1,000 Dogs, Cats Killed At Nevada Shelter

Most Of The Animals At Las Vegas Facility Had Contracted Contagious Diseases

(AP)  One thousand dogs and cats have been destroyed at an overcrowded southern Nevada animal shelter where visiting veterinarians last week discovered an outbreak of contagious diseases, officials said.

Lied Animal Shelter spokesman Mark Fierro said that not all of the 1,000 animals killed since Friday had been infected by one of the three canine and feline diseases found by experts from The Humane Society of the United States.

Some were euthanized because they had gone unadopted at the Las Vegas shelter for more than 120 days, and were contributing to overcrowding that Humane Society officials said helped the spread of distemper and Parvovirus in dogs and panleukopenia in cats.

"We're trying to run it like a rescue operation, a no-kill shelter," Fierro told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "The HSUS told us the crowding caused by that causes animals to be stressed and more susceptible to disease."

Local activists gathered in a park across the street from the shelter Tuesday evening to memorialize what was thought to be the largest mass killing of animals in Las Vegas history.

"It's unforgivable in light of the fact that it was absolutely preventable," said Holly Stoberski, legal counsel for Heaven Can Wait Sanctuary, a group that has worked with Lied to find homes for impounded animals. "They were not properly vaccinating the dogs and cats in a timely manner."

Lied officials have said they did not realize animals were infected until the Humane Society team noticed animals with intestinal and respiratory problems during an inspection.

Fierro said the facility was adopting changes recommended by the national organization to improve conditions, including vaccinating animals as they arrive at the shelter.

The Animal Foundation, a private nonprofit group that operates Lied, also created a new position to oversee shelter operations in response to the outbreak.

The foundation contracts with Clark County and the cities of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas to handle abandoned, neglected and stray animals at Lied. The shelter annually adopts more than 7,000 dogs, cats, rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs and other animals.

[msdiana]

Gee Superchez...that's some strong angry language. Sure there's lots of horrible things going on in this world but we can still have some compasion for the innocent animals. It's not their fault their owners didn't spay or neuter. A thousand animals is a pretty big deal. I know it's not the same as human life but it's still life. Please...

[inspire411]

superchez1,
perhaps it is vulgar and uncaring individuals like yourself who have contributed to the overcrowding and sickly shelter populations in this country in the first place.

disease breeds disease.
even my 3 year old knows this.
grow up.

[vudublu]

No animal should have to had suffer at that shelter.... Saving money is what they were doing Are we becoming such a heartless society that we are denying care and compassion on a animal that we as humans breed and then did not want so we abandon it, then only to round it up to let it suffer thru parvo???? Oh by the way, "superchez1 you are one heartless pr@#k. You are exactly what is wrong with middle America.

[jetlizhan]

superchez1

you heartless a$$hole - I care about 1,000 dogs and cats (especially the dogs) - someone has to, just like someone has to care about you (probably not many though). although an avid and lifelong animal lover, sometimes euthanization is the most humane act possible. i don't understand and don't want to understand or be around someone that doesn't love dogs. now that's MY opinion. and i don't give a rat's a$$ if anyone disagrees, especially YOU.

[cherryfries]

We all know there are bigger issues in the world but there are some things we can help make better and others we can't. This is blatant cruelty to animals and this is one of those things we can help improve on. If it were 1,000 people imagine the outrage that we follow but how is it that because it's animals, people can act so nonchalant? Chez, would it be right for us to put you to your death all because you had a disease, that could be healed? I'm sure your answer is no so why is it okay to do that to animals in a shelter?

[ladyephesus1]

Superchez1, I hope you get bitten by an animal infected with rabies. you sorry a**hole!!

[mypatch]

It's really sad that as an educated society we have to kill animals that no one wants or cares about. But, I find that this would not be the situation if we could educate the owners of these animals to spay,neuter or not own one if they can't be responsible for it. It's not the shelters fault they had to destroy these animals. It's the owners that let them go. A hefty fine or imprisonment or new laws should do the job.

[caragat]

superchez,

I know you don't view this story as important as the other "big" world stuff but really... when we stop caring about the "little" stuff, we lose our humanity. It really is a shame to see people as hard - hearted as you, I feel very sorry for you.

