TALL TALES OF THE APS Shelter statistics Adoptions are down, euthanasias up BEFORE Laura's new plan 2000 2001 2002 2003 (Feb-July) Adoptions 1800 31.5% 2017 39.8% 2067 40.6% 875 35.1% Euthanized 3098 54.2% 2282 45.0% 2232 43.9% 1330 53.4% other Total 5709 5065 5088 2492 July 2003 adoptions 27.0% euthanasias 63.0% The poorest record in YEARS ________________________________________________________________ Laura in APSland "When I use a word it means just what I choose it to mean -- neither more nor less. ... the question is whether you can make words mean so many different things. ... The question is, which is to be master -- that's all." ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle Chapel Hill News April 10, 2002 "Laura's depth of resource is extraordinary, and I think she has an electric personality," ---Don't sit in that chair ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters Chapel Hill News April 10, 2002 "Working at an animal shelter is so hard, with so many different situations and emotions, that I got to the point where I wanted to go elsewhere and develop professionally," ---Too bad she changed her mind "Greenwood is a very rural area with little respect for animals," "They shot unwanted animals and a lot of animal cruelty was going on." ---But I really helped them out. "She knows she will encounter controversy as executive director ... She sees herself as an even-minded person who is able to look at different sides and come up with something that will be acceptable to those involved." ---Laura in her dreams "I have to use my best judgment and 20 years of experience Over the years, I have dealt with a lot of politics as a lobbyist, and it has set me up to handle anything." ---Well maybe not ANYTHING. "We have completely turned it around: throwing out, revamping and repainting," ---including the records and computers she accused Pat Sanford of stealing???? She sure has turned it around. "Walters said she feels lucky to have a staff that is so qualified and caring." ---too bad she got rid of most of them ________________________________________________________________ "We work well together and are close knit. I think that we have such a good team. I have total trust in our staff." ---At least Dara; I got rid of the others. "All of them are well trained and truly care about the animals." ---and I HATED to let them go "I know every animal there is getting the best possible care." ---We wish it were so. "You can walk in there and feel the friendly, welcoming atmosphere." ---Sometimes "It's a great place to work and visit but we still have a lot to do." ---We sure do. "Walters' job could be an around-the-clock commitment if she weren't careful." ---But she's VERY careful. ________________________________________________________________ John Wise Sanctuary Committee Chapel Hill News June 16, 2000 "The adoption center is going to need to have money to support it. ... We hope to have a successful kennel that people will come to and patronize, and help us fund the adoption center." ________________________________________________________________ John Wise to Pat Sanford April 15, 2003 "Laura Walters isn't the problem; you're the problem." Nicole Carper to Elliot Cramer October 14, 2002 "You're the one who's trying to bring down the APS" ---No, I'm the one who's trying to reform it ________________________________________________________________ Nicole Carper to Elliot Cramer November 11, 2002 Board meeting "I'll be glad to show you around the shelter some time; Wednesday is best when we're closed." ---two weeks after I supposedly "attempted to access areas ... clearly marked of as off limits" ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters www.indyweek.com/durham February 20,2002 "The center, which will open within a year, will be a "no-kill" facility, says APS' interim Executive Director Laura Walters--meaning animals that aren't adopted at the Chapel Hill shelter will be sent there rather than being euthanized." ---Better dig out that $39,000 hole and make it ten times bigger with 2115 dogs and cats euthanized in 2001 (or did we change our plans AGAIN.) ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters Chapel Hill News March 25, 2003 "While that is unfortunately not possible, euthanasia decisions are now made fairly and a "no-kill" facility should in fact be the ultimate goal. ---We DID change our plans again. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters Chapel Hill News September 1, 2002 "the temperament testing has been in place at the shelter only a few months. Former director Pat Sanford considered the adoptabil- ity of dogs based on breed criteria. Breeds typically considered dangerous, such as pit bulls, rottweilers and chows, were automatically euthanized." ---Pat never thought of identifying them as OTHER Breeds. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters The Chapel Hill News July 21, 2002 "The wildlife center will continue its operations, but the directorship will not be filled" ---I'll go out there right now. "We're saddened that Dr. Schopler decided to resign. It's not something we wanted. But we do anticipate continuing the wildlife center, and we'll move on from here." ---Hope you've got lots of Kleenex. "We're talking with other vets with the federal license. Fortunately, this is a slow season for wildlife. We'll deal with it." ---Funny; 727 birds were taken in 2001 and 670 in the first seven months of 2002. The computer must have malfunctioned. "The directorship will not be filled; instead, the wildlife center manager Melanie Piazza's position will be expanded to cover additional duties." ---Melanie Piazza - First I heard about it. "We're talking with other vets with the federal license. Fortu- nately, this is a slow season for wildlife. We'll deal with it." ---Funny; the wildlife folk thought it was the BUSY season ________________________________________________________________ Chapel Hill Herald Wednesday, July 31, 2002 "Walters has said that Schopler wanted only to be a wildlife veterinarian" ---after giving him a final version of the contract on July 15 with a cover letter stating that if he did not sign the contract by 5 p.m. July 17, the APS would consider him terminated. