Andrea Rosebrock 
Update 11/30/09 – More on Memphis Animal Shelter; Hundreds of Unexplained Deaths – VIDEO
It’s been about two weeks since the Memphis Animal Shelter was raided after horrific animal cruelty was discovered there, what’s happened in the interim? We know the Mayor AC Wharton formed a task force to oversee the shelter and that video cameras were installed in some of the shelter areas.
You can actually view what’s going on via the cameras at the City of Memphis website – HERE
The warrant listen two names specifically, one, that of the shelter director, Ernest Alexander and and other, Ivan Russell, a field supervisor at the shelter.
Last Friday, Mayor Wharton fired Ernest Alexander who was hired in 2006 after a nationwide search for a new shelter director. It’s has also come to light the Alexander, previously involved with a shelter in Albuquerque, NM, also faced allegation of animal cruelty there. The firing came after a dog was improperly euthanized last week, the owner was never notified, and the investigation showed serious mismanagement under Alexander.
Since the conditions came to light about MAS, including the starvation death of three dogs, the public has demanded the removal of Alexander. Mayor Wharton, whose first day was spend involved with the shelter raid wanted to take some time to investigate before coming to any quick conclusion.
“I believe in doing things right instead of doing them fast,” said Wharton. “I see (the public reaction) as a strong sign that the city cares, that we have a conscience.”
“You’ve got a mayor now who, perhaps to a fault, likes to be hands on,” he said, during a press conference at the shelter. “I am not an expert on (animal shelters), but I can walk in there and tell you if there is enough food or water in the bowl, or if they followed our own procedures.”
Mayor Wharton has appointed Darrell Eldred, former deputy director of the General Services Division, to oversee the shelter until a full-time replacement can be found.
Lucy Shaw, who once ran the Regional Medical Center at Memphis, has been hired as a consultant to assess the shelter in comparison to other shelters around the country.
Three other shelter employees are also still suspended (with pay) as the investigation continues.
Investigation into records show that high ranking city official knew that there were problems at the shelter and not only they they do nothing about them, but in some cases added tot he problems.
Volunteers regularly told the former director and the current division director about problems with inattentive employees, dirty cages, and abuse. Pictures documenting the filthy conditions were also turned over to high-ranking city leaders.
Records also show the former director, Ernie Alexander, was not enforcing the city’s vicious dog ordinance. According to advisory board minutes, Alexander says he was told not to force pet owners to pay the $2000 bond that is required to be posted when a dog is declared vicious. In the transcripts, Alexander says that order came from someone in the Herenton administration.
The following is a plan from Mayor Wharton regarding some of the changes that have and will be going into effect at MAS:
CITY OF MEMPHIS ANIMAL SHELTER The Way Forward
In light of recent developments at the animal shelter, inclusive of preliminary findings of an internal investigation, the following are action being taken as measures to improve the quality of animal care and the delivery of overall services:1) Hire an Interim Facility Coordinator
The Interim Coordinator will be responsible for the following tasks:
” Providing leadership in managing the fiscal resources of the animal shelter ” Monitoring the department’s operating and capital budget – making appropriate recommendations ” Establishing and administering performance measures to support the day-to-day operations within the budget ” Reporting developments to the Mayor
2) Enlist the services of an Interim Operations Control Manager/Reinstate the Operations Control Manager position
” In the interim, the city will enlist the services of a highly-qualified operations control manager with expansive knowledge of animal care and control. ” This individual will work in lockstep with the Mayor’s Task Force. ” This individual will ensure strict compliance with all updated policies and procedures. ” Qualifications for the Operations Control position will be rewritten to require enhanced experience in animal care and control.
3) Activate the Mayor’s Task Force to engage in Systematic Monitoring
” Representatives from animal advocacy groups and animal professionals with the mayor’s newly-formed Animal Shelter Task Force will work with the Interim Operations Control Manager to implement best practices at the shelter. ” Members of the Mayor’s Task Force will work with the Interim Facility Coordinator and the Division Director in providing daily monitoring of the shelter and of staff.
4) Install Video Cameras ” Starting at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6, operations at the animal shelter can be viewed by web camera 24 hours a day via the City of Memphis’ website: www.memphistn.gov
5) Increase Veterinarian Services
” Two Veterinarians will now be contracted to perform services at the shelter.
Mayor Wharton has also spoken with District Attorney Bill Gibbons about criminal charges and the ongoing investigation. I’m sure we’ll hear more on that as things progress.
