Last Thursday, we sat with representation from the City of Mesquite, the Shelter, Rescues, Volunteers and the Public.

The City invited us to this meeting after social media posts went viral and citizens ACTUALLY emailed and called representation in outrage over a variety of concerns and allegations that were recently made public.

THIS post is specifically directed at ONE of those allegations.

During 2017 - 2018 there was a situation where ACOs went on a euthanasia strike due to ineffective drugs which led to excessive and prolonged suffering. According to multiple ACOs and other staff (past and current), they reported this to Management for MONTHS. They allege that it wasn't until a new Field Supervisor became aware of this that it was put in writing; and that he initiated the paper trail to pressure progress and document a lack thereof. The email trail begins on 12/28/17. The drugs are replaced on 4/11/18.

The City is alleging that "at least 5" euthanasias were compromised in this way resulting in horrific trauma for ACOs and an inhumane send off for the animals in questions. This number of 5 is because (in the email trail) an ACO lists the 5 that suffered from his newest bottle; which had been replaced a few days earlier for having the same (lack of) effect. He states this; so the animals euthanized with his previous bottle suffered. He also states that the other ACOs have the same problem. But 5 is the number of IDs listed so 5 it is. Even though the problem is documented from 12/28 - 4/11 minimum.

If you caught ACO Flores, who left for these (and many other) reasons, in our segment on NBC DFW Friday night, please note that the euthanasia he described is not one of the "five".

The City announced on NBC that there would be a "third party investigation into their euthanasia practices". This has nothing to do with investigating what actually happened in this situation, which effectively forced the vet to provide euthanasias for the shelter after the ACOs had had enough and went on strike.

We shouldn't call it euthanasia when it's not. But while killing for space remains a reality in Mesquite, we MUST ensure that all animals whose lives are being taken by the humans in charge are treated with absolutely the best of our humanity. And in their death, unlike their life, there should be respect and compassion and peace.

Animal Welfare is one of the hardest commitments to make. When one of us rises up in the community and commits to walking this path, they must be supported. By us , by their leadership and by the City. It is unacceptable that these public servants be traumatized in this way.

Please help us in securing an OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION into all of our concerns; including this one.