[bethanybm]

I think that this is such a tragedy. I do agree that pet owners need to be educated on the importance of spaying and vaccinating their pets. I don't know what the answer is, but it can't and shouldn't be killing.

[cd735]

superchez, why did you even read the story if you don't care about animals????? I think your on here just to make people mad. I think it is really sad for an animal, no matter what kind of animal it is, to be put to sleep for something that isn't even their fault. Animal shelters know the risk they take when they bring in animals. They should also know the risk of being over populated and all the types of diseases and how to treat it. If your not interested in this type of subject please don't read up on it or just keep your thoughts to yourself please.

[debluezzman]

I think Superchez is just breathing good air that someone or something else, like an animal, could be breathing...its sad we have Superchez as an example of our human existance

[dsbum]

They are all God's little creatures. There should be a better plan prevention of this situation. They are precious too. My heart goes out to all the little animals that have to suffer by the doing of man. I feel with all my heart this too will be judged by God.

[manymanypaws-2009]

Yes, there are many big issues facing us every day, not the least of which is the death of innocents:
1. U. S. soldiers defending our freedom
2. Unwanted babies aborted for convenience of those who made them (hundreds of thousands every day)
3. And, the neglected domestic animals that are dumped on roadsides when no longer wanted, or starved in dirty homes.

All these living beings are more important than the salaries of professional athletes, celebrity paychecks, politicians' perks, and the ease with which pedophiles creep around our children.

That shelter acted irresponsibly - my family has done its part,adopting dogs and cats over the past 15 yrs. They're part of the family...loved and safe.

[mippers1]

Superchez: compassion is what makes us human beings. What planet are you from that you don't care about the suffering of innocent animals? SHAME

[third91]

Um....that Stupidcheez guy is simply a moron who wants to promote controversy online...I too, secretly hope a rabid, frothing-at-the-mouth St. Bernard bites him in the *$^! one day, but know better than to wish that on anyone, truly. So, I guess I will try to let the anger go & work on that... hope he does too, as it sounds like most of us intelligent people online believe in the power of energetic healing,positive thinking, prayer, love, etc.. to help heal the world and all its blessed creatures.

[ctchafllnstr]

The shelter was wrong in doing what it did. Add to that that the shelter doesn't do enough to find homes for the dogs and cats. THey need just the same amount of care and love, as humans do and give so much more. Think twice before you act.

[mngo3]

How could the authorities let this happen, and where is the punishment for this? This was a preventable tragety, and it was heartless to have to kill all those animals when they could be treated. I can understand euthanizing an animal when it's in pain/suffering from an illness, but for overcrowding and a curable disease? Couldn't they have explore other options, like asking for help from other shelters in the country or a public plea for donation, before going through with this route? Shouldn't the head of the shelter answer for this?

[nothappyatall]

Problem with vaccines is they do take immediate effect, so vaccinating a dog today will not mean it is protected tomorrow- it may be 2-3 or more WEEKS before their body builds up antibodies.
Even vaccinated dogs sometimes contract Parvo and Corona virus.

[juliemd]

Figures it would happen in Las Vegas, more money, more sin, more drugs, no care for anyone or anything unless its got bling. Crappy place...

[cdegolier]

Wake up people animals are euthanized every day in shelters. It is not the shelters fault that they are over crowded, they do their best to protect and help find the animals homes, but there are more animals then homes.

The problem lies with the people not the shelters. The ones who abandon there animals for various reasons, the ones that never have their animal spade or neutered, the ones who breed them to make a profit, the ones who allow there animals to run wild, the ones who think the puppy is cute until it grows up and then dumps it, the ones who think a dog is simply for protection and needs nothing else in life, the ones who fight dogs for profit and the ones who find humor in torturing animals.

[jetlizhan]

cdegolier -

excellent post - you are so right.

