Hundreds of small animals transferred from California to Arizona for adoption end up as reptile food, leading to calls for accountability and legal action.
In a devastating turn of events, over 300 small animals that were transferred from the San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) to find new homes have likely met a gruesome fate as reptile food. The shocking incident has left animal welfare advocates demanding answers and has sparked investigations by both organizations and local authorities. As the details of this tragic event continue to unfold, questions arise about how these animals ended up in the hands of a private company that sells live and frozen animals as feed.
A Transfer Gone Wrong
In August, the SDHS transferred 323 small animals, including guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, and rabbits, to the HSSA due to overcapacity. The animals arrived safely in Tucson on August 7, and it was believed that they were transported to a reputable local private rescue with a history of successful partnerships. However, concerns about the animals’ fate arose immediately, prompting investigations into the incident.
Disturbing Text Message Reveals Intent
A joint statement from the SDHS and HSSA revealed that the HSSA had transferred over 300 animals to Colten Jones, the owner of the Fertile Turtle, a reptile farm business that sells animals for reptile feed. A text message from Jones to an unidentified source obtained by a local television station indicated his intention to use the animals as feed instead of finding them adoptive homes. The message requested the freezing of guinea pigs and rabbits for an upcoming reptile show.
Demands for Accountability and Legal Action
The revelation of Jones’ intentions has sparked outrage and demands for accountability. The SDHS and HSSA have expressed their commitment to seeking definitive answers about the fate of these animals and have stated their willingness to pursue legal action. The Tucson Police Department is currently investigating the incident, and both organizations are collaborating with their legal advisors to determine the appropriate course of action.
Personnel Changes and Lack of Oversight
In response to the incident, the HSSA fired its chief executive, Steve Farley, and accepted the resignation of its chief operating officer, Christian Gonzalez, who reportedly oversaw the animals’ transfer. The HSSA cited negligence and failure to follow protocols as reasons for their termination. However, Farley denies any involvement in the transfer and has expressed his distress over the allegations.
The Need for Transparency and Rebuilding Trust
The incident has not only devastated animal welfare advocates but also raised concerns about the integrity of animal rescues on a larger scale. The HSSA acknowledges the loss of trust from the community and emphasizes the importance of transparency. The organization has commissioned an independent investigator to release a report, and a new chief executive has been hired to lead the HSSA forward.
Conclusion:
The tragic fate of the transferred animals from the SDHS to the HSSA has sparked outrage and demands for accountability. As investigations continue, the focus remains on seeking justice for the animals and ensuring that such incidents do not happen again. The need for transparency and adherence to protocols is paramount to rebuild trust within the animal welfare community. This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the responsibility organizations have in safeguarding the lives of vulnerable animals and the importance of upholding the highest ethical standards in animal rescue efforts.
Leave a Reply