My hope is that with Bill White in attendance, he will realize the importance of the conditions at BARC. Changes do need to be made, and have been made. But it is such a slow, tedious process, with what seems like such minimal support from the City of Houston. There is a group of volunteers, Friends of BARC, who are working to get animals out for adoptions at 4 area PetSmart stores every Saturday and every other Sunday. We could do more with more volunteers, so maybe that can be mentioned in your next news story.

I was afraid to watch the news report, because I knew it would be sad and I knew I would never get their sweet faces out of my head! But I forced myself to watch!! Thank God for the people who have taken this issue to the City Council! City Council - now do something!!

As a member of Friends of BARC I was interested in seeing this story. Our non-profit is responsible for 50% of the adoptions mentioned. We take animals from the pound to 4 area PetsMart every Saturday to be adopted - we need volunteers! www.friendsofbarc.org Here's hoping next time BARC is in the news - it will be for something positive. SPAY & NEUTER!

Below is what I presented to City Council yesterday.

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Over the past 16 months, I’ve attended countless meetings on BARC, volunteered for ‘working groups’, addressed council and served on the Mayor’s Taskforce for Animal Protection. These experiences have caused me to question your obligation to the Citizens of Houston. The charge of the Taskforce was to study the pet problem in the City without addressing issues involving BARC. It is obvious that the pet problem in the City of Houston can not be addressed WITHOUT talking about the incompetence and failings that are occurring at BARC. The phrase, ‘the City quit doing its job’ was something the Taskforce heard repeatedly. Being the only member actively volunteering at BARC I felt the final report was very weak. Still, I believe that parts of the report, if put into action would improve the lives of animals and people. The working group that was formed to initiate the Taskforce recommendations met recently. More working groups were formed and promises were made to make Houston a ‘no-kill’ City in 3 years. These working groups are reminiscent of groups that were formed last year and fell apart. Without commitment from a higher authority, they are empty promises. I understand that change takes time, however I am disappointed to see the disparity between the lip service given by local officials and what is actually taking place. This disparity was highlighted in the March 10, 2006 KTRH radio show ‘Beyond the Headlines’ which featured Bureau Chief, Deoniece Arnold. She stated that currently, 90% of the animals entering BARC are killed because they are, in her opinion, ‘unadoptable’. Neither Ms. Arnold nor her self chosen management team have the credentials to differentiate between adoptable and unadoptable animals. Instead of providing a competitive salary and conducting a nationwide search for a qualified candidate with an animal welfare background, the City chose the candidate of convenience. Through the Quality Assurance Audit which she conducted, she eliminated the former managerial positions and recreated new positions which she filled with her Quality Assurance Staff. She has recreated the incompetent fiefdom that had previously existed at BARC. While Houstonians volunteer their time to be on meaningless working groups, the ‘catch and kill’ mentality continues to permeate the highest level of BARC management. I present to you the organizational chart of Austin Town Lake which is Travis County’s Animal Control Agency. This agency’s talented management staff is committed to ending the killing of adoptable animals. They find alternative funding sources to augment their budget. For comparison, I am also presenting the organizational chart of BARC. A good management staff that is devoted to saving animals while preserving public health makes all the difference in the world. Finally, with all of the bonus scandals involving City Employees, I was dismayed to find out that the few employees at BARC who are directly responsible for promoting adoption/rescue/redemption have not been given any bonuses. In fact, some have been disciplined for minor infractions. This mentality has to change. The citizens and animals of the City of Houston deserve better.

Thanks for reporting this very important story for Houston! We do have a small foster program at BARC - WE NEED MORE FOSTER HOMES!!! Can you foster a puppy or kittens? It WILL SAVE A LIFE!!! Right now, there are several mom and kittens that will die in a few days if fosters are not found - can YOU help change the fate of these innocent babies?

If you can foster, please contact me! malisesaucier @ yahoo.com

hi,i would like information on fostering small dogs because we live in a apartment.my husband ,myself, 2 daughters (22&20), 2 boys(17&12). at this time i have my husband dealing with cancer, so their is a budget at home.i might be able to buy a week worth of dog food,at this time we are also trying to get the boys school clothes,shoes,and school supplies, and to make sure we will have gas money, and food for them to be able to take lunch to school.if i am accepted,i would like to foster dogs who need to be loved,with no special needs. please dont take this wrong,i didnt mean for it to sound arrogant.thank you for your time

hi,i would like information on fostering small dogs because we live in a apartment.my husband ,myself, 2 daughters (22&20), 2 boys(17&12). at this time i have my husband dealing with cancer, so their is a budget at home.i might be able to buy a week worth of dog food,at this time we are also trying to get the boys school clothes,shoes,and school supplies, and to make sure we will have gas money, and food for them to be able to take lunch to school.if i am accepted,i would like to foster dogs who need to be loved,with no special needs. please dont take this wrong,i didnt mean for it to sound arrogant.thank you for your time