Welcome to the Official Website of Summit County Animal Rights Enforcement.  

Also known as:   SCARE

Akron, OH.  Summit County

THE CRUELTY FROM 2003 STILL EXISTS AT THE SUMMIT COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER IN 2006!

(this document was written in 2003)

As taxpayers, property owners, registered voters and residents of Summit County, we want to bring your attention to serious problems and concerns regarding the practices and policies of the Summit County Animal Shelter, and its director, Glenn James.  We are troubled by flagrant and repeated violations of county and state laws including but not limited to animal cruelty statutes and laws regarding the use of controlled drugs committed by the Shelter management and staff.

Videotapes, photographs, eye witness testimony from several current and former County employees and rescue members, and supporting written documentation, which substantiate the allegations, are available.  We have performed our own investigation of the allegations listed below.  We are now respectfully requesting that your office immediately conduct your own investigation of these charges.  We would like to, in good faith, work with the County to achieve genuine reform for the Summit County Animal Shelter (the Pound) to relieve it of the atrocities currently occurring.  It is our desire to bring the Pound into compliance with the law and into the 21^st Century with your help.

Based upon our findings, it is our plan to file formal charges with the County Prosecutor's office.

Charges Against the Employees and Management of the Summit County Animal Shelter:

·         Cruel and illegal routine use of the heart stick (Intracardial) to kill cats and dogs that have not been sedated or anesthetized in violation of ORC Section 4729.532(A)(3)      

·         Delivery of the I-C method of killing cats and dogs is not implemented in a proficient manner in violation of ORC Section 4729.532.

·         Repeated needless mass killings of cats, kittens, dogs and puppies for no valid reason in violation of Summit County Ordinance 505.09(a)(1) and ORC Section 959.13(A)(1).

·         Cruel and illegal routine denial of food and water to impounded cats and kittens in violation of the state of Ohio and Summit County animal cruelty laws in violation of Summit Co. Ordinance Section 505.09(a)(1) and ORC 959.13(A)(1).

·         Allowing badly injured cats and dogs to suffer for days without veterinary care or treatment in violation of state cruelty laws and Summit County Ordinance 505.09(a)(1)(b).

·         Denial of exercise and fresh air to impounded dogs and cats in violation of Summit County Ordinance Section 505.09(a)(4)(b).

·         Falsification of public records in violation of state, county and federal laws.

·         Denial of public access to public records when requested in violation of the Ohio Public Records Act.

·         Illegal conversion of public funds/property for personal use.

Support of Charges

Illegal Use of the Heartstick on Unsedated Animals

Ohio Revised Code 4729.532 (A)(3)

We have testimony from several former employees of the Summit County Animal Shelter that the intracardial injection aka the "heart stick" is routinely used on unsedated animals.  We have been told that none of the dogs or cats killed at the Pound are anesthetized or sedated before being given the heartstick.  We are told that the "stick" is made "as close to the heart as possible."  These very same employees told us that although they went through euthanasia training and certification, required by ORC 4729.531, which taught the use of a heart stick only on an anesthetized animal, such training was viewed as "a joke".  They were instructed by the Shelter management to go back to their old [illegal] ways of euthanizing. The intracardial (IC)/heartstick on an unsedated animal is considered in the veterinarian and euthanasia community to be a deplorable "technique" and entirely unacceptable and inhumane.  This delivers a brutal and excruciatingly painful death to a dog, cat, kitten or puppy.

Ohio Revised Code 4729.532 states that the intracardial injection is to be used "…only on a sedated or unconscious animal."  The reason for this is that the heartstick delivers a torturous death.  Secondly, it is extremely difficult to accurately insert the tip of the needle on a squirming cat or dog.  The IC procedure should never be attempted on a conscious animal, in part because there is a reasonable probability that the first insertion of the needle will fail to place the tip of the needle correctly in to the left or right ventricle, left or right atrium or thoracic aorta.  Additional "jabs" or attempts to locate the blood chamber only increases the pain to the animal.  Additionally, the needle often passes through the lung on its way to the heart and a sheath of nerves between the ribs.  This procedure on a conscious cat or dog is not a humane act and impacts a lot of unnecessary suffering on its victims.  What a terrible fate for any animal in Summit County. 

Additionally, records from the Pound itself and statements from the very professional who actually trained and certified all the Pound euthanasia technicians support all the above testimony.

