Enough is enough!  
Rally for Change at City Hall Wednesday 11/6 1:00 Peaceful rally outside, Community Development meeting 2:00 pm

We demand answers and are rallying together for improvements at the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter.  As animal advocates and supporters of both the animals and the staff who cares for them, we demand the following immediate changes to the current shelter facility and administration and a plan that is public record for the future of the new shelter.

ORGANIZATION/ADMINISTRATION
We demand these immediate improvements which require no additional funding/staff from the city.

1. Quarantine sick animals in separate runs.
2. Separate females in heat from males.
3. Keep all adoptable dogs in front runs and new/not yet adoptable animals in rear.
4. Provide public access to intake/adoption/euthanasia rates each year.
5. Improve veterinary care in shelter.
6. Daily cleaning and refilling of water bowls in each kennel.

STAFFING
We demand the following improvements be made which may require additional staffing/funding.  We also demand public answers on the number of staff currently in the budget for the shelter and if each position is NOT currently filled, we demand these positions be filled immediately.  

1. Ensure constant rotation of attendants through kennels and their supervisor to enforce this to ensure kennels are cleaned within minutes (not HOURS) of animals urinating/defecating/vomiting.
2. Dedication to answering the phone when the public calls, NOT just returning messages when time allows.
3. Provide continued education and training for kennel attendants who handle dogs to improve their understanding of canine behavior and safety.

CURRENT SHELTER FACILITY
We demand the following immediate improvements be made to the existing shelter facilities.

1. Outdoor lighting for entire facility (parking lot, entry/exit doors/play yard/entryway yard).
2. Beds in each kennel.
3. Barriers to reduce stress on each kennel.
4. Simple enrichment such as a plain Nylabone in each kennel at all times.

FUTURE SHELTER FACILITY & ADMINISTRATION
We demand the following information on the new shelter be made public.

1. Existing budget ($5 million?)
2. Location chosen
3. Architect bids (must be modern shelter designers)
4. Process for appointment of new shelter director at end of current director's career. We will NOT accept promotion of dog control officer or unqualified city employee to take the director role. We will demand a national talent search for the appropriate candidate similar to what is done for the Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent position.