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters Chapel Hill Herald Sunday, August 25, 2002 "This is a case of mistaken identity" ---We know, there were TWO Caseys ________________________________________________________________ Nicole Carper, manager, Chapel Hill Herald , August 25, 2002 "there was more than one dog with this name, including a little black dog that looked similar enough to the other Casey to get the two dogs mixed up." ---It is a pretty common name; maybe it was Casey Stengel. ________________________________________________________________ Nicole Carper, Manager, Chapel Hill Herald March 16, 2002 "All animals are vaccinated within 24 hours of admittance unless health conditions indicate otherwise." ---tabulation of 49 animals adopted September 5 - October 3 four not vaccinated average delay for others - 6 days They must have an awful lot of sick animals. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters letter to David Jelley September 30, 2002 "The dogs were given their vaccines the morning after they came in, less than 24 hours later, which is protocol for every animal that comes in unless they are underage." ---but the dogs ate their cards "all animals are vaccinated within 24 hours" ---well, maybe not quite all "There is no such policy of waiting until an animal is adopted to vaccinate or even waiting to offer other medical care." ---but we don't always follow our policies. "These dogs exhibited early signs of kennel cough which our veterinarians do not recommend that we routinely treat unless the symptoms worsen." ---then why were they placed "in one of the adoption wings" where they were in contact with other animals? ________________________________________________________________ Chapel Hill News September 1, 2002 Laura Walters "has more than 20 years of experience in animal shelters, starting as a volunteer when she was 16." ---We're looking forward to seeing the her resume "In Greenwood, Ark., she started the town's first animal shelter, acting as its executive director and primary fundraiser." ---Yes, we've all heard about how things were run at THAT shelter. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters to Chapel Hill Herald September 5, 2002 "the meetings of the APS board of directors already are open to the public." ---Would you please tell that to the Police ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters memo September 13, 2002 "This is your second warning. It is apparent through your own records that you have continued to accept birds on APS property despite my directive." ---"according to our records we do not have any birds" Melanie Piazza - taped conversation September 13, 2002 It must have just flown in and signed the log. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters taped conversation September 13, 2002 "Well I get information from a lot of people, but all right." --- Except the people who work there who know what's going on. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters Statement to Chapel Hill Herald September 30, 2002 "The APS hopes to have the facility up and running again by February, which is the beginning of the busiest "baby season," ---It's March and we're waited with baited breath ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters to Virginia Ellington APS Board Meeting October 14, 2002 "We had four animals returned in September" ---And I'd show you the records if I could just find them in the mess here. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters to Elliot Cramer October 21, 2002 "There is on average 3 to 4 animals returned each month. This is down from the average of 12 each month in 2001." ---And if I hadn't stopped reporting returned animals in January, I could prove it. "This is obviously evidence that our temperament testing program has done exactly what it was intended to do - make good permanent matches between animal and family." ---Yes, after they recover the diseases they acquired at APS ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters Shelter Committee December 2002 Her response to: "Are there ever any adopted animals returned" "No. There aren't any returns" ---I guess she overlooked a few (16 in November and 15 in Decem- ber cited by Bonnie Norwood to BOCC October 28,2002. True figures in Monthly reports). ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters December 12, 2002 press release APS "lost about $6,000 in vaccines medications". ---Do you have the receipts? ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters to John Sauls Jan 16, 2003 "we are in the process of changing our system of monthly reports ...We hope to have the process complete by the end of this month ... and expect that ... the monthly reports will be vastly improved from what it has been over the years." ---just as our adoption rates are vastly improved with the false reports I've been filing up to now. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters to John Sauls Jan 21, 2003 "the computer system crashed and all data was lost". ---misfortunes always seem to happen to Laura "the PetWare software has been causing problems with the data and monthly reports for years. ---and no one ever said anything about it before. "We would like to bring someone in to officially train our staff" ---GREAT IDEA. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters to John Sauls March 7, 2003 "Attached, please find a corrected copy of the animal shelter reports for each month in 2002 These monthly reports ... should be highly accurate" ---Oh yeah "We appreciate having the issue of problems with PetWare brought to our attention." ---You're very welcome. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters Daily Tarheel March 24, 2003 "Due to Cramer's repeated efforts at attempting to access areas of the animal shelter that are off limits to the public along with his threatening behavior, shelter staff were forced to call the police and have Cramer removed from the property." ---well, actually it was the February Board meeting where the police report says he was sitting quietly at the back of the room. As a result, he has been legally trespassed and is not allowed on animal shelter property. ---It's been very effective at keeping him from speaking at APS Board meetings. "APS refused to turn over the membership list to Cramer and Reitman because it was necessary to protect the privacy of its membership from being besieged by countless solicitations." ---and I just WISH that Ron Merritt had the statute that allows us to do this. "It is believed that these solicitations would be directed at ruining APS