[lars008-2009]

did the chinese and mexican restaurants claim the bodies???

hahahahahahahaha

[lars008-2009]

this is the real threat to humanity.....
http://stopislam.cjb.net/

Terrorism Awareness Project to wake up Americans and the World
http://www.terrorismawareness.org/
http://www.terrorismawareness.org/islamic-mein-kampf

[lars008-2009]

'Obsession'
Documentary gives insight into radical Islam%u2019s global threat
http://www.foxnews.com/video2/launchPage.html?110506/110506_fnl_obsession&%27Obsession%27&FNL&Documentary%20gives%20insight%20into%20radical%20Islam%92s%20global%20threat&Foxlife&-1&%27Obsession%27&Video%20Launch%20Page&News
http://www.obsessionthemovie.com/12min.htm
http://myspace.com/waragainstthewest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BL4-mxE87w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUpcpEQtgp4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BUqXSeCDJc

[lars008-2009]

here's your enemy skippy..... try to remember that..... there will be a test later....
UK TV AIRS SHOCK 'UNDERCOVER' LOOK INTO MAINSTREAM BRIT MOSQUES...
Dispatches: Undercover Mosque
This is part one of the much-anticipated UK Channel 4 documentary Dispatches: Undercover Mosque, exposing evidence of Islamic supremacism, shocking misogyny, and support for violence at a number of Britain%u2019s leading mosques and Muslim institutions. (Thanks again to LGF operative kasper.)
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=24018_Dispatches-_Undercover_Mosque&only

Dispatches - Undercover Mosque (1 to 6)
UK Channel 4, aired 15th January 2007.
Radicalisation of UK mosques by Saudi Wahabbism
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dispatches+- Undercover Mosque
http://youtube.com/watch?v=peFQWuk4nuo
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MuCLC8kjWCI
http://youtube.com/watch?v=x5t5EqWX92k
http://youtube.com/watch?v=yMztM0Z7BYE
http://youtube.com/watch?v=V4Zv3BUmwqs
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KvjvNScmTQA

[lars008-2009]

for you facist nazi islamic muslims....hahahahaha
http://www.henryk-broder.de/tagebuch/karikaturisten.html

Video: Imam prays to stop %u2018oppression and occupation%u2019 at DNC meeting Update: Imam ID%u2019d Update: More info on Imam
http://hotair.com/archives/2007/02/02/video-imam-prays-to-stop-oppression-and-occupation-at-dnc-meeting/



brigitte gabriel because they hate
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=brigitte+gabriel because they hate&sp=1&fr2=sp-top&toggle=1&ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=UTF-8&SpellState=n-200048888_q-Q4tCvDE05ZjvWEZEBwwJjwAAAA%40%40

dnc winter meeting muslim prayer
http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0oGkk8TNslFc3sACvVXNyoA?p=dnc winter meeting muslim prayer&ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-501&x=wrt

[lars008-2009]

Is islam a violation of international law???
islam practices slavery on non muslims
islam practices apartheid on non muslims
islam practices rape on non muslims
islam practices rape on babies and animals
islam practices genocide on non muslims
all are violations of international law and are crimes against humanity
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=slavery+islam&btnG=Search
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=slavery muslim&btnG=Google Search
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4795808.stm
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=apartheid islam
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=apartheid muslim
Malaysia women 'suffer apartheid'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4784784.stm
A matter of tolerance
http://musingwithmarinamahathir.blogspot.com/2006/12/matter-of-tolerance.html
Marina Mahathir
http://musingwithmarinamahathir.blogspot.com/
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=rape islam
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=rape muslim&btnG=Search
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=rape islam babies&btnG=Search
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=rape muslim babies&btnG=Search
Imam Khomeini - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
http://www.homa.org/Details.asp?ContentID=2137352826&TOCID=2083225445
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=genocide islam&btnG=Search
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=genocide muslim

[lars008-2009]

ISLAM SPREADING HATE & INTOLERANCE!!!
Muslim students 'being taught to despise unbelievers as filth'
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2142403,00.html
http://www.shoebat.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaUftcRJ5wo&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fbaconeatingatheistj ew%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F
http://thepeoplescube.com/Islam.php
School trains suicide bombers
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1446003.stm
"Egyptian Cleric Sheik Muhammad Nassar Tells a Group of Children about Child Martyrdom in the Early Days of Islam
Following are excerpts from a children's program hosted by Egyptian cleric, Sheik Muhammad Nassar, which aired on Al-Nas TV on June 15, 2006. Sheik Nassar is identified by Al-Nas TV as a preacher at the Egyptian ministry of religious endowment:
Sheik Muhammad Nassar: Let's listen to a very beautiful story to learn about the courage of a child, and how, when a child is brought up in a good home, and receives proper education in faith, he loves martyrdom, which becomes like an instinct for him. He can never give it up."
http://www.memritv.org/Transcript.asp?P1=1185

