American Humane Association Assists in Memphis Animal Shelter Investigation

Denver (October 27, 2009)

The Shelby County, Tenn., Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant this morning as part of an investigation into alleged animal abuse and cruelty at the City of Memphis Animal Shelter, where American Humane’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services™ team is currently helping care for pets. The Shelby County District Attorney had requested earlier this month that the Sheriff’s Office investigate after receiving a tip from a citizen concerned about the conditions at the shelter.

According to the warrant that was served this morning, “Detectives have learned that some animals have been deprived of food and water while at the Memphis Animal Shelter,” and while in the shelter’s care, “…some dogs have been starved to the point of requiring euthanasia.” The search warrant also indicated that some of the employees kept “…dogs that are to be quarantined for rabies with dogs that are not required to be quarantined in the same kennel.”

In addition, the warrant reported unsanitary conditions, overcrowding, and vicious and sick animals being housed along with other pets.

“Animals bring comfort and compassion to countless families,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell. “Animals often depend on others for their safety and protection. Once we were contacted by the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, our detectives immediately investigated the allegations of possible abuse.”

American Humane and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) were asked by the Sheriff’s Office to help care for the animals during the investigation.

For more information on American Humane’s role in the investigation, go to www.americanhumane.org/redstar. Find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/americanhumane and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/americanhumane. The information contained in this release can be reused and posted with proper credit given to the American Humane Association.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the exclusive authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane® Certified™ farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food (www.thehumanetouch.org). American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

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