and raising money for Cramer and Reitman's newly formed organization, the Piedmont Animal Welfare Society." ---I had a precognition in October that he would form PAWS in February. "Pat Sanford, former executive director of APS, has thrown her hat into the fray as well." ---I have to admit that it took her a long time "Her accusations are baseless." ---particularly when she said "Laura Walters has a documented history of lies and misrepresentations which I have witnessed first hand." "Under Sanford's previous administration, numerous animals were euthanized because they had purple spots on their tongues" ---and she beats her husband too. "Times and policies have changed." ---I'll say they have; "Adoption rates have increased, the return rates have decreased, and employee and volunteer morale has soared." ---of course, there is this LITTLE problem about our record-keeping. I've had to send in three separate sets of month reports for 2002, but I think I have it right now "For the first time, committed staff members are now long-term employees, and this has created cohesiveness in the management of the animal shelter." ---It helped to get rid of those uncommitted wildlife folk and those troublesome employees who did the record keeping and contradicted me. "They have never approached the APS board or staff to try and resolve any concerns but instead went directly to the Board of Commissioners and the newspapers." ---except when they turned up at Board to make statements; we've taken care of that. "They have cleverly manipulated the press with their falsities and their twisting of the truth. ---and this is something I'm an expert at. "While you read the same old lies and distortions by the same people over and over again, please remember why APS is here ---and I'll try to tell the truth in the future ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters Daily Tarheel March 17, 2003 "As the person in charge of all Chapel Hill animal control, I can say this (allegation) is completely false." ---Glad you're assuming responsibility for the mess at APS "Casey's inclusion as a "Pet of the Week" was an error she regrets making." ---I'll bet she does "No doubt, that was a screw-up," ---one of many (the veterinarians) "have never set foot in the (Arkansas) shelter." ---well maybe one foot "Walters said the lawsuit has not caused her or APS to lose spirit." ---All is not lost; the unconquerable Will, And study of revenge, immortal hate, And courage never to submit or yield: And what else is not to be overcome?" - JOHN MILTON, Paradise Lost "We have been keeping on just fine with our mission, I don't have any plan of going anywhere." ---But I've checked the airline schedule, just in case. ________________________________________________________________ Ann Peterson to Wildlife staff members quoted by Stacy Hughes (2/20/03) "It wasn't illegal until you asked. It was the way you asked the question." cited in statement to Orange County BOCC -- October 27,2002 "it was only illegal because we called to ask Fish and Wildlife ... it was illegal only because we asked. " ---What the Government doesn't know can't hurt the APS ________________________________________________________________ Ann Peterson to Wildlife staff members Cited in letter from Cari Clifford to Orange BOCC October 28,2002 "I would have fired you all if you were my employees" --- And Laura did. ________________________________________________________________ APS Board to Membership November 6, 2002 "After careful consideration, there were several changes made that will strengthen our ability to pursue the goals and missions of the APS. ---like illegally taking away your voting rights "The By-law changes that were made are consistent with many similar, non-profit organizations ---like HSUS, Chatham Animal Rescue and Education, Raleigh SPCA, ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle The Chapel Hill News July 28, 2002 "It is a real shame that a group of vocal people are driven by emotions to malign someone who has dedicated her life to all animals." ---May we see her resume? "Walters has been instrumental in making major improvements at the Orange County Animal Shelter, and the morale of staff and volunteers has risen dramatically under her leadership." ---Yes she fired everyone who complained. ________________________________________________________________ "It is a real shame that a group of vocal people are driven by emotions to malign someone (Laura?) who has dedicated her life to all animals." ---Now WHY would they do that? ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle to Elliot Cramer prior to October 14, 2002 APS Board meeting. "We're only going to discuss some minor changes in the Bylaws such as the terms of the Board Members" ---after secretly sending out the required notice that voting rights would be taken from the members and given to the Board ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle Email to Elliot Cramer October 25, 2002 "Mr. Cramer, You need to go with what the Secretary and our lawyer tell you. I am a third party in this discussion and will not advice you again. " ---And all the time I thought you were the President. ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle Chapel Hill Herald November 06, 2002 "the concern is that with the number of APS members growing to more than 1,000, it makes for an "unwieldy" process to have all the members vote on the makeup of the board. ---Particularly unwieldy in a room that seats fewer than 30 people "We've known that we've had bylaws with loopholes for two years," she said. "Every time we've gone at a bylaw study, we have been stopped by other priorities. ---like wasting $18,000 on a hole in the ground "We have talked about this and talked about it and talked about it," she said. "It has been an ongoing concern." ---but once Cramer got nominated, we knew we had to act. "She said the board acted this week mainly because the December election is approaching." ---and we don't want those guys on the Board "We put our bylaws in line with many nonprofits in North Carolina, which have an open nominating process but a vote by the board of directors," ---but I can't think of their names right now. ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle Chapel Hill News November 13 "board members say general members rarely voted anyway" ---strange, with all the encouragement they received from the Board. "the bylaw change had been under consideration since last spring and was done in order to streamline the voting process" ---It certainly has been streamlined -- only 15 voters ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle Letter to Membership November 6, 2002 "The By-Law changes that were made are consistent with many similar, non-profit organizations." ---Like HSUS, Chatham Animal Rescue and Education, Wake SPCA huh? "and were made by the APS Board as part of our fiduciary duty to ensure an effective and progressive organization." ---or at least the continuity of the current Board. And all the time I thought that following State law was your fiduciary duty. ________________________________________________________________ Tracy Carroll, Board Member Daily Tarheel November 13,2002 "the new process takes the responsibilities of voting off a widely uninterested membership." ---They are certainly uninterested now ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle to APS Board Candidates November 4, 2002 "We ... have received your petition for nomination to the Board of Directors. Consistent with recent practices we invite you to attend the November 11th Board meeting to introduce yourself." ---Unfortunately, today we changed the By-laws insuring that you won't be elected. ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle to Elliot Cramer November 11 APS Board meeting "I will double check with Pam about the Wildlife minutes." ---It's been seven months; I guess they've been hard to find. ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle to Elliot Cramer November 17, 2002 "At the time you make an appointment to tour the shelter, you can make an appointment to tour the Sanctuary." ---When shall I call? Shall I call the Police or will you? ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle Daily Tarheel February 21, 2003 "the board is standing behind Walters and that there is no talk of asking Walters to step down." ---Yes, standing behind her as she gets on the bus out of Chapel Hill. "The board, through a personnel selection committee, did a thorough background check on Walters." ---We just never thought to ask Dr. Smith, Dr. Singer, Ms. Thompson, Deputy Ann Clark, and Chief Deputy Tommy Young "The sources APS board members spoke with at Walters' previous job at an animal shelter in Arkansas had nothing but good things to say about Walters. ---Yes; even her best friends says that Laura has "good intentions". ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle Daily Tarheel March 24, 2003 "The board has been pretty much firmly united," "We are speaking as one, and we support Laura." ---not exactly a ringing endorsement the veterinarians "were not on our list of anyone (Walters) has ever worked with." ---Laura forgot to put them on the list "the lawsuit is an unfortunate attack on Walters' credibility" ---pretty easy target "The APS board re-examined her background after the allegations surfaced and found no evidence of past wrongdoing." ---Of course you didn't find the current wrongdoing either. "The personnel committee went back to our sources in Arkansas, and we got the same positive, glowing reports (about Walters) as before," ---except for Smith, Singer, Clark, and Thompson "This has been a model shelter for the entire state," ---at least it used to be "The board supports Laura; (her resignation) has not even been discussed." ---until now ________________________________________________________________ Ronald Merritt to Elliot Cramer October 14 APS Board meeting "We have no intention of discussing Bylaw changes." "We have no intention of discussing Bylaw changes." ---as he went into Executive session to discuss Bylaw changes ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle Statement to Orange County BOCC April 1, 2003 "We will file our answer. The resolution to many of the pending issues will come out in the lawsuit." ---We're still waiting. ________________________________________________________________ Ronald Merritt to Elliot Cramer October 24 Phone Conversation "I don't want to be difficult" ---I wonder what he's like when he IS difficult ________________________________________________________________ Ronald Merritt to Elliot Cramer November 11 APS Board meeting "I won't advise you" ---Glad of it after the advice you've given to APS. ________________________________________________________________ Ronald Merritt, APS Attorney Daily Tarheel February 21, 2003 "the board's changes to the bylaws are legal." ---It's just the Board that's illegal. ________________________________________________________________ Ronald Merritt to Pat Sanford April 19,200 "Following your resignation in February a number of computer records and paper were removed from the APS offices ... There fore, we request that you return all of the records, files and other property of the organization immediately. ... we hope that upon reflection you will understand that these requests are in the best interests of all concerned and we look forward to the return of the records and property mentioned above." ---Is that the stuff that Laura threw out? ________________________________________________________________ Letter to the Orange County BOCC October 22, 2002 signed: longtime current and former APS volunteers and staff". "we understand that Pat Sanford, Bobby Schopler, and Jude Reitman have banded together to overthrow the current APS management and leadership of the Board and staff and take over the Orange County contract so that they can satisfy their own personal goals." ---You forgot Elliot Cramer; our principal aim in life has ALWAYS been to run a shelter!!! "Under Pat's management, thousands of animals were unnecessarily killed because of her lack of understanding of animal behavior." ---she only understood the bitches. "Her prejudice against nonwhite races canceled out thousands of good homes for these unwanted animals." ---She would only allow black people to have black dogs. "When Pat finally left, she stole files and computers forcing the new management to have to start all over." ---Starting all over sounds rather appealing right now. "The animals are finally cared for fairly." ---At least those that survive Laura's management. ________________________________________________________________ Virginia Ellington November 11, 2002 "The attack on Pat Sanford was the biggest pack of lies I have read in a long time. It is absolutely