Tails in the News
By Sarah Dahnke
Over a period of six weeks, investigative reporters from ABC-7 discovered dead animals discarded outside of the Colorado Humane Society (CHS). The news team had the majority of the 12 animals tested in an independent lab and determined that they had most likely been euthanized with a drug combination commonly referred to as Beuthanasia. Two of the animals were dogs that had been turned over to the CHS to be put down, and their guardians said they had no indication that their pets would end up in the dumpster.
The investigation was prompted because current and former employees of the CHS told the news channel that they’d been instructed by Executive Director Mary Warren to discard the euthanized animals in dumpsters behind the shelter. Warren has denied the allegations. CHS President Madeline Duncan issued a statement saying the decision to dump two animals was made by a staff member, and the shelter accepts responsibility for the mistake. It did not, however, address the remaining animals discovered in the dumpsters throughout the six-week period. It is against state regulation to commercially dump dead animals before incineration.
The CHS, in conjunction with Warren and her husband Bob Warren, development director at the shelter, have threatened a lawsuit against ABC-7 and the individuals they suspect were responsible for telling the news organization about the dumping.
Denver Pet Partners, a local animal-assisted therapy group, recently became a program of the American Humane Association, allowing the two organizations to offer expanded animal-assisted activities and services.
The Denver-based organization has been in existence since 2001 and includes 140 animal teams that serve 35 facilities in the area. Its partnership with American Humane will allow Denver Pet Partners to add more clients as it continues to serve hospitals, mental health centers, hospices, schools, long-term care facilities, and more. The American Humane Association helps develop policies, legislation, and education to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation around the country. Its membership organization is headquartered in Denver. To learn more about the organization, visit AmericanHumane.org. To find out about Denver Pet Partners’ services, visit DenverPetPartners.org.
A local man faces animal cruelty charges after decapitating a domesticated duck at a hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota. Scott D. Clark, an auditor in the Office of Inspector General in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Denver, allegedly chased and eventually cornered one of about seven ducks who reside at the Embassy Suites in St. Paul. Onlookers say he then grabbed the duck and ripped his head off. Authorities believe he had been drinking. Clark posted bail but faces felony charges. If he’s convicted, he could be charged with two years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Rosco Larson, general manager of the Embassy Suites, said the ducks have lived at the hotel for many years, and the incident caused sadness among the staff.
On Sept. 10, franchise leaders from around the country gathered in Vail to put together 500 USO care packages, containing items such as cameras, batteries, snacks, games, and more. The “Give, Bundle, and Build” event was organized by FranChoice, a network of franchise referral consultants, in order to create a teambuilding spirit while also honoring the men and women currently serving the U.S. military. Among them was Aussie Pet Mobile, a pet grooming franchise, which served as a platinum sponsor because of its contribution of $1,000. The group of volunteers also presented a check in the amount of $25,926 to the Rocky Mountain USO director, representing donations from all of the event’s sponsors.
A bond package on Denver’s Nov. 6 ballot includes an item that would replace the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter’s current facility. The existing building, which handles 9,300 animals per year, does not meet many regulatory requirements on a number of levels. The new facility would cost $18 million, a larger budget than other items usually included in bond packages. The animal shelter is included in Referred Question 1B, which addresses financing for health and human services facilities. If the bond passes, property taxes in the Denver area would increase by about $63 per year. For more information visit DenverGov.org.
The Denver Board of Environmental Health voted unanimously on Oct. 11 to allow pets on patios. Beginning Nov. 1, restaurants can register their patios to be dog-friendly, providing they don’t have food or drink service outside, and food and tableware are taken outside by the customer. Restaurants must post signs at patio entrances to let people know that dogs are allowed.
Colorado Humane Society accused of dumping animals
Over a period of six weeks, investigative reporters from ABC-7 discovered dead animals discarded outside of the Colorado Humane Society (CHS). The news team had the majority of the 12 animals tested in an independent lab and determined that they had most likely been euthanized with a drug combination commonly referred to as Beuthanasia. Two of the animals were dogs that had been turned over to the CHS to be put down, and their guardians said they had no indication that their pets would end up in the dumpster.
The investigation was prompted because current and former employees of the CHS told the news channel that they’d been instructed by Executive Director Mary Warren to discard the euthanized animals in dumpsters behind the shelter. Warren has denied the allegations. CHS President Madeline Duncan issued a statement saying the decision to dump two animals was made by a staff member, and the shelter accepts responsibility for the mistake. It did not, however, address the remaining animals discovered in the dumpsters throughout the six-week period. It is against state regulation to commercially dump dead animals before incineration.
The CHS, in conjunction with Warren and her husband Bob Warren, development director at the shelter, have threatened a lawsuit against ABC-7 and the individuals they suspect were responsible for telling the news organization about the dumping.
Local animal-assisted therapy group gains national recognition
Denver Pet Partners, a local animal-assisted therapy group, recently became a program of the American Humane Association, allowing the two organizations to offer expanded animal-assisted activities and services.
The Denver-based organization has been in existence since 2001 and includes 140 animal teams that serve 35 facilities in the area. Its partnership with American Humane will allow Denver Pet Partners to add more clients as it continues to serve hospitals, mental health centers, hospices, schools, long-term care facilities, and more. The American Humane Association helps develop policies, legislation, and education to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation around the country. Its membership organization is headquartered in Denver. To learn more about the organization, visit AmericanHumane.org. To find out about Denver Pet Partners’ services, visit DenverPetPartners.org.
Denver man accused of animal cruelty after beheading duck
A local man faces animal cruelty charges after decapitating a domesticated duck at a hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota. Scott D. Clark, an auditor in the Office of Inspector General in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Denver, allegedly chased and eventually cornered one of about seven ducks who reside at the Embassy Suites in St. Paul. Onlookers say he then grabbed the duck and ripped his head off. Authorities believe he had been drinking. Clark posted bail but faces felony charges. If he’s convicted, he could be charged with two years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Rosco Larson, general manager of the Embassy Suites, said the ducks have lived at the hotel for many years, and the incident caused sadness among the staff.
Pet franchise is platinum sponsor for USO fundraising event
On Sept. 10, franchise leaders from around the country gathered in Vail to put together 500 USO care packages, containing items such as cameras, batteries, snacks, games, and more. The “Give, Bundle, and Build” event was organized by FranChoice, a network of franchise referral consultants, in order to create a teambuilding spirit while also honoring the men and women currently serving the U.S. military. Among them was Aussie Pet Mobile, a pet grooming franchise, which served as a platinum sponsor because of its contribution of $1,000. The group of volunteers also presented a check in the amount of $25,926 to the Rocky Mountain USO director, representing donations from all of the event’s sponsors.
Denver animal shelter will get significant upgrade if bond passes
A bond package on Denver’s Nov. 6 ballot includes an item that would replace the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter’s current facility. The existing building, which handles 9,300 animals per year, does not meet many regulatory requirements on a number of levels. The new facility would cost $18 million, a larger budget than other items usually included in bond packages. The animal shelter is included in Referred Question 1B, which addresses financing for health and human services facilities. If the bond passes, property taxes in the Denver area would increase by about $63 per year. For more information visit DenverGov.org.
Doggie dining bill passes unanimously
The Denver Board of Environmental Health voted unanimously on Oct. 11 to allow pets on patios. Beginning Nov. 1, restaurants can register their patios to be dog-friendly, providing they don’t have food or drink service outside, and food and tableware are taken outside by the customer. Restaurants must post signs at patio entrances to let people know that dogs are allowed.