As a note, one of the other names on the warrant, as mentioned above, Ivan Russell, is a convicted felon, a drug dealer, who was employed at the shelter under through former Mayor Willie Herenton’s “Second Chance Program” aimed at getting felons back in the workplace. You’ll hear a bit about him in the video below. There is an interview with an owner of two of the dogs that were starved to death.
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Jamario Taylor is a former former Shelby County Deputy Jailer whose dogs, 14 pitbulls, were seized and both he and his wife were charged with dozens of counts of animal cruelty in relation to probable dogfighting. Ivan Russell, was in charge of Taylors dogs at the shelter.
Taylor, who, of course, claims he is innocent, says the real abuse came when his dog were taken to the shelter.
“They said two of them died in the cage,” he says with disbelief. “One of them they had to euthanize. And a couple of them, they couldn’t even find the paperwork on them.”
All three of the dogs that died of starvation were being held as part of court cases and in this case, regardless of whether Taylor is guilty of dogfighting or not, no dogs deserves to cruel fate that was handed to them at the hands of MAS!
It seems like Mayor Wharton is actually making some serious changes at the shelter and I do applaud that although for some victims it is too late in coming, not that that can be attributed to the current administration. I look forward to hearing more, I especially want to hear criminal charges leveled against those involved from the top down!
MAS is not the first nor it is the only shelter that has or needs to come under serious scrutiny. It’s sad enough for animal that wound up at shelters but do they need to have their suffering compounded by horrific conditions and staff that is cruel, heartless and uncaring? A bright hot spotlight needs to be shined on each and every shelter and those that are not in order need to be brought into order by whatever means necessary, and it needs to be done sooner rather than later. The innocent victims do not need to be further victimized! Take action!!
Thanks for the update D. I’m sorry Mr. Taylor for your loss. Your missing dogs probly are in dog fighting now,considering the circumstances of their disapearence. I hope not, I hope they are safe and in loving aarms
Maybe Mr Taylor could press the mayors office to find his dogs, someone of those scank employees knows something – make them talk.
this sounds like they hired so of the good ‘ol boys club aka someone knows someone type. I’d give anythig to have a job like this and turn things around so it was a non kill shelter, but places still hirer the heartless… Hope now things will turn around for these poor animals
great update, thanks Deanna!!! I agree too I bet those missing dogs are in dog fighting. All those employees that had anything to do with any kind of neglect, abuse or whatever needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Its time that these shelter works find out that they will be held accountable for their actions. I also think that there needs to be a criteria for people to work in shelters. It seems that these employees are not screened at all for any possibility of prev abuse.
I’m so glad the Mayor is doing something and is making a tremendous effort to make life at the shelter more stable for these poor animals that end up there. In a perfect world there would be no need for shelters.
OMG, what a mess and I mean people who let this happen they are a mess. Sounds like a cover up to me. Something went down, someone screwed up so no one did anything for fear of charges. its all about money not the animals. This is horrifying and upsetting, very upsetting. I work as an advocate in some form or other rather not say and I have seen alot come through my emails. but this is discusting for dogs to live like this. prisoners live better than this. we dont euthanize prisoners for overpopulation or put them down but we sure do that to animals.
This is horrible, makes me want to cry. How could a director or employee let this happen, I am sure they ate everyday. did you all see how small those cages are that the dogs are being held. This shelter should be changed to humane animal shelter. If people have issues dont take it out on the animals. How heartbreaking and sufffering for the dogs, not necessary. these animals should be starved to death in prison and kept in small cramped quarters. and prisoners have rights no rights as far as I am concerned. mistakes should not be made its called irresponsible and neglect, pure neglect, how could u not feed a poor animal. I am having a hard time understanding what the hell this happened. what drugs they were doing while working.
Ex scumbag cons should be monitored very closely. I am sure thats why that scum took a job with animals, hes in control. Anyone working with animals in shelters should have experience or schooling.
Thanks for the update D. I sure hope that the Mayor follows through, and even though many are civil servants presses for their dismissal also. A fellow rescue friend had e-mailed me when this happened that Alexander had had a similar problem in NM and had been dismissed, but could not verify the information. SO glad that has come to light. I know I am harping but for the life of me I also cannot understand why a direct finger is also not being pointed, by name, at the veteriunarian. What kind of full time shelter vet can NOT know what is going on?
What is the veterinarian’s name? Even if there are not criminal charges, a large enough outcry might push the state veterinary licensing board into investigating.
