Last updated 5/10/2007 - PawSafe Animal Rescue
Transcription
Last updated 5/10/2007 - PawSafe Animal Rescue
Last updated 5/10/2007 Let me get this straight, you can just name another location a little differently and the MDAR’s rules will change?? Maybe PawSafe should become SafePaw and see what new rules would apply to us. Class B applied for per suggestion of L. Harrod. USDA denied application and said we do NOT qualify. That UNITED STATES rules apply, not MA rules. Many phones calls went back and forth to the USDA and I explained over and over again what I was being told I needed. I was even told by MDAR that I could just wait and see what happens and if they decide to require it I would “just be fined”. Explained that to USDA and they still said what we were doing DID NOT REQUIRE THIS LICENSE! USDA returned the application. NOTE intake date of Feb 7th. These puppies went to RCC, got Health Certificates and moved to Holliston. Yet some of these puppies, from KY, died of parvo when the following set of puppies arriving from VA on 2/13/07 went to Holliston with a signed HC by Dr. Poling. They were put into pens WITH dogs already there for weeks. Once again, how is that PawSafe’s fault? This puppy was from the exact same transport as the KY pups above but came to PawSafe after release from ISOLATION. He never got Parvo yet his companions died of it. Mulan and Muggilan - the two puppies who broke with parvo in ISOLATION. Isn’t that the POINT of isolation? MDAR is claiming it is, otherwise why are rescues being forced to increase adoption fees to cover an expense we don’t need but can not operate without?? If they broke with parvo in isolation and Dr. Poling deemed the other puppies healthy enough to move Holliston and place for adoption, WHY IS PAWSAFE RESPONSIBLE? • -----Original Message----From: Diane @ PawSafe [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thu 3/8/2007 9:46 PM To: Mitchell, Brad (AGR) Subject: FW: Thank you Brad, I appreciate it. I cc'd Leigh because she forwarded me the original email and I wanted her to know I took action on it. I have learned that the only way to squelch rumors is to make sure they can not start in the first place. Kristin sent out emails and voice messages machines stating that PawSafe and the Meadows were "plastered" all over News Channel 5 and were the highlight of their evening news report due to the parvo puppies. While you and I have not always seen things from the same point of view, I hope that you know we're doing everything possible to meet and exceed the emergency orders and that we run our organization to the very best of our ability. ******************* Diane PawSafe Animal Rescue [email protected] 3/8/07. I emailed Brad Mitchell regarding the puppies at the meadows. Later that evening he responded with the statement that this has nothing to do with my organization. So when it suits him, I am responsible; when it doesn’t then I am not responsible. Either way, Dr. Poling is not responsible and can operate but PawSafe gets a C&D??? • -----Original Message----From: Mitchell, Brad (AGR) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2007 10:42 PM To: [email protected]; Mitchell, Brad (AGR) Cc: Harrod, Linda (AGR) Subject: RE: Diane, if we have issues with Paw Safe actions, we will take them up directly with you and not involve Kristin. Similarly, we will not involve you in her or Poling issues unless they also involve your organizations actions. I'd prefer not to be cc'd with Leigh on such private matters as she has nothing to do with any of this. Nothing against her, but its none of her business and we are required to keep such matters confidential. Thanks From: Diane @ PawSafe [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 12:42 AM To: 'Rodney Poling'; ' Subject: Meadows / Parvo / ISO etc. I am very sorry to hear about the puppies that have been lost to parvo over the last few days – and in particular the smallest black and white puppy, Lilly. She was my favorite. What worries me is that puppies from entirely different transports are being infected and passing it along. The puppy, Bear, that died of parvo today came to ISO on February 7th. He was adopted on the 13th and died on the 24th. He was from a transport ONE week EARLIER than the 3 black labs puppies from VA puppies who broke 6 or 7 days into iso. To my knowledge, the siblings placed before the VA litter came to Meadows were not infected and remain healthy in that regard. 43 puppies in one ISO room for that length of time makes it almost impossible to prevent cross contamination. It has been brought to my attention several times now that comments have been overheard while at the meadow (by Meadows staff) to the effect that the KY puppies are not vaccinated, or vaccinated correctly. That is a statement whose answer is easy to find by reviewing the record. The KY puppies come from 6 different KY shelters. I am 100% sure these puppies are vaccinated and that the sending shelter(s) knows how. But if you feel more comfortable, please call the veterinarian who signs the health certificate and ask more specific questions. Additionally you are more then welcome to come with me to any of those shelters and personally meet the volunteers and staff. They are always receptive to spay events and training classes of any kind. It is very disturbing when adopters call or email PawSafe stating that they overheard an employee state that the puppies not being vaccinated in KY. This type gossip is detrimental to both PawSafe and the Meadows. It is very important to realize that although everyone involved has the animal’s best interest in mind and go through great lengths to provide foster and the best care possible, they are shelter puppies who come from a wide range of situations. They are not adored little babies born under the careful watch of a breeder. If the mother has ever had medical in her life it’s a rarity. Equally important is the fact that 48 hours of ISO means very little. It is a number the state has come up with. At the end of that time litters should remain isolated and the same care should be taken to handle them as if they were contagious. PawSafe has placed thousands of puppies over the last few years from the same shelters you are getting them from now. Of course we have seen kennel cough, parvo, parasites etc – but never to this extent over and over and over. That information can be verified by people outside of PawSafe and I am happy to share contact information. The reason for this note is NOT to place blame or point fingers at anyone. It should serve as way for us to work together to STOP what is happening and a chance for stricter rules and regulations to be implemented. Everyone involved wants to save these puppies – and not one of us wants to get angry calls from an adopter when their puppy is ill and passes away. Additionally it is a large financial drain on the over all program and very disheartening for all involved. We all play a very great part in the success of this program and the overall safety of the animals we have committed to care for. Let’s get this parvo and kennel cough stopped at the meadows and in ISO so that puppies coming in will have their day at the spa and move on to find great adoptive families who want to refer our services to those around them! If there is something I can help please let me know. Diane Scuderi PawSafe Animal Rescue www.pawsafe.org This puppy came in as a single puppy – she is not part of the two she is lying with!! Siblings? Not even close! Panda (brown/white) came in ALONE. Here he is playing outside of a pen, with another puppy – on the FLOOR! Beagle came in as a litter of three beagle mixes – no black siblings at all. This dog came in alone – no littermates – but mixed in Holliston pens. From: Diane @ PawSafe [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:42 AM To: 'Rodney Poling' Subject: RE: Intake List Thank you for taking the steps to end the problem with sick puppies in both locations. ….. Sterling's protocol has called for two vaccinations for several years now and is very successful. When dealing with numbers, many people, several transports to and from iso to Meadows etc, and multiple litters being placed together, Sterling’s protocol tends to be a safer route to take. This is one of the topics you, Kristin, and I talked about early January when we met in