Reform the Big Spring, Texas, animal shelter!

While this petition for change circulates, we would like to take a moment to say that we hope all impending changes will be well received and can be completed in a friendly and respectful manner. We have no intentions of mud slinging or name calling and in fact consider many BSACOs friends. Volunteers have been kept out for way too long and a rescue liaison is needed. There is no reason a City should not allow volunteers in to HELP. We have agreed to sign waivers, complete training, provide training and carry proper insurance....yet here we are three years later and STILL volunteers are not allowed. Come on Big Spring, we CAN and WILL do better for the welfare of these animals. Our patience has worn out. We can help walk animals while kennels are cleaned, we can help do laundry, feed, take phone calls and network rather than having the phone ring off the hook unanswered. Please sign this petition for CHANGE!!!

Here is the full list of petition requests we are sendin gto the sheler:

1. City shall use a licensed Veterinarian who can be available to assess animals as needed, provide basic vetting care as deemed feasible by standards set by Advisory Committee and perform the euthanasia procedures in accordance with the Texas Administrative Code Rule 169.84; Allowable Methods of Euthanasia. Ensuring that all animals are sedated properly and using a vein to inject the medicines as quickly as possible to limit any stress or harm to animals ensuring that the process is done as humanely as possible.

2. Hiring of Staff Director who has a background in Animal Welfare and is properly trained and concerned with proper shelter procedures. We request a compassionate Director who is willing to work with animal rescue groups and concerned citizens for the betterment of the animals of the City of Big Spring.

3. Implementation of a low cost spay/neuter and vaccination program for the animals adopted from the Shelter prior to them being adopted as part of the adoption fee. This will not only promote more adoptions and revenue into the shelter, but also help to reduce unwanted animal population in Big Spring. At one time there was a grant for this that the city stopped.

4. Ensure that all ACO are properly trained by state guidelines in care and capture of animals. Require it mandatory that all staff know State and Federal Law concerning animals, especially assistance animals and wild life.

5.A "no-kill" shelter is an animal shelter that does not kill healthy or treatable animals even when the shelter is full. It reserves euthanasia for terminally ill animals or those considered dangerous to the public. Public is notified 48 hrs prior to any euthanasia and animals with interest are held. Any animal awaiting transport will be held.

6. ALL animals at the shelter must be listed online (within a few hours of entering the shelter) with a photo, unique ID, intake date, and species, breed, age, and gender information. We have also not been able to obtain accurate or complete records of intake, adoptions, and euthanized animals for the years we have requested.

Provide the proper funding to accomplish these objectives