my services in the event of an emergency. If I am contacted, then I will have the option to accept or reject the request for help. While SPCA is pleased to assist in the development and maintenance of a list of Readiness Volunteers and will contact individuals that have agreed to add his/her name to said list, SPCA’s role is limited to that of liaison between individuals in the community and volunteers. SPCA makes no attempt to select or screen the volunteers or any individual volunteer service recipient. Rather, participation in the program is based solely on the volunteer’s desire to serve and the recipient’s stated needs.
I acknowledge that I am providing volunteer service on my own volition, and I assume all risk and danger associated with or incidental to such service. I understand that disaster training and/or responding to disasters entails certain risks and dangers that cannot be eliminated, altered, or controlled, and that these risks contribute to the unique character of the assignment. Those risks include, but may not be limited to, illness, risk of serious bodily injury and risk of injury to or loss of personal property in travel to and from the site of the volunteer service or during the volunteer service. I understand that I have the right to refuse any assignment that I think is unsafe or puts me at risk.
I agree to hold SPCA, including, but not limited to, its board of directors, employees, and agents, harmless from and against any and all costs, expenses, losses, damages, claims, demands, or causes of action for damage to personal property, personal injury or death which may relate to or arise out of my participation in the volunteer service, including transportation to and from such participation, except to the extent such are caused by the sole fault or negligence of SPCA.
I understand that if I am involved in an accident in the course of rendering service or any activity or travel related to the service, my insurer, and not that of SPCA, will be responsible for providing coverage.
Close Agreement
I accept the terms of the agreement and can be contacted for Readiness Volunteer work.
Foster Home Volunteers
When an animal in a shelter is sick or hurt, the SPCA needs local pet lovers willing to serve as Foster Home
Volunteers, allowing the animal to rest and heal in their homes before returning to the shelter.
This prevents other animals in the shelter from contracting any infectious diseases and also speeds up the
healing process. Sick or hurt animals who cannot leave the shelter are often euthanized.
If you want to be called upon as a Foster Home Volunteer, please read the agreement and indicate below
that you understand and agree to accept these special responsibilities.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY & HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
I acknowledge that I am at least eighteen (18) years of age. I understand that by entering into the SPCA International Foster Home Volunteer Agreement I have agreed to add my name to SPCA International’s list of Foster Home Volunteers. By agreeing to be on SPCA International’s list of Foster Home Volunteers, I have simply agreed to receive volunteer invitations, via-phone or email, from SPCA to volunteer my services in the event that a shelter in my area has Foster Home needs for an animal. If I am contacted, then I will have the option to accept or reject the request for help. While SPCA is pleased to assist in the development and maintenance of a list of Foster Home Volunteers and will contact individuals that have agreed to add his/her name to said list, SPCA’s role is limited to that of liaison between the shelters and volunteers. SPCA makes no attempt to select or screen the volunteers or any shelter. Rather, participation in the program is based solely on the volunteer’s desire to serve and the needs of the shelters to place animals in Foster Homes.
I acknowledge that I am providing volunteer service on my own volition, and I assume all risk and danger associated with or incidental to such service. I understand that housing and caring for a shelter animal entails certain risks and dangers that cannot be eliminated, altered, or controlled, and these risks that contribute to the unique character of the assignment can also be the cause of injury, illness, death, or damages. Those risks include, but may not be limited to, illness, risk of serious bodily injury and risk of injury to or loss of personal property in travel to and from the site of the volunteer service or during the volunteer service. I understand that I have the right to refuse any assignment that I think is unsafe or puts me at risk.
I agree to hold SPCA, including, but not limited to, its board of directors, employees, and agents, harmless from and against any and all costs, expenses, losses, damages, claims, demands, or causes of action for damage to personal property, personal injury or death which may relate to or arise out of my participation in the volunteer service, including transportation to and from such participation, except to the extent such are caused by the sole fault or negligence of SPCA.
I understand that if I am involved in an accident in the course of rendering service or any activity or travel related to the service, my insurer, and not that of SPCA, will be responsible for providing coverage.
Close Agreement
I accept the terms of the agreement and can be contacted for Foster Home Volunteer work.
Comments:
Yes! I want to sign up for the free SPCA
Pet Proclaimer newsletter.
I would like to be on the volunteer list
I just found out about this blog and wanted to add my own story. I used to be the manager of the Elkton Pet Valu and there was a homeless man who used to walk with his dog up and down the mall. I struck up a conversation with him and told him he should have his dog on a leash since he was already a target for police.I used to feed the dog treats when he would stop in the store. The dog appeared very people friendly and always walked right beside the man. I wish I could say the same for my own dogs. He had even inquired about getting his dog a rabies shot at Pet VAlu’s next rabies clinic. Two days later the man came in the store hysterical because his dog was consficated for going after a cat. Unfortunately sometimes these things happen. My own dog killed a groundhog once but that doesnt make him viscious, it makes him a dog. Anyway the man used the phone to call the SPCA and they told him they would hold the dog for 10 days. Not feeling too sure about this, my husband and i went down there the next day to look for the dog. He was not there and I was later informed that the dog had been euthanized upon arrival. The person I spoke with bragged about telling the man that he had 10 days but they didnt tell him that the dog was on day 9. My response to him was that he lied and he killed this mans only true friend. I’m not defending the dog but how many dogs chase cats, squirrels, or groundhogs? We tend to humanize them and forget that they react to their instincts. If he had bitten a person it would be a much different situation. Whatever the situation the SPCA should have never lied to the man. Obviously honesty is NOT their policy.
This is the kind of behavior coming out of this facility that we have been hearing of all along. We must stay true to this cause and do what each and everyone of us knows is right. The squeaky wheel gets the most grease as they say!!! The staff at CCSPCA are nothing but rude, cruel and a bunch of thieves and liars. They need to be OUT of these positions as soon as possible.
WE MUST NOT GIVE UP THE FIGHT!!! I know with enough support from the community it will happen. We must move forward with a new staff who CARES about the animals and the community. REMEMBER
THOSE WHO QUIT ARE NEVER WINNERS!
Nicole, if he came to you the day the dog was confiscated, and it was euthanized the next day, then it sounds as though it violates the County code posted elsewhere on this site. The ACLU is already working to defend the homeless regarding the EPD stealing their belongings when evicting them from a public park. He should get in contact with them and sue the County, since the CCSPCA was acting as their lawful agent in this matter.
That would make for a nice human interest story: CCSPCA unlawfully kills homeless man’s ‘best friend’
“So grotesque and preposterous are the principle characters in this galaxy of clowns and crooks that none but a thrice double ass could have taken them for rulers.”
—–Officer in the Allied Control Commission.
To Susan: I was wondering if you can get ahold of this heartbroken man in elkton? I’d like to speak with him. Help him somehow. Mayby he would want to join in our protests in town by him. That poor man , I feel so bad. The dog was all he had. They were each others best friends! How can they have been taken from each other! I’m so angry I’m crying!!! Please Susan can you find him for us. The news channels will want this. my # 443-466-3110. I live in town so I can meet you or the gentleman any time day or nite
I had the priviledge of meeting Mr. Smigiel February 11 , 2009 while attending Maryland Humane Society Lobby Day . I was impressed with his interest and passion in regards to humane treatment of animals . He introduced other lobbyist and myself to this blog . While I was outraged by the incidents at the Cecile County ASPCA, I was greatful for the information . I was unable to attend the protest on February 14, but I did make calls to WBALT TV and WMAR TV to seek there coverage and investigation into the allegations against the staff of the Cecile County ASPCA .