Spring / Summer 2004

UPDATE!

Compassion for Camden, Inc. - A Humane Society - Est. 1992

Freeholders Drag Feet Awarding Contract

President's Notes:

Based on our appeal, and surely for reasons of their own, Camden County freeholders asked for competitive bids for the operations and management of the Camden County Animal Shelter. On January 30, 2004, two organizations forwarded their proposals to county purchasing.

One, of course, came from the current contractor called the Humane Society of Southern New Jersey. The group is notoriously known for its history of extremely high kill rates and pound seizure (the illegal use of shelter animals for experimentation). The group is headed by politically connected Richard J. Perr, Esq., of the law firm Fineman, Krekstein & Harris, Philadelphia, PA/Haddonfield, NJ.

For detailed information regarding the history of the Camden County Animal Shelter see www.pawsnj.org and www.compassionforcamden.org

The other bid was handed in by the Animal Welfare Society of Camden County, a group of caring professionals with business savy who underbid Perr and company by some $30,000. But the most important ingredients of their all-around expert package is their proven ability to save lives and a determination to make aggressive changes for the future. Freeholders, however, don’t seem to be in any rush. The successful bidder may not be announced for months to come - right or wrong.

HSUS finds plenty wrong with current vendor

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was commissioned by Camden County government to engage in an evaluation of the shelter. This service cost Camden County taxpayers some $20,000.

The HSUS study was pre-announced and the team completed its tour of the facility in October of last year. The report was released in February. Not surprisingly, Camden County freeholders did not make the report public. We obtained a copy via Open Records request and quickly forwarded it to the media.

continued on page 6

WARNING! GRAPHIC PICTURE PAGE 4

Ever since I have been reminded that the animals of Camden will not be forgotten again. The passing of this special dog brought about boundless emotions. Your cards and letters, your simple notes and phone calls in memory of Sarah, the dog responsible for starting Compassion for Camden, came in daily, and some still do. They speak of personal condolences, sadness and sorrow, but also of optimism and confidence.

Your thoughtful words leave no doubt that “Sarah’s life was larger and farther reaching than her time here and her legacy will continue to have a profound positive effect on others.” Janine Motta, New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance, Englishtown, NJ. 

There were many reflections like this one. Some were written formally, others emails, some just simple notes on scratch paper or a few words on our donation slip. All are moving and all will be cherished forever.

Please let me take a moment to share just a few quotes.

continued on page 2

In memory of animals everywhere:
All the darkness in the world can't put out the light from one small candle.

-Author unknown

President's Notes, continued from page 1

The world and I are richer to have known Sarah. She gave and received love and inspired you to help so many more animals.
–Marilyn.

Although Sarah has her own things to do in the spirit world, she’ll always bring her love and support when you’re faced with a difficult rescue or feel the strain of CFC’s day to day affairs. -Chris.

I was glad to meet your darling Sarah. I just know her memory will live on and continue to touch the lives of countless others. – Diana.

She had such a calming effect and a special aura about her. Her sweetness during a sad homeless animal vigil managed to make everyone feel good. Heaven has been blessed with a true angel. – Andrea.

She came to symbolize so much. I’m sure she will continue to be with you as you move on. – Bill.

I grieve with you and thank Sarah for reminding us that there is no greater gift than love. – Arijit.

A golden heart stopped beating; He only takes the best.
–Karen.

Your newsletter was hard to read with tears in my eyes. I know you’ll go on. I’ll be here to help in any way I can. –Ed.

She mattered to so many who had the honor of knowing her. Her loss is devastating, but her memory will endure.
–Maureen.

I saw Sarah’s story on Primetime back in 1994 and know that she was the inspiration to begin Compassion for Camden. Thank you. –Pat.

Spirits cannot die. Sarah is among us; she’s just not here.
–Barrie.

Your poem to Sarah was a love letter to her and I believe she'll be waiting for you on the other side. - Theresa.

This U.S. Marine understands the depth and magnitude of your devastation. I admire and appreciate your tireless and continued work on behalf of animals. –Carl.

She is what Compassion for Camden is all about and her life will be lived for years to come. -Fran.

God sees and will one day greet you too and say: welcome my good and faithful servant. –Richard.

Even in light of your tragic loss, I am relieved that your organization continues to fight for the animals. –Joan.

Your poem brought tears to my eyes. I lived in Camden in the fifties; things were a lot better then. Your continued efforts to bring it back are appreciated.
–Bobbie.

Stay strong. So many others still need you.
–Candace.

Her love and legacy will live on in you and the other animals she inspired you to save. –Charlotte.

I know what a special dog she was. I remember reading and being motivated by her when you found her years ago.
–Sonialee.

Her whole life was truly a blessing. She inspired you to help so many thousands of others. –Frank.

My tears flowed. Thank you for the wonderful work she made you do. –Rosalyn.