ludicrous. Perhaps that is why there were no names attached - whoever wrote it was too cowardly to sign it." ---enough said ________________________________________________________________ APS statement to Orange BOCC October 17, 2002 page 1 "The recent complaints from a few vocal citizens are of great concern to the APS Board of Directors." ---and we'll do ANYTHING to shut them up. page 2 (Dr. Schopler) "sought out wildlife in need from all over North Carolina and even neighboring states. ---And what a telephone bill. "The animals in the animal shelter in Chapel Hill were not receiving necessary medical care due to Dr. Schopler's schedule with wildlife." ---They are CERTAINLY getting splendid care now. Page 5 "Dr. Kris Bergstrand ... recently complained ... that disease was rampant in the animal shelter and animals were suffering and dying" ---Carol Woodlief, DVM In regards to the comments from Dr. Kris Bergstrand: ... I can say that if I did speak to her, I asked her to send me written documentation regarding her concerns. I do not have any written information received from her. Page 6 "Most of (the complaints) have been found to be groundless, the APS Board suspects that they are a result of disgruntled former employees and their supporters." ---Yes, they're disgruntled because Laura closed the Wildlife Center as a way of getting rid of them Page 7 "Attached is a financial report on all APS expenses in regards to operation of the animal shelter. While the County subsidizes operations at $428,818, APS contributes an additional $563,675. ---The County will be interested in this; they think the ENTIRE shelter budget was $604,0306. More of Laura's statistics? (Reference October BOCC report) "In order to operate a clinic, our facilities on Nicks Road needed to be renovated. This is one of the reasons APS decided to TEMPORARILY close the wildlife center to allow for these renovations." ---The other reason was to get rid of those troublesome employees. The renovations will be done any day now. ________________________________________________________________ Linda Sikes APS Caretaker cited Chapel Hill News July 28, 2002 "I have personally never seen (Dr. Bobby) Schopler working after- hours, weekends, holidays, inclement weather or any other time outside of normal working hours." ---where were YOU hiding out. ________________________________________________________________ Virginia Ellington to APS Board of Directors November 9, 2002 "Why can't we work WITH the Piedmont group - let them use our aviary, raptor cage, duck pond, etc. until theirs is up and functional and let them take care of wildlife while we continue our exemplary care of domestic animals. After all, that was our initial purpose. It is my understanding that the Illiano land is to be used for wildlife. Why couldn't we let the Piedmont group use this for their release cages, etc.? It would still be used for wildlife, still belong to us, but be put to use by the Wild- life folks working in concert with APS. AND the APS funds previously used for Wildlife would now be used for our domestic programs. ---Seemed like a good idea, didn't it? ________________________________________________________________ "longtime current and former APS volunteers and staff" in unsigned letter to the Orange 22, 2002 BOCC "When Pat finally left, she stole files and computers forcing the new management to have to start all over." ---Did anyone get the license number of the van? ________________________________________________________________ Chapel Hill Herald October 3, 2002 "But APS recently decided to close the wildlife center temporarily, with the goal of reopening it in February. The employees of the center were notified in late September that they would lose their jobs with APS in two weeks, although they would be able to apply for jobs at the society's clinic in Mebane." ---Get your resumes in early ________________________________________________________________ Chapel Hill News October 30, 2002 "APS also plans to reopen its wildlife facility, which is closed for renovations. Board members said the organization will begin a search for a wildlife vet in December and plans to reopen the center by "baby season" in the spring. ---Renovations are time consuming, aren't they? ________________________________________________________________ Pamela Bayne chair APS Wildlife Committee "In October, the APS Wildlife Committee presented to the board of directors our findings that the APS is not in a position at this point, nor can it anticipate being in a position in the near future, to operate a wildlife care facility. ---I'm still waiting for that report. ________________________________________________________________ The Chapel Hill News October 27, 2002 "APS officials have said the center will reopen in the spring." ---Spring is Sprung and summer is here; we're still waiting ________________________________________________________________ Animal Shelter FAQS APS March 2003 "Total estimated operating cost for FY 2001-2002 were $1,272,232. Of that, the county paid about $430,000." ---Actually the operating costs were about $530,000. Sauls distributed this until July. "Why can't all the adoptable sheltered animals be adopted? There are more "surplus" animals than people wanting to adopt them." ---and I thought you said the problem was the Shelter ________________________________________________________________ San Diego Animal Control Manual "If an animal must be euthanized it is important to enter accurate data ... and no attempt should be made to skew data or manipulate statistics." ---Somebody tell that to APS. ________________________________________________________________ HSUS statement Chapel Hill News June 29, 2003 "The Humane Society says that between April and July of 2002, the average length of time before animals that entered the shelter received vaccinations ranged between five and 72 days. ... 