Needless Mass Killings

Summit County Ordinance 505.09(a)(1) and ORC Section 959.13(A)(1).

On Saturday, August 23, 2003 at the close of business, there were 16 empty cages in the cattery, including one, which contained a bag of cat food.  Monday morning, before the Pound opened at 10 a.m. for the public, Mr. Farrance, upon the order of Glenn James needlessly executed 57 cats (17 cats, 40 kittens), and 16 dogs (9 dogs, 7 puppies), including two beautiful older kittens, which arrived in the cattery Saturday morning, August 23, 2003.  

This mass killing was needless, and especially heinous because, a rescuer from Friends of Pets had informed James Farrance and Glenn James, both orally and in writing, that she would rescue four (4) mothers and their litters---a total of 36 cats and kittens, prior to their scheduled execution date (end of business on Monday-–these cats were all killed Monday morning before the start of business.

Monday morning, 25 August 2003, 10 a.m. one of the foster mothers and her two small children arrived to pick up one of the mothers and their litter.  Her little girl was extremely excited at the prospect of bringing the mother and her kittens home.  When the other rescuer went to the Pound at 10:20 a.m.---first thing Monday morning as she had promised.  She stopped at the bank on route to the Pound to secure $360 for the release of the four mothers and their kittens, the two gray kittens with ribbons, and other kittens remaining in the cattery who were available for rescue. 

The rescuer arrived twenty minutes later with money and several carriers for the impending rescue, only to find that all of the cattery cages but two were completely empty.  Every cat and kitten that she had indicated that she would rescue Monday morning, and expressed an interest in, had been killed that morning, according to records, by James Farrance on orders from Glenn James, before the Pound opened at 10 a.m.

This cruel heartless action not only killed animals needlessly, but it cost the county the $360 fee for 36 cats and kittens.  This needless mass killing also included two cats (older kittens under 1 year), which arrived in the cattery Saturday morning.  They were not kept the mandatory three (3) days as required by Summit County Ordinance 505.51(b).

On 20 August 2003, Glenn James wrote a disciplinary reprimand to members of his staff for violating his euthanasia policy.  In an attempt to save lives of cats and kittens, and in light of all the empty cages, staff members were holding some animals longer than the requisite three (3) days.  Based upon testimony of current employees, this infuriated Mr. James and in retaliation for their disobedience, he ordered all of the cats present in the cattery that day to be killed.  Records reflect that these allegations are true.  This mass killing included cats Linda Gilliland, a frequent rescuer and co-founder of Friends of Pets had indicated that she would rescue.  It has been told to us that Mr. James knew that certain cats in the 20 August massacre were to be rescued by Mrs. Gilliland; however, Mr. James didn't care, he refused to allow her to be called.  We were told he wanted to teach the staff a lesson.

Needless Killings

Based upon Mr. James' policies, kenneled cats, dogs, kittens and puppies are routinely killed although there is available cage space for them.  Videotape and records support these allegations.  The month of August is reflective of typical practices conducted at the Summit County Animal Shelter under Mr. James' leadership. 

Records show that on Monday, 4 August 2003, 11 cats and 8 kittens in the cattery were needlessly killed.  On Saturday, 2 August 2003, before a mass rescue of cats and kittens by Linda Gilliland and Patricia Shaw of Friends of Pets, there were 10 empty cages.  That day at the close of business, Ms. Shaw and Mrs. Gilliland rescued 15 cats and kittens between them, one of which was a pregnant mother to be.  According to James Farrance they were all scheduled to be executed.  After the rescue, there were 18 empty cages, including one with a bag of food in it. 

Friday, 22 August, Ms. Shaw rescued two cats and two kittens slated for execution that day, although based on eyewitness testimony, there were 14 empty cages, including one with a bag of food in it.  Other than Ms. Shaw rescuing these animals, because of Mr. James' mandated policies these healthy animals would have been put to death.  Executing these animals would have been needlessly killing them since there was cage space available.  However, based upon eyewitness accounts and testimony, executing animals regardless of available cage space, is a common practice at the Pound.

On 26 August 2003, the day after the mass killing, based on eyewitness testimony, there were 20 empty cages at the close of business, yet on the morning of 27 August 2003, according to records; five (5) cats were needlessly killed.

Delivery of the I-C Method of Killing Cats and Dogs is not Implemented in a Proficient Manner

Violation of ORC Section 4729.532.

