January 12, 2009 To all those who are concerned about the "out of control" animal control services in NC,

To all those who are concerned about the "out of control" animal control services in NC,

This past Thursday a contentious public meeting was held by the Board of Commissioners of Gaston County, NC as a result of the failed state inspection of their "dog pound" in December 2008. Approximately 60 people, including our NC state director who lives in Gaston County, attended. Approximately 10 people offered public testimony. As expected, Reggie Horton, the Director of Gaston Animal Control, and the Gaston County Board of Commissioners effectively sidestepped the important issues which were raised. Namely, violations of state laws. Lost animals getting killed within 24 hrs in violation of NCGS 130A-192, because, according to the vet who "euthanized" it, "it was old and skinny and blind." Apparently Gaston County Animal Control does not believe that pet owners have a right to have their lost pet returned to them if it is "old" or "skinny" or "blind." Animals are refused to be held overnight even though rescue groups agreed to pick it up the next day. Gaston and many other NC counties apparently do not want to bother collaborating with rescue groups. Why should they? It means more work for them to answer calls, keep track of which groups wants which animals, etc. The failed inspection stated that the disposition paperwork on the animals, which is required by state law to be created and preserved, was either incomplete or nonexistent. Either broken or no food or water bowls was common. Why feed the animals? They will be that much heavier to pick up after the automated gassing operation. There is much, much more, but the professional "sidestepping" job appears to have worked with the 60 plus animal people who attended (though not on all of course). The Board of Commissioners talked up "spay neuter," which has nothing to do with the above issues of mismanagement, and Reggie Horton told the media that "passions bring to the forefront good things for the animal community," and he blamed the "old" shelter for his agency's violations. Needless to say none of the above-mentioned violations have anything to do with the old building as they relate only to Mr. Horton's incapability or lack of desire to operate a shelter in compliance with the laws of North Carolina. Watch the WSOC-TV Channel 9 news report at http://www.wsoctv.com/waxntv/18443281/detail.html.

PS- The above email has been sent to the entire NC General Assembly, whose emails we have computerized, in preparation of our lobbying trip to the state
capitol, to which YOU ARE INVITED IF YOU CALL US AT 718-544-PETS. This lobbying effort at the state capitol in support of our legislation to mandate
intravenous injection and ban all other forms of euthanasia will be strictly by invitation only. Everyone is invited but MUST first call me at 718-544-PETS to
accompany our blue ribbon panel Steering Committee which will be meeting with the leaders of both the State House and the State Senate. Our Steering
Committee consists of well-known and respected animal advocates, attorneys, veterinarians, and animal control directors. 200 packets of almost 50 pages
and a DVD will be distributed to each and every member of the General Assembly. The packet is the most comprehensive presentation ever compiled on the
status of animal control dog and cat euthanasia in North Carolina.

Garo Alexanian
Companion Animal NetworkTV

Companion Animal Network (“C.A.N.”) has advised, among other municipalities, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, New York State Senator Frank Padavan, and numerous other public officials on animal control policies and has been acknowledged by the New York City Council with Resolution #985 for educating its members on the animal control problems of New York City. C.A.N. was the architect of the reforms in animal control which came about as a result in New York City, which consequently brought $15 million in grants to its animal control services.C.A.N. has been honored in New Orleans for its continuing post-Katrina support programs for Louisiana municipal animal pounds