[lars008-2009]

Islam: What the West Needs to Know
http://www.whatthewestneedstoknow.com/
http://www.whatthewestneedstoknow.com/press_release.asp
http://alwaysonwatch.blogspot.com/2006/07/go-see-this-movie_09.html
Walid Shoebat One Less Terrorist
One Less Terrorist
http://www.arutzsheva.com/article.php3?id=3986
Brigitte Gabriel explodes Mideast 'lies'
Israeli Arab explodes Mideast 'lies'
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=43175
The unholy past of the Muslim cleric demanding the Pope's execution
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23367406-details/The+unholy past of the Muslim cleric demanding the Pope's execution/article.do

[lars008-2009]

SUBMIT TO ISLAM???....HELL NO!!!
WWIII The 2nd Islamic Crusades
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-521503032546496626&q=WWIII
http://thepeoplescube.com/Islam.php
ISLAM / WHAT THE WEST NEEDS TO KNOW!!
What the West Needs to Know
http://www.whatthewestneedstoknow.com/
http://www.whatthewestneedstoknow.com/press_release.asp
http://alwaysonwatch.blogspot.com/2006/07/go-see-this-movie_09.html
OBSESSION
http://myspace.com/waragainstthewest
ISLAM HATED WORLDWIDE VIDEO!!!
http://baconeatingatheistjew.blogspot.com/2006/07/just-added-few-more-blogs-to-my.html
Clinton admits he was offered bin Laden but refuses
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqdpAQFQlHQ&mode=related&search=
al-Qaida in Iraq: 4,000 Insurgents Dead
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060928/D8KDUES80.html
ISLAMS WAR WITH THE WORLD!!
http://www.foxnews.com/video2/launchPage.html?072506/072506_ontherecord_ayalon&Daniel%20Ayalon&On_the_Record&Israeli%20ambassador%20to%20U.S.%20on%20long-term%20solution%20to%20Mideast%20crisis&On%20the%20Record&-1&Daniel%20Ayalon&Video%20Launch%20Page

[third91]

Thank you, Middleman. We do need to spay and neuter every animal to help stop the problem of unwanted pets.Some of the people that drop off at shelters (I worked at the Humane Society) are:
1) friends/fam who took in pets after someone died/too sick, & they couldn't take care of animal;2) tragedy hit family (laid off,hurricane/fire/whatever)--they just could not financially keep pet;3) had too many animals to keep already; 4)pet too aggressive;5)"just didn't want"...many times these were animals that grew up (wow, big surprise there) and were no longer cute, trained up well/easily, or the owner got bored; 6) no time for the pet.....7)and, one of my favorite excuses... returning the "purebred".. someone buys a "purebred" Dalmation(101 Dalmations), or Husky(8 Below), etc.. because of a movie they saw. The purebred doesn't act/look/seem like the one in the movie.?!? People should not buy purebreds in the first place as that is adding to the problem! The mixed breeds are the best animals around and there is a plethora to choose from. So...the list goes on and on of excuses from people.... unfortunately you are right about them throwing them away or treating them like garbage often. It is sickening and heartbreaking the way people treat animals and think of animals.

[third91]

Occasionally there are legitimate reasons for bringing pets to an animal shelter-when you have nowhere else to go. Unfortunately, the outcome of that decision will thereby be out of your control.There was a young couple (w/ kids), unfortunately, that had 4 beautiful border-collie-mix dogs(well-groomed, well trained) that they had to bring to the shelter, when they both were laid off. They had nowhere else to bring them at that point (they had tried friends, family but none could/would keep them). They ended up keeping one themselves, but had to give up 3 (2 older, one puppy) and they were heartbroken.
I think one was adopted out, but I never learned about the others, as I quit that job. It was simply too heartbreaking to see, every day, the animals come in, and lead a sad, disturbing existence. Many got sick, depressed, and some turned aggressive. A lot were euthanized. Many were adopted out and are leading happy lives now. It is a crapshoot for a lot of them. So if you have a legitimate reason to drop off an animal, and nowhere else to go, you are taking your chances for them finding a new life.