Testimony from former employees has revealed that needles used for "euthanasia" are used, "over and over again."  The needle gauge used for injection is the same size regardless of whether it is being used on a puppy or kitten, cat or large dog.  It has been reported to us that although certification training was provided for each technician, that euthanasia staff members considered it a "joke"; and went back to their original method of killing (heartstick with no sedation or anesthesia) prior to training.  Members of our investigation team have also been told that animals at the Pound are often given two or three heartsticks.  This includes kittens and puppies. 

Additional gruesome testimony by former employees, discloses that technicians do not use conventionally approved methods, such as the use of a stethoscope, to determine death in a "euthanized" animal.  "We wait until an animal stops twitching [determination of death] and then we throw it into the freezer."  Pregnant mothers are also killed with the heartstick.  This is especially inhumane since the fetuses do not die when the mother dies. Fetuses live long after the mother is dead and suffocate in the womb.

Allowing Badly Injured Cats and Dogs to Suffer for Days Without Veterinary Care or Treatment

Summit County Ordinance 505.09(a)(1)(b).

On Saturday, 16 August 2003, cat #98 was brought to the Pound and listed as injured in the Impound Records.  This cat was not given veterinary care nor was it immediately euthanized to relieve its suffering.  This cat died in the cage of its injuries.  Its body was not discovered until Monday morning, 18 August 2003.  Review of Pound records discloses that the above is not an isolated incident.

Denying Necessary Sustenance for Impounded Animals

Summit County Ordinance 505.09(a)(1) and ORC 959.131(C)(2)

Photographs and eyewitness testimony reveal that food and water dishes are routinely placed too high for small kittens to reach; therefore, young kittens without nursing mothers are often starved and thirsty during their brief Pound stay before execution.  This has been brought to the attention of the staff to no avail.  Daily visits by known rescuers briefly changed this situation in late August of 2003.

Kitten food is not provided at the Pound, only adult food.  Adult cat food kernels are too large for kittens to eat, even if the bowls were reachable by young kittens.  Daily visits by rescuers should not be needed for Pound keepers or the management to correctly perform the jobs for which they are duly paid.

Photographic supporting documentation of conditions in the Pound, and a veterinarian examination on a recently rescued kitten without a mother, support eyewitness testimony that bowls are consistently too high, or as in this case, lacking completely.  At the time of examination, it was determined that this kitten was not only malnourished but severely dehydrated.

Denial of Exercise and Fresh Air to Impounded Dogs and Cats 

Summit County Ordinance Section 505.09(a)(4)(b.

Animals in the Summit County Animal Shelter do not receive exercise or fresh air as required by county ordinance.  Enough staff is employed at the Pound to provide each animal in the cattery and kennel exercise, should they choose to do so.  Staff members are often discovered to be hanging around talking outside or "shooting the breeze" at the front desk.  Testimony indicates that the current Pound keepers refuse to clean litter boxes in the cattery.  Testimony further supports that litter boxes are often overflowing, especially on the weekends.

We have been told that a current Pound keeper is allergic to fleas and therefore does not touch the animals.  This is also the reason given for the needless killings of several hundred cats and kittens. It would appear that this person is clearly in the wrong profession and that the County is not getting what they pay for in this individual.

Falsification of Public Records

Our investigation indicates that Pound records have been "doctored" to cover-up the mass killings of 25 August 2003.  This is clearly indicated when reviewing the original records versus copies.  For example, each group of mothers and kittens that Ms. Shaw had expressed her intentions of rescuing, and the kittens and cats that Ms. Shaw informed Mr. Farrance that she would also rescue, as well as the remaining cats in the cattery on Saturday, 23 August were all given the same notation for the reason they were killed ---  "Sick and Flea infested".  Upon review of the original documents, it reveals that this notation was made at the time of death, not at the time of impound nor during the time of stay in the cattery.  It is clear that someone falsified these records to cover-up and/or justify why these animals were not allowed to be rescued.

Kitten #113, the only survivor, was adopted two days before the mass executions.  This kitten did not receive any medical treatment by its new owner.  When called, the owner indicated that the kitten was fine and healthy.  The kitten was taken to the vet, on Thursday, September 4, 2003.  The vet did a through examination of this kitten and deemed it healthy--as was its mother and littermates at the time of execution.  Supporting documents, photographs and testimony indicate that kitten #113, named "Lucky" by its new owners is healthy.  If this kittens mother and siblings were "sick and flea infested", since this kitten was housed with its mother and siblings, this kitten would have become "sick and flea infested" days later. It did not--as it supported by veterinarian's documentation.

