As a concerned citizen and animal lover, I find myself deeply troubled by the current state of affairs at the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC) in Houston, Texas. Every day, innocent animals enter this facility only to be met with an uncertain fate. Many are perfectly healthy upon arrival but fall ill due to conditions within the shelter. Worse still, these sick animals are then put on death row instead of receiving proper care.

The public is often misled about what truly happens behind BARC's doors. Puppies and kittens are spayed/ neutered at too young of ages, and many animals are spayed/ neutered only to be put on the euthanasia list immediately after. They have also done exploratory surgeries on older animals without documenting. The shelter has been known to blacklist rescues that wish to help these animals and has implemented a “sweep” program where citizens bring animals in from the street, and incoming animals are immediately placed on the euthanasia list without being given a fair chance.

Many pet owners have shared heartbreaking stories of their lost companions who were prematurely euthanized before they could claim them from BARC. These stories are far too numerous; even one is too many.

BARC is inconsistent with their practices with rescues and networking organizations, making it more difficult for all parties to network and save these animals. 

It's time we demand justice for these innocent lives. We must insist on transparency from BARC regarding their practices and policies. We need them to stop blacklisting rescues willing to help save these animals' lives, end their "sweep" program that unfairly places new arrivals directly onto the euthanasia list, improve conditions within the shelter so no animal falls ill due to neglect or poor treatment, and ensure every pet owner is given ample opportunity to reclaim their lost pets before any drastic decisions are made.

The City of Houston needs to focus on spaying and neutering animals, temporarily banning breeding, and providing more life saving options, killing innocent animals daily (sometimes more than 20!) is not the way. 

We cannot stand by while this injustice continues in our city - it's time for change at BARC animal shelter in Houston! Please sign this petition today!