It has been my limited expereince that the State Licensing Boards as well as the American Veterinarian Association do little. Not that that keep me from writing to them. Also, an earlier post indicated that other than Alexander, the rest of the employees are civil service. Which means there are different protocols that are followed for consdering their dismissal. I am likely pesimisstic, but I do not hold out a great deal of hope for that.
What can we do, and anyone else who sees that this death camp at Memphis falls into the lap of many and not just Alexander? I think we keep our attention to what is going on, even if we have to dig, as the media stops reporting, wait to see what other actions are taken, and then, if and when, appropriate actions and changes are not made, that we keep the public eye on them. Thanks for the licening number of Dr Middleton.
I could not find the veterinarian’s name in any of the news articles. However, when I did a search for city of memphis employee, I found a site that lists employees. By searching for ‘veterinarian’, I found the following information and by searching at the Tennessee Department of Health site, I found that there are no charges on record against “Dr.” Middleton. What can we do to make sure “Dr.” doesn’t get away with this?
Sarah
Here’s the site where I found “Dr.” Middleton’s name:
Middleton, Angela D. Public Services VeterinarianAnimal Shelter Regular hire Full-Time $86,520.20
‘
The site stated:
Note: Salaries include those employees of the city as of Aug. 12, 2009.
Source: City of Memphis.
Credits: Data reporter Grant Smith.
Here’s what I found on the Tennessee state Department of Health licensing site at:
1. MIDDLETON DVM, ANGELA DIONN
MEMPHIS, TN 38106
Profession: Veterinarian
Rank: Veterinarian
License Number: 3265
Status: Active: Licensed
Original Date: 05/04/1994
Expiration Date: 11/30/2011
MIDDLETON DVM, ANGELA DIONN
PRACTICE ADDRESS: ANGELA DIONN MIDDLETON
3456 TCHULAHOMA
MEMPHIS, TN 38118
LANGUAGES: (Other than English) None Reported
SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN: None Reported
GRADUATE/POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL/PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING
PROGRAM/
INSTITUTION CITY
STATE/
COUNTRY DATE OF
GRADUATION TYPE OF
DEGREE
UNIV OF TN CVM KNOXVILLE TN 01/01/1993 DVM
OTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
PROGRAM/
INSTITUTION CITY
STATE/
COUNTRY FROM
TO
None Reported
SPECIALTY BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
CERTIFYING BODY/
BOARD/
INSTITUTION CERTIFICATION/
SPECIALTY/
SUBSPECIALTY
None Reported
FACULTY APPOINTMENTS
TITLE INSTITUTION CITY/STATE
None Reported
STAFF PRIVILEGES
This practitioner currently holds staff privileges at the following hospitals
HOSPITAL CITY/STATE
None Reported
This practitioner currently participates in the following TennCare plans
None Reported
FINAL DISCIPLINARY ACTION
ACTIONS BY STATE REGULATORY BOARD
AGENCY VIOLATION ACTION
None Reported
RESIGNATIONS IN LIEU OF TERMINATION
HOSPITAL ACTION
None Reported
ACTIONS BY HOSPITAL
HOSPITAL VIOLATION ACTION
None Reported
CRIMINAL OFFENSES
OFFENSE JURISDICTION
None Reported
LIABILITY CLAIMS
Some studies have shown that there is no significant correlation between malpractice history and a doctor’s competence. At the same time, the Legislature believes that consumers should have access to malpractice information. In these profiles, the Department has given you information about both the malpractice history of the physician’s specialty and the physician’s history of payments. The Legislature has placed payment amounts into three statistical categories: below average, average, and above average. To make the best health care decisions, you should view this information in perspective.You could miss an opportunity for high quality care by selecting a doctor based solely on malpractice history.
When considering malpractice data, please keep in mind:
* Malpractice histories tend to vary by specialty. Some specialties are more likely than others to be the subject of litigation. This report compares doctors only to the members of their specialty, not to all doctors, in order to make individual doctor’s history more meaningful.
* The incident causing the malpractice claim may have happened years before a payment is finally made. Sometimes, it takes a long time for a malpractice lawsuit to move through the legal system.
* Some doctors work primarily with high risk patients. These doctors may have malpractice histories that are higher than average because they specialize in cases or patients who are at very high risk for problems.
* Settlement of a claim may occur for a variety of reasons which do not necessarily reflect negatively on the professional competence or conduct of the provider. A payment in settlement of a medical malpractice action or claim should not be construed as creating a presumption that medical malpractice has occurred.