These are just two examples of several we have uncovered where notations “justifying” euthanasia were made days after the animal was impounded and after rescuers came forward to adopt the animal.

Indicated on a Transmittal of Information given to a rescuer on 29 August 2003 which accompanied daily impound records of cats, adoption records and euthanasia logs, a curious statement was written on the accompanying transmittal:  "Please be advised that requested records are subject to change and/or revision upon being audited".  On the surface this seems innocent enough.  However, the entries of each of these records are written at the time of each activity.  Why would Impound records, Adoption records, or Euthanasia records ever be changed?  Euthanasia records are done at the time of euthanasia.  Adoption and Redemption records are written at the time of adoption or redemption.  Impound Logs are written at the time of impound.  Why would it ever be necessary to change these?  One can only speculate on the reason for these notation/disclaimer.

In the public records that we have been able to gain access to, we have found a disturbing number of missing cats. (Feb. 14, 2003, #26 disappeared, Feb. 25, 2003, #34 disappeared, Feb. 27, 2003, #35 disappeared, Feb. 28, 2003, #36 disappeared, April 4, 2003, #46 disappeared, April 10, 2003, cats #67 and #70 disappeared, April 12, 2003, #86 disappeared, April 14, 2003, #92 disappeared, April 15, 2003, #96 disappeared.) These cats were all entered into the Impound Records but never appear in the Adoption Records or the Euthanasia Log. 

The records further indicate a consistent ongoing problem at the Pound.  Pound keepers routinely misdiagnose ages and sexes of cats and kittens approximately 50% of the time.  Kitten #113 on the adoption records indicates that this kitten was three months old.  The vet examined kitten #113 nearly two weeks later and stated in writing that the kitten was 4 weeks old.  This is a huge discrepancy.  There is no physical comparison between a three-month-old kitten and a 2 to 4-week-old kitten.  Yet these are the same people making life and death decision regarding which cats, kittens and puppies are "sick" enough to be killed immediately.

Denial of Public Access to Public Records When Requested 

Violation of the Ohio Public Records Act.

Members of rescue groups routinely have been denied access to view public records.  Videos taken at the Pound confirm these allegations.  Caught on videotape, during a peaceful request to view records, the police were called to remove two women requesting viewing of public records. Videotape reveals testimony from current employees that Mr. James instructed them not to let these citizens or any rescue group members review records. 

Illegal Conversion of Public Funds/Property for Personal Use

It is our understanding that Mr. James has had no personal vehicle of his own for approximately three plus years.  Testimony indicates Mr. James has used his county provided vehicle 24/7, 365 days a year for the past three years.  County employees also tell of Pound property (some of it significant in value) that Mr. James has taken home and kept for his personal use.

Policies Written and Enforced by Director/Lack of Qualifications

The Director and his staff are categorically unqualified to make life and death decisions at the Pound, or diagnose severity of any "illness".  No one there has been trained by a vet or certified as a vet tech or as a diagnostician for conditions and/or diseases. In the Cat Impound & Care Policy written by Mr. James, section G "Diseased/Sick & Injured Cats/Kits, Mr. James has listed the reasons to kill cats and kittens in the Pound in this section.  Mr. James solely composed this list.  This list is dangerously and ridiculously broad.  Dr. Miedema, the vet who appears quarterly to review drug inventory, according to testimony did not sanction these reasons for euthanasia, nor did he provide any guidelines to Mr. James for approved reasons to kill cats nor does he consult with Pound personnel regarding the destruction of any animal. 

Conduct Unbecoming of a County Director

Testimony and supporting documentation has been given to us that alleges that Mr. James is a racist.  This behavior should not be condoned by anyone holding a county office.  It is alleged that Mr. James while in his office on county time wrote a "dictionary" definition of "Nigger".  In this document he placed a picture of an African American employee and wrote many derogatory and denigrating references.  This document is enclosed for your inspection and review.  Mr. James is also alleged to have proudly shown his creation to other members of his staff.

                           *******************

In an attempt to work with you we have provided you with this information to resolve this issue.  We are of the opinion that the Summit County Animal Shelter cannot and will not thrive under the leadership of its current Director.  Based upon the violations conducted during his tenure and his practices, we are requesting the immediate removal of Glenn James as Director of the Summit County Animal Shelter for reasons listed below.