'Results were similar to those found in 2002, noting long time periods between the date received and the date of vaccination as well as incomplete information',the report states." "APS staff did little to minimize disease cross-contamination amongst animals," ... Staff was observed handling multiple animals without disinfecting their hands in between and holding, petting and hugging several animals without regard to transmission of disease." ---What do they know? It was the inoperative fans that REALLY did it. ________________________________________________________________ APS statement Chapel Hill News July 2, 2003 "APS says its problems boil down to too many animals and not enough staff and space. The agency adopted new policies that incorporate many of the Humane Society recommendations. The new policies mean that more animals will be euthanized and fewer saved. ... On Tuesday, the first day the new policy was implemented, 26 cats were euthanized at the shelter, according to Walters." ---Really? Euthanasia rates are up for Feb-May but were constant for the two previous years, the first under Sanford. The 26 cats had nothing to do with the policy which was to go into effect July 4 (according to the APS press release). Beyle says it may not be approved. In fact records recently submitted to the County show that at least 22 cats were euthanized on June 19, a week before the HSUS report. These euthanasias are likely the result of Walters' taking 90 back to the shelter from the Sanctuary where they were warehoused. The result of this warehousing is that animals are housed under inhumane conditions and some die of disease rather than being humanely euthanized. Animals are not being SAVED. An average of 43 animals are euthanized each week. Ten died in the ten days between June 14 and June 24 Numbers - 1163,1297,1309,1310,1355,1410,1413,1716,1839,1840, ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters July 2,2003 Channel 17 website interview "Workers at the shelter said there has been an infestation of roaches and rodents have eaten holes in the ceiling and left a path of urine stains." ---Laura didn't notice, sitting in her air-conditioned office with the door closed. The County DOES have a contract with an exterminator. "the evaluation found that the building was too small and that the animals are kept there long. But the alternative is something Walters is trying her best to avoid." ---In fact HSUS says "Because APS is an open door shelter accepting all animals and because it has a limited capacity for holding animals, APS must focus its efforts on structuring a system that decreases the length of stay for the animals it receives. Long-term stays must be eliminated and an "average length of stay" goal established." "The only other option is euthanasia... if we can't keep them here. We are also thinking of expanding our foster care program," Walters added. ---In fact, in February through May, Walters has been euthanizing at the highest rate since 2000 (49% vs 45% in 2001 and 44% in 2002). "Laura Walters, the shelter's director, told NBC 17 she and her staff are doing what they can to make the changes with the limited resources at their disposal." ---only $467,068 from Orange, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill "We're moving animals around, changing protocol and we're going to have a vet come in every afternoon and oversee the medical part of it," ---Anything we can to make it look like we're doing our job. ________________________________________________________________ APS press release (Laura Walters) June 30, 2003 "When the HSUS evaluation team pointed out the inoperable venti- lation system in the shelter facility as one of the causes for the spread of highly contagious diseases" ---APS has discovered a new theory of disease "the Board acted immediately to get Orange County facility staff to fix the system, which evidently had been turned off years ago." ---Guess Laura didn't notice the inoperative fans sitting in her air-conditioned office with the door closed. (McAdoo to Summers June 2) "This past year, the APS Board and staff worked with the County staff to check reporting requirements" ---After Laura turned in three contradictory sets of monthly shelter reports for 2002 and others which fail to account for hundreds of animals "Anticipating the preliminary report, review of policies and pro- cedures regarding disease management and cleaning protocols were put on hold so that all HSUS recommendations could be fully reviewed and implemented as warranted. ---while hundreds of animals suffered and died. "A list of proposed policy changes, as attached, based on the HSUS preliminary report was unanimously approved and all changes will be immediately implemented week of July 4, 2003 by Animal Shelter staff." ---Except Laura said it was done July 1 causing the euthanasia of 26 cats and Beyle says the Board is still considering it. These are undoubtedly ________________________________________________________________ Letter McAdoo to Summers June 2 "There were 14 exhaust fans and nine were in need of repair ... All of the existing HVAC systems were operational ... We did not engage the consultant to do the HVAC study in light of the exhaust fan findings" ---the smell didn't reach Laura's office so she didn't notice. ________________________________________________________________ Walters to Summers June 4 "We have already noticed a major improvement in the odor" ---or so they tell me "(We) look to seeing improvement in our rate of respiratory infections" ---if someone will teach our staff about basic sanitation practices ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle APS press release (Laura Walters) June 30, 2003 "It has always been the priority of this Board to act quickly when problems are brought to our attention." ---I guess she's been in hiding the last year. "as a progressive and forward looking organization, APS welcomed the HSUS evaluation. ---but WHAT a surprise we got. "We'll continue to do whatever it takes to protect the welfare of the animals whose lives are entrusted to us for a short while, and will continue to strive to save as many animals as possible while providing the people of Orange County with a shelter they can be proud of." ---Well maybe the County will do it since we obviously can't "A list of proposed policy changes, as attached, based on the HSUS preliminary report was unanimously approved and all changes will be immediately implemented week of July 4, 2003 by Animal Shelter staff." ---Well, maybe not according to Pat Beyle ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle Chapel Hill Herald July 3, 2003 "APS has looked forward to the Humane Society's report as a 'benchmark time to make changes and implement our policies.'" ---but maybe not THEIR policies Humane Society inspectors gave "us some very, very fine guide- lines and we will review them and change where it is warranted, and