It was difficult sorting through your letters; I admit it. On this rainy afternoon in April I read each and every one of them once again and will probably do so many more times. Thank you.

For the animals,
Marion Churchill

To read Sarah's poem please see:
http://www.compassionforcamden.org/poetry4.html

I shall pass this way but once;
Any good therefore that I can do,
Or any kindness that I can show to Any fellow living creature, let me do it now.
Let me not defer or neglect it,
For I shall not pass this way again

- Etienne DeGrellet

Abuse and Corruption at the
Camden County Animal Shelter

The group responsible, currently known as the Humane Society of Southern New Jersey, has ten board members including chairman Richard Perr, Esq., director Glenn McCleery, Edward Sheehan, DVM, and Peggy Dorsey, Camden County College, Animal Science Program. They are still in charge of the shelter.

Shelter operations are overseen by Camden County Freeholders,
specifically Freeholder Laurelle A. Cummings, Director Health & Human Services.

"Camden County cares deeply about the health & safety
of the animals within its borders.

- Laurelle A. Cummings, (D) Camden County Freeholder, April 1, 2004

Is this what you mean Mrs. Cummings?

“I [SPCA investigator] visited the above shelter and spoke with Glenn McCleery [director of the group that runs the county shelter]. He admitted that they take dogs and cats to the Clarion Hotel, Cherry Hill [NJ] and allow the manufacturer [Sound Technologies] to demonstrate and train various veterinarians and vet techs in the operation and use of an ultra sound."

"He [McCleery] stated that a veterinarian picks up the dogs…McCleery stated that the dogs are taken to the hotel by Dr. Sheehan and after they are done with the dogs and cats he returns them. I asked in what kind of room the lab tests are done. He stated that they set up a laboratory in one suite and in the adjoining suite they have a conference room to discuss the procedures and technical results.”

"He [McCleery] said that they drug the animals before they leave. I asked what type of drug is used. He stated Ketamine."

(Editors note: Ketamine produces a dissociative state in a user. Effects can range from rapture to paranoia to boredom. The user feels its hallucinogenic effects and experiences impaired perception. Ketamine commonly elicits an out-of-body or near-death experience; it can render the user comatose. For more info: http://www.health.org/nongovpubs/ketamine/ )

"He (McCleery) said one of his directors who is an attorney Rick Perr 215-893-8724 told him what the shelter is doing is legal....He also stated that Peggy Dorsey, Director of Animal Science Program [Camden County College] is aware what they are doing.”

"Called Richard Perr...I asked if he gave McCleery permission to use the animals at the Hotel. He said yes, and then said, he and all the board members gave permission to use animals. Said that Dr. Sheehan and other vets take the dogs and cats to the Hotel and transport them back.”

"Received a call from [witness]. She said that the dogs and cats were shaved on the front leg where an intravenous tube would be attached. The animals were shaking and temperature was low…They usually got sick after a few days and many of them were euthanized...She [witness] refused to sign an affidavit that was being submitted to the State Drug Control. She was asked to sign a statement saying an incorrect amount of controlled drugs are on the premises. There are missing controlled drugs, she refused to sign and was thus terminated.”

"[Witness] The animals that came back immediately developed respiratory infections, so bad that snot kept pouring from the animals…they did not recover. They were eventually euthanized...[McCleery] was upset because he was supposed to get paid $500 for letting [Sound Technologies] take our animals to the seminar and that he wasn't sure if the money was per day or per animal." End quotes.

More excerpts see: http://lists.envirolink.org/pipermail/ar-news/Week-of-Mon-20040308/021131.html See NJ SPCA Investigative report on the Camden County Animal Shelter.(9.9 megabyte .pdf file)

For detailed information regarding the history of the Camden County Animal Shelter see:
Protectecting Animals Within Shelters New Jersey - www.pawsnj.org
www.compassionforcamden.org

Is this what you mean Mrs. Cummings?

For years, Camden County

has killed more dogs and cats like these

than any other county in the

State of New Jersey, bar none.

The above picture by Jody Boyman is considered public domain.

Also see: http://www.animalsvoice.com/PAGES/archive/comp_kill.html

Sometimes, miracles do happen

In fact, it took several miracles to help this sweet and gentle dog. Or, was it the passion and determination on everyone’s part? Whatever it was there is no question that life has changed forever for this formerly abandoned dog from the mean streets of Camden.

Time had just about run out for the dog we now call Toby. Maybe he was the victim of a hit-and-run, abuse, neglect. We’ll never know. What we do know is that his front leg was dangling and useless as he listlessly hobbled along in a south Camden neighborhood.

After careful examination at the hospital it was found that the unusual injury left only two choices – amputation or euthanasia.

Although there was never any question that Toby would have his surgery, the cost for such surgery would be (and was) prohibitive. Something we had to worry about because our veterinary budget was low. Other rescues over the winter had resulted in unusually