The current director's action and term in office indicate a lack of vision, motivation and innovation to implement positive changes and reforms already adopted by progressive shelters.  His policies and practices demonstrate that he has no compassion for the animals in his custody at the Pound.  The Director easily cries the lack of funding, the lack of staff, or “liability issues”; as to the reasons why things are the way they are in his facility.  However, local rescue groups accomplish significantly more, on substantially less than the budget Mr. James has at his disposal at the Pound.

In contrast to the Director and the Summit County Animal Shelter, when compared to the Geauga County Dog Warden, Matt Granito, who has an adoption rate of 97%, Mr. James' practices and dismal death rate depicted repeatedly in the records of the Summit County Animal Shelter are especially disturbing.  The difference is leadership and the mindset of each of its leaders.  Mr. Granito views his shelter as an adoption facility.  Mr. James views his Pound as a killing factory, as is reflected in his policies and practices.

When an observer reviews the "Impound Records of Cats & Miscellaneous Animals", one is immediately struck by the fact that very few cats and kittens, once in the custody of the Summit County Animal Shelter, unless rescued by rescue groups, make it out alive.  Most are killed in the Pound.  Dogs or puppies not retrieved by owners or adopted suffer the same fate, regardless of space/cage availability.  This is largely due to a failure in leadership.  The current Director has no desire to, and lacks the will to, bring the Pound into the 21^st century as many other communities have already done.  The Summit County Animal Shelter is currently run much like the earlier shelters founded in the late 1800's.  Summit County Citizens deserve a better animal shelter.  We also deserve better leadership at the Pound.

Mr. James' Pound is Draconian.  As citizens of Summit County we should all hang our heads in shame for allowing the atrocities to continue to occur at the Pound.  Until the problems are resolved we must all continue to share the blame.

Testimony has revealed that captured cats and kittens are brought to the "garage"---the kill room---for observation, and de-stressing.  We have been told that this room is strewn with the dead and dying bodies of cats, dogs, kittens and puppies.  Is it a wonder that many animals are classified as "wild", and immediately killed after viewing the dead and dying and what will almost certainly be their future?  This would be akin to bringing a human being to the morgue for diagnosis of stress.  At the time of "euthanasia", on a daily basis, the still living watch the victims of euthanasia die, all of them painfully, many of them agonizingly slowly.  This is not humane.  Nor is this practice supportable by a civilized society.

A former county employee has told us that she has heard dogfights going on behind the locked door of the kill room at the shelter on several occasions.  She and others also observed bloody dogs being led out of this room.  As logical persons, we have serious concerns that this may be the explanation for the aforementioned missing cats, although we have no proof of this at this point. 

Summit County Ordinance

505.09 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

(a) No person shall:

(1) Torture an animal, deprive one of necessary sustenance,
unnecessarily or cruelly beat, needlessly mutilate or kill, or impound or
confine an animal without supplying it during its confinement with a
sufficient quantity of good wholesome food and water.

(2) Impound or confine an animal without affording it, during
such confinement, access to shelter from wind, snow, rain or excessive
direct sunlight if it can reasonably be expected that the animal would
otherwise become sick or in some other way suffer;

(3) Carry or convey an animal in a cruel or inhuman manner;

(4) Keep animals in an enclosure without wholesome exercise
and change of air

(5) Leave any animal unattended in a vehicle without adequate
ventilation and temperature to prevent suffering, disability or death of
such animal.
(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of
the second degree.

(Ord. 88-360. Approved 7-7-88.)

PROPOSAL FOR REFORMS

At the

SUMMIT COUNTY POUND

·        Longer public hours for adoptions and redemptions.  This can be accomplished without additional cost by closing the Pound one day during the week, and then distributing these hours among the days opened.  This can also be accomplished by the utilization of volunteers.

·        Allow Volunteers in the Shelter to care for the animals.  Other shelters do.  Why not Summit County?

·        Longer holding time for animals when cage space allows.

·        Veterinarian visits on a regular basis.

·        Replace one pound keeper position with that of a veterinarian technician position.

·        Veterinarian approved list of reasons to euthanize immediately.

·        Adoption website with photos as promised in the 2 December 2002 issue of the Akron Beacon Journal. 

·        An aggressive adoption program.

·        No adoption fees for rescue groups.

·        Exercise for animals as required by County Code for impounded animals.

·        Citizen Oversight Committee, including being involved in the hiring process of shelter management and staff.

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