we will review some of the guidelines according to our phi losophy," ---but after all, who knows best HSUS or Laura Walters? "APS now has a 'comforting, incredibly nurturing environment,' and that it would "hate to give up that philosophy." ---Hasn't she read the HSUS report? "We like to save animals and we like to nurture them" ---Suffering is an unfortunate byproduct "We like to treat sick animals as long as we possibly can ... We've just always kept them until the last piece of medication can be delivered." ---while more adoptable animals are euthanized, contrary to HSUS policy. "APS has looked forward to the Humane Society's report as a 'benchmark time to make changes and implement our policies.'" ---but maybe not theirs "Changes in documentation and housing of the animals will also be immediately made." ---but we just COULDN'T do it until we got the HSUS report. "other changes, such as the euthanization policy, are less certain ---even though Laura said in the press release that they "will be immediately implemented" "I don't think we are going to change for the sake of change," Beyle said. "I think we have got to take a look at it and see how it fits with how we do things." ---and SCREW HSUS ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters Chapel Hill Herald June 28, 2003 "It's something that is exactly what we wanted," she said. "We wanted an independent organization ... to give us constructive criticism and kind of get us on the right track ... ---after being on the wrong track for 20 months The bottom line is that this report was a long time in coming and that we've had some archaic procedures in here for years that needed to be changed, and the building needed to be fixed," ---and it's all Pat Sanford's fault ________________________________________________________________ Ann Peterson Statement to Orange County BOCC June 26, 2003 "We will not do anything to put any of our animals in jeopardy." ---except leave Laura Walters in charge ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters Chapel Hill News June 29, 2003 "in the past vaccinations often were not given in a timely manner. ... measures have been enacted recently to rectify the problem. "In the past month, at least, I haven't found one that has been lacking," ---I found 19 with 6+ day's delay in June; numbers - 1722,1730,1743,1744,1745,1749,1750,1788,1789, 1798,1812,1820,1848,1916,1930,1933,1936,1941,1943 Many of the problems identified in the report already have come to the APS's attention, ---but we've ignored them "We are ready to take action. This is exactly what we were hoping to get. We know that we've been dealing with arcane policies for many years." ---but I just couldn't be bothered the last 20 months ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters Chapel Hill News July 13, 2003 "The shelter's new policies are in line with the Humane Society's recommendations. ... In reading the recommendations, I think they make it very clear that there should be a set number of days these animals can be held" ---And if they disagree, screw them. ________________________________________________________________ Krista Hughes HSUS Email to Judith Reitman July 16, 2003 "We feel that responding to every false allegation and misrepresentation would be fruitless." ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle Guest Editorial Chapel Hill Herald June 22, 2003 "APS owns all shelter furnishings, and replacement could cost about $300,000." ---The furnishings are at BOTH the shelter and the sanctuary and the value shown in the APS tax return for 2001-2002 is $85,380 with most of it at the Sanctuary. "The spay/neuter program has successfully reduced the number of unwanted animals and substantially lowered the shelter's euthanasia rate." ---but it hasn't gotten lower since Laura took charge; in fact it is up seven points to 53% for the current year "Our adoption rate continues to be the highest in the state, at more than 40 percent -- 10 percent higher than under the previous administration." ---At least that's what Laura said; as it happens the rates were about 40% for both years and it's 35% for this year and 27% for July, the lowest in memory. "The APS has some zealous, energetic critics whom we cannot comment on because they have sued APS." ---but just look at what we have to say on our website and news- letter. (Well, we took it off the website after the HSUS report. ________________________________________________________________ Animal Shelter FAQS March 2003 Laura Walters and John Sauls "Total estimated operating cost for FY 2001-2002 were $1,272,232" ---curious; the County thought it was $650,000 "Standard protocols as recommended by HSUS are adhered to". ---I guess that HSUS must have recently changed their protocols. "The APS considers disease control to be a high priority ---They do now!!! "There are more 'surplus' animals than people wanting to adopt them." "The APS veterinarian makes daily rounds through the animal shelter prescribing medications and assessing condition. ---curious that he didn't know what was going on "The shelter manager and her staff are responsible for ensuring that all disease control tools are in place and disease spread is at a minimum" ---Does this let Laura off the hook? "The animals most often fostered include ... dogs with kennel cough, cats with upper respiratory infections, and animals with mild behavior problems". ---At least it spreads the diseases around the community ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle WCHL July 8, 2003 "It's time to take the politics out of the animal shelter and allow us to do what we know best. ... WE have looked forward to HSUS, the ex perts, for positive guidance in dealing with an ancient County building that is lacking. ... We are open door, meaning all animals will receive help from us, no matter what. ... Now With the HSUS recommendations, we are left with strict limitations on how long animals can stay in our care." For the past three years the APS has been raising money to build an adoption center ... (that) will include a no-kill center. ---and all the time we thought it was to house the adopted animals for a few days before they went home (about 25) ________________________________________________________________ Chapel Hill Herald July 3, 2003 "The Humane Society report said the APS' attitude toward sheltering animals "needs to be re-examined" ---I'll say "Jacobs said a shelter with limited facilities can't afford to keep animals that are ill for too long. In trying to save more animals, the APS has perhaps kept animals that were too ill" ---He's got it right; what does it take to convince the APS Board ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters letter to David Jelley September 30, 2002 "The dogs were given their vaccines the morning after they came in, less than 24 hours later, which is protocol for every animal that comes in unless they are underage. ... all animals are vaccinated within 24 hours" ---the cover story we use ________________________________________________________________ Zandra Talbert APS Volunteer Chapel Hill Herald April 20, 2003 "the impression has been given that APS (fails) to provide timely vaccinations. Due to complications such as ... animals occasionally sabotaging their own cards (!) it was decided that full and permanent medical records would be maintained only on an animal's health sheet." ---It also prevents nosy people from checking on us ________________________________________________________________ Nicole Carper, Manager, Chapel Hill Herald March 16, 2002 "All animals are vaccinated within 24 hours of admittance unless health conditions indicate otherwise." ---but the clocks don't work "When parvo darkens our doors, we go into immediate crisis mode. The contaminated areas are shut down for 72 hours and all neighboring animals are isolated and re-vaccinated. Our strong disease control protocol has actually prevented any out breaks of parvo, though there is certainly the occasional case." ---actually quite a few cases, but let the public pay for Parvo treatment. There were at least three cases in June 2003 #1894 in 6/13 euth 6/22 #1958 in 6/17 euth 6/25, #1966 in 6/18 euth 6/25. #2157 in 6/30 euth 7/1 We missed the shut-down. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters' January 2003 Executive Director's Report "The extremely low staff turnover rate has resulted in the highest insurance bills ever seen by APS. ... it's a pleasure to have staff" ---Of course 7 shelter workers resigned in June and July as well as TWO Development directors. Legal bills are the highest ever too. ________________________________________________________________ Pat Beyle and John Wise Chapel Hill Herald June 22, 2003 "Our adoption rate continues to be the highest in the state, at more than 40 percent -- 10 percent higher than under the previous administration." ----Sometimes we get our statistics wrong; the adoption rates were the same in 2001 and 2002 but are down sharply now. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters Chapel Hill News June 22, 2003 Walters said she feared commissioners were not taking all of the financial implications of terminating the contract with APS into consideration. ---Yes, Laura would lose her job. The APS provides an additional $575,000 a year for animal services on top of the $429,000 the county provides. ---The usual bull%$%$. Additionally, the APS owns all of the furniture, medication, cages and other non-structural capital associated with the shelter to the tune of about $300,000. ---If only Laura could count. If the county were to take over the shelter's operation, Walters said some services like the spaying and neutering service and the 24-hour animal rescue program could be discontinued. ---At least that's our cover story. I think the county is going to be losing lots of services, and the animals are going to be the big losers. ---But most of all, I'll be the big loser. ________________________________________________________________ Laura Walters Chapel Hill Herald July 10, 2003 APS is in the process of building a "halfway home" in Mebane that will house about 50 dogs and 35 cats. ... The new facility -- where animals that have been adopted will be spayed or neutered and then stored a few days before heading to their new home. ---but with only seven animals adopted per day, we'll have some extra space for warehousing. Construction should start in a few weeks and be finished in five months. ---Funny; there's no building permit. The organization has raised $350,000 of the $500,000 it needs for the building. ---but the APS Board restricted $396,000 (money in the bank) in 2000 with an initial payment of $39,600. Of course they lost the $39,600 when the Board changed its mind and filled in the hole. APS seems to be moving backwards. (It) should help improve disease control at the county shelter. ---but not as much as getting rid of Laura Walters. ________________________________________________________________ Toni Constant APS supporter and volunteer statement to APS "This was my first encounter with Laura and her 'ethics'. I see now why the wildlife folks are so mistrustful of her. Personally, I won't trust her again, Will you?" ________________________________________________________________ Bob Bauman Chapel Hill News letter to editor "Oh, good grief! Enough, already! Consider the countless rhetoric, the untold hours of effort ... For gosh sake, get rid of Laura Walters and the whole bunch. ----Great idea ________________________________________________________________ Virginia Ellington APS Secretary March 12, 2003 "I find it impossible to continue to serve with the current leadership of the Board and of the Shelter who are more interested in their own agendas than they are in the animals and the organization." ----What about you others? ________________________________________________________________ Virginia Ellington APS Secretary April 10, 2003 "Board meetings are conducted in an atmosphere of distrust, and at times mendacity rather than one of cooperation, compromise and honesty. ... Walters has complete autonomy in operating the Shelter and is not held accountable anything by the Board. In fact the Board has little under standing of the financial records ... Whatever Walters tells them is accepted with little or no questioning." ----Pretty obvious, isn't it? ________________________________________________________________ Virginia Ellington APS Secretary Chapel Hill News "The board should terminate the employment of Executive Director Laura Walters. The present Executive Committee of the board consisting of the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and member Ann Petersen should resign." ----We're waiting with baited breath. ________________________________________________________________