CVPAWS responds to alleged online attacks amid outcry over euthanasia list

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Concho Valley Paws Executive Director Jenie Wilson released a statement on social media on May 28 to address allegations of online attacks sent to members of the organization after the city of San Angelo announced that 40 dogs had to be euthanized. in June.

The city announced news of the list of 40 dogs on the afternoon of May 28, stating that the shelter animals had to be euthanized due to the San Angelo Animal Shelter exceeding its maximum capacity of 180 dogs. . Twenty-one of the dogs were given a deadline of Saturday, June 1, while the other 19 were given a deadline of Saturday, June 8.

The euthanasia list has since been widely debated in the San Angelo online community, with hundreds of comments, shares and posts flooding social media on the topic and expressing differing opinions. Some residents believe the dogs should be euthanized, while others advocate sterilization efforts. Many have also expressed disapproval of the City's handling of the local pet population, while others say citizens only have themselves to blame.

“Enforce sterilization orders and consider additional funding for vouchers to help those who are truly struggling,” one person wrote on the city’s post announcing the list. “Otherwise this cycle is doomed to repeat itself and all foster homes/people who could adopt will be full. Be proactive, not reactive! »

“Even though it hurts to see this and I'm very much against it…maybe it's time they did it because honestly from the previous list I'm starting to see some of these same dogs once adopted back on the list….” said a commenter on a KLST News Facebook post about the list. “These lists make people think they have to save them so they end up in the pound or on the street again!” Better to fall asleep than to have to juggle and never find a real home.

The community outcry appears to have extended to CVPAWS, however, as a statement was posted on the organization's Facebook page just hours after the city made the list announcement public. Wilson said in his post that CVPAWS and his team had recently received online attacks.

“Our team has been viciously attacked online on various social media accounts with the release of the last two euthanasia lists,” Wilson said.

Wilson went on to say that some community members “don't understand” that the lists are “heartbreaking reminders that we can't save them all” and that “each of these dogs is loved and bonded to one or more members of the staff. .”

“All staff members foster dogs or cats, with many taking home the most fearful, fragile and injured ones,” Wilson said. “Losing just one of these long stays to euthanasia for space will make our team feel like a failure, even if they do everything they can to save him.”

Wilson later stated that in response to the alleged attacks, “PAWS will not allow negative, hateful or threatening rhetoric on its social media page.” Wilson said some posts may be removed if they are found to be harmful and the poster responsible for the post may be blocked.

“We recognize that everyone has an opinion and we do not expect everyone to agree. But the intentional spread of misinformation and hateful attacks serves no positive purpose and will not advance our efforts to save lives,” Wilson said. “Therefore, posts will be removed and the poster may be blocked from the page depending on the malicious intent or nature of the post.”

Wilson also took the time to respond to comments saying the shelter's animals “should be destroyed and donors should not support our efforts to save them,” calling the comments “insensitive” and stating that “we don't understand not this ideology – especially coming from self-proclaimed animal advocates.

“What PAWS does for this community and these animals is important. We couldn’t do what we do without a great, well-trained and qualified staff who have over 50 years of combined experience,” Wilson said. “We also recognize the importance of our donors who understand that this mission may be costly, but that the investment is well worth it. Yes, we save animals, but we also see what these animals do for the people who love them. … Knowing that you entrust us with your donations to save lives is an honor for us.

Wilson then reiterated that CVPAWS is a separate entity from the San Angelo Animal Shelter before sharing how the two differ when it comes to euthanasia. CVPAWS is a “contracted provider with the City of San Angelo to facilitate adoptions of animals housed at the San Angelo Animal Shelter,” according to the city.

“PAWS and the city shelter are two separate entities with different goals and missions that have chosen to work together to achieve the common goal of reducing (and hopefully one day preventing) animal euthanasia adoptable,” Wilson said. “That said, PAWS does not advocate euthanasia for space, we do not select the animals or the process. However, when our facilities are full and the shelter reaches maximum capacity, we understand that space is limited and we provide every support service possible to promote the rescue and adoption of animals that the shelter has listed on a list.

As deadlines approach for both parts of the 40-dog list, Wilson highlighted CVPAWS' dedication to caring for shelter animals – whether they are destined for euthanasia or not.

“PAWS will continue to fight to save as many as possible,” Wilson said. “But remember, we can do more if everyone works together.”