You may wish to discuss information provided in this report, and malpractice generally, with your doctor. The Department can refer you to other articles on this subject.
The Health Department started getting reports for claims paid after May, 1998.
Settlements valued below $10,000
are not included here.
DATE Settlement amount was:
None Reported
OPTIONAL INFORMATION
COMMUNITY SERVICE / AWARD / HONOR
DESCRIPTION ORGANIZATION
None Reported
PUBLICATIONS
TITLE PUBLICATION DATE
None Reported
Another Tennessee veterinarian lost his license after the public vigorously protested his actions. See:
http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-breaking-news/tennessee-suspends-veterinarians-license.aspx
GREAT INFO Sarah
Not only to show us what PUBLIC OUTCRY and making voices heard can do and encourage all to write about so called, Dr. Middleton, but also for all rescues who have been working despertately to bring to a forever halt, the practice of euthanasia by heartstick. As the Vet News reports, it is is a terrible, horrible and painful way to die. Licensed or not, no person who would do this is any better than any dog torturer. Sad thing is, that HeartStick is common in many southern shelters.
Thanks again for doing all this leg work and reporting this. So my tonight PLEA all, keep writing, calling, e-mailing about Dr Middleton, in addition to Mayor Wharton and other MAS officials, also add the Tennessee State Health Licensing Board as well as any Veterinarians Assocications. Civil Servant of not, no license, no job!!
Sadly it didn’t take all that long for him to get his license back – http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/inhumane-gallatin-tn-vet-william-baber-regains-license – I haven’t come across any additional follow-up on this about the animal cruelty charges but it wasn’t even a wrist slap in the end. Someone who is supposed to practice compassion ruthlessly and heartlessly torturing animals to fill his pockets! SOB!
D.
Well this is disheartening to say the least. Disgusting would be more like it. I guess this is the same thing as reviewing the “meeting all the requirements” of a pediatrician molesting his young patients, so gets the license back. What is even more disturbing is his total lack of remorse and admmittance of the inhumanity of his actions.
Not only was he way out of date with the law, but law or not, no board or veterinary association should give license and credentials to anyone who uses this method. Does NOT matter what the law is. Guess, first do no harm is NOT a concern of or for veterinarians. Of course not, then they would be held accountable for all the horrors they see, and often help with in the puppy mill industry. About the same thing as soldiers claiming they were only following orders in the Holocaust. God help any animal he comes into contact with.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/nov/11/shelter-staff-defended/
http://www.myeyewitnessnews.com/news/local/story/Twist-In-Animal-Abuse-Case-Fake-Photographs/PlSHSD75FUymjtUy9KPrQg.cspx
Comments on both stories are as you would imagine.
Earnest Alexander supporters are on both the MAS Advisory Board and Mayor’s Task Force. Some say he did an excellent job. Mas was well run? The years of complaints and media tell the horrors of MAS. Not the same puppy? The enlarged photos, from the tiny spots on the puppy’s coat to the same puppy number on the collar, proves it is the same puppy. Let them not forget the autopsy!
All I can say is, what utter BS!! All the excuse and claims and BS their spouting doesn’t change the facts no matter how much they want them to. I hope to see some criminal charges filed and soon!
D.
As I said…..not a Task Force…..but the Mayor’s Cover Up Committee. I live in MI, and for years and years even as far North as we are rescuers have heard the horror stories of actions and conditions coming out of MAS. And sorry, Memphis residents, but even this early on, it appears that Mayor Wharton is more concerned about political correctness and covering all his bases, to put it politely, than doing the right thing. Just the list of the members of the Task Force alone, is enough to make one gag. Most of them probably scratch each other’s back one way or another. BS is right, about a foot deep already, and still being shoveled on.
I have commented twice on this one, and they didn’t come up. I can not continue to repeat myself, so I will just say, I certainly hope this mayor clears this up. These baby’s are suffering…..far too much and this has to stop!
I have started a petition on Care2 petition sight, please check it out, amd if anyone can improve on it please feel free. I’m just tired to death of all this inhumane crap and want something done. A United Law of The United States that the same law is in every state and offenders will get prosecuted ~ No Slap On The Wrist ~
This is the petition:
An End To Animal AbuseTarget:To unify a combined United States of America effort to end Animal abuse Sponsored by: Brenda Kaye Hixenbaugh I am submiting this petition, in an effort to stop the Animal abuse and that stronger laws be inacted. That a task force be appointed by the President with full jurisdiction in all states with the power to arrest and prosecute any and all offenders. Full authority to enter all pounds, shelters and rescue organizations to resolve any possibility of abuse and neglect, that could possibly be going on. Full and complete authority in the prosecution of offenders, to the degree that they recieve more than a slap on the wrist, full prosecution.
