AHS responds to allegations it 'hid outbreaks of contagious diseases'

It was a celebratory mood less than 10 days ago when about 500 participants gathered at Atlantic Station for the Atlanta Humane Society’s (AHS) annual Pet Parade.

Almost $56,000 was raised to help benefit the non-profit organization located at 981 Howell Mill Road in West Midtown.

Founded in 1873, the Atlanta Humane Society and Society For Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals, Inc., is the oldest private non-profit animal welfare organization in Atlanta and one of the oldest humane agencies in America.

However, few were smiling late last week when Fox 5 News ran a report that said AHS “routinely hid outbreaks of contagious diseases at their two shelters -- diseases that could have been brought back to someone's home and passed on to other pets.”

Click here to see the Atlanta news agency’s report.

And here is the AHS initial response, posted on its website, to the key allegations:

PARVO

• There is not an outbreak of Parvo, a contagious virus spread by contact with feces of the infected animal, at Atlanta Humane Society.  Animals are not repeatedly dying due to the spread of highly contagious disease.
• In 2011, out of 4441 canines received, 145 were euthanized for contagious disease. In 2012 (through April 20), 132 of the 2,406 canines received have been euthanized for contagious disease.
• Atlanta Humane Society follows strict, standard operating procedures to prevent the spread of Parvo. We continue to be diligent in properly testing animals to ensure they are disease-free prior to being available for adoption.

REPORTING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

• Atlanta Humane Society is not evading state law regarding contagious disease report submission. Reports of contagious disease were submitted to the Department of Agriculture.
• When our team learned that the reports were not being received by the Department of Agriculture, Atlanta Humane Society immediately (within 24 hours) hand delivered all reports of all contagious diseases, including Parvo, to Georgia’s State Veterinarian’s office for 2011 and 2012 to date.
• Following recent meetings with inspectors from the Department of Agriculture at our shelters, Atlanta Humane Society has updated its procedures to include the current Georgia Reportable Animal Disease form as provided by the Department of Agriculture and confirmed with the inspectors that the report should be faxed within 24 business hours of contagious disease detection to Georgia’s State Veterinarian Office.
• As a result of the Fox 5 Atlanta story, Atlanta Humane Society is evaluating its operational policies to ensure we continue to comply with government regulations and offer healthy animals for adoption.

In 2011, Atlanta Humane Society found loving, forever homes for almost 5,500 animals and performed over 7,000 spay/neuter procedures. We are dedicated to protecting and contributing to the well-being of animals. It is our hope that the perspectives of former employees do not overshadow the exceptional work that our team performs every day. We hope you join us in our mission to prevent the neglect, abuse, cruelty and exploitation of animals and to ensure their interests and well-being are fully, effectively and humanely protected by an aware and caring society.

And here is a ltter from AHS President William Shaheen posted on Monday, April 30, 2012.

As President of Atlanta Humane Society, the health and well-being of animals is of utmost importance to me. I have been an animal lover my entire life, and I assure you I would not be involved with Atlanta Humane Society if the best interest of animals was not our number one priority. 

Over the past few weeks, FOX 5 Atlanta’s I-team has conducted an investigation into Atlanta Humane Society based on allegations made by three former employees. The allegations include: a Parvo epidemic at our shelters, improper reporting of contagious diseases to the Department of Agriculture and the intake of animals from outside Atlanta.

Atlanta Humane Society would never knowingly offer sick animals for adoption. Animals that come into the shelter are tested in order to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, including Parvo. It saddened me to hear about Daisy as I watched the I-team Investigation as it does each time I learn of one of our beloved animals becoming sick or unhealthy following adoption. Pets become part of our families, and we extend love and compassion to them as we would any human being. 

Inaccurately reporting contagious diseases to the Department of Agriculture was never the intention of Atlanta Humane Society. All missing reports from 2011 and 2012 were hand-delivered within 24 hours of learning they had not been received. We are taking the proper steps to evaluate operational policies and update all procedures to ensure we comply with the Department of Agriculture and Georgia’s State Veterinarian Office.  

Additionally, animal welfare has no geographic boundaries. We strive to help as many animals in need as possible. Being one of the largest shelters in the Southeast, Atlanta Humane Society has resources to help other local and regional shelters that adhere to our Partner Protocol. In 2011, we received animals from 45 other different shelters, which would not be possible without our generous donors. In fact, many of our donors specifically choose to support initiatives assisting with missions outside the Atlanta area. In the past two months alone, we have reached out to offer assistance to 60 animal welfare groups throughout Georgia.   

From adult dogs and cats to puppies and kittens, it is beyond unfortunate that so many deserving pets are orphaned. Animals have no voice and being homeless is not their fault. They just want to be adored and cared for by someone. Our goal is to find loving, forever homes for as many of these animals as possible. In 2011, nearly 5,500 animals were adopted from the Atlanta Humane Society and almost 3,000 animals have already been adopted this year.   

Atlanta Humane Society takes the above allegations very seriously and we are working diligently to remedy any problems. Rest assured, animal welfare continues to be our number one priority. This will never change! If you have questions or comments, please direct them to me at questions@atlantahumane.org. I will respond as promptly as possible. 

Sincerely,

William Shaheen

President