After numerous reports from citizens and former employees of abuse such as leaving live dogs in freezers with dead dogs, wrongful euthanasia, and other problems at the city's Animal Shelter, Oakland City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente announced that he will be holding a special Town Hall Meeting on hiring a new Director of the Shelter. The former directory left the position last June and a replacement has yet to be found. Lori Barnabe, a veterinary technician and animal control officer with Oakland from 1999 through 2004, detailed her concerns about shelter management to Oakland city officials last month. “We’re taking these charges very seriously,” said Oakland Deputy City Administrator Niccolo De Luca. In his call for the public meeting, De La Fuente stated, "I have received very troubling reports of animal cruelty, questionable euthanasia practices, disrespect of pet owner rights, and a lack of accountability at the Oakland Animal Shelter. We want citizens to share their vision of how this Shelter should be run effectively, respectfully and humanely."

Reports on Abuse: 1 | 2 | 3
Notice of Meeting on the Future of the Oakland Animal Shelter
Follow-up Report on Meeting at City Hall 2/17/05