That they also can set up units to cover specific areas in all towns, cities, and states. Full authorization to cross any and all state lines with full jurisdiction in all states. All law enforcement to help and assist whenever necessary.
Its time that animal abuse is stopped and the offenders delt with correctly. Please join me in this effort by letting your voices be heard , Please sign.
~ Please lend your signature to this cause and help speak for those that can not speak for them selves. ~
Because Aren’t you as tired as I am of nothing being done to the people, that are caught doing the most inhumane attrocities to these helpless victims? And then they just walk away to more than likely another victim. Then join your voice with mine and sign.
~ Thanks ~
Who is more knowlegable a vet with no agenda or those who are suporters of Earnest Alexander and MAS employee?
http://www.myeyewitnessnews.com/news/local/story/New-Information-Memphis-Animal-Shelter/izUppOHsHUWNwfCCGHdHzA.cspx?p=Comments
Hey Kelly
What a deal, first with all her forgery talent and experience, Demetria Hogan can work on making MAS paperwork say anything she or the powers that be want it to say. As for the expert, we all know that people with lots of education and training and NO AGENDA are far more likely to lie and be wrong than those who have lots and lots at stake. What a great job they are doing about making good changes, and uncovering the truth, and brining about justice.
The “Second Chance Program” down there must be modeled after the Pacelle and NFL VICK second chance program. Maybe they can put a convicted embezzler in charge of the City’s Finances. Sorry Wharton supporters, but this reeks of another cover up to me, and just another politician concerned about PC rather than right and wrong, good and bad, and justice or cover your backside (and those whom you also want to shield).
If this were not so sad and so tragic for the animals, it would be laughable and make for a great SNL skit. As it is it is disheartening at best, and sickening to say the least.
Thanks for the link Kelly.
Peggy Juliann,
You explained it very well in my opinion. It’s like removing one wolf from the hen house, leaving 12 and adding a new. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems MAS will continue to be a “second, third and fourth chance” for humans and a “zero chance” holding cell for the animals. Sickening to say the least.
I AGREE KELLY, I am all for second chances, even more, for all who are truly trying, but WHO in their RIGHT mind, politician or not, puts a person, non violent crimes or not, into a position that deals with life and death, and truth or lies who has a history of being not very upstanding and concerned about honor and truth. Second Chance YES, but for crying out loud, think about WHERE you are giving the person that Second Chance.
Right you are about the wolves. Now we have 13. At least that we know of. I dare say even more, if you take a look at those on the supposed Task Force who are supporting Alexander, and there is at least one person on the Task Force who has a less than stellar past history at the Nashville, I believe, animal shelter and got booted.
I love the HIRED consultant to assess the MAS in comparison to other shelters around the country. Another cover your backside move. “Oh look, we are not that bad, the shelter in X County had 5 dogs starve to death”. I use to do the same sort of thing as a kid, when a parent would call me to task on something, instead of owning up and changing my ways, would immediately find some misdeed on my sister’s part that IMO was far worse, and point to that. After all, we all know, that is the mature and right way to handle one’s mistakes and misdeeds. Right? Attention Wolves and Weasels! Let the Cover Up Begin.
See story below. The president, chief veterinarian and 3 senior officials are being investigated by the police at the Toronto Humane Society. They are being investigated for conditions similar to MAS.
I am way over in Washington state, so I don’t know how to help make something similar happen in Memphis.
Does anyone know who has to file against the veterinarian?
Thanks,
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/cruelty-charges-at-humane-society/article1379569/
Cruelty charges at Humane Society
Shelter’s president, chief vet and three senior officials face charges after Globe exposes widespread problems
http://www.myeyewitnessnews.com/news/local/story/New-Accusations-Of-Problems-At-The-Memphis-Animal/qPjn6cDPmkWU1KD5otlO_g.cspx
Well I am sic of them all from A to Z. I just sent emails off to the White House about the wild mustangs and as an American citizen demanded that Ken Salazar and his cronies be put under investigation and need to be fired. I don’t know if it will do any good or not and also to get more laws that enforce and are more severe on animal abusers and the BLM are some of the worst,because they operate under the disguise of their office. The JERKS. Now if they don’t block them, thats another issue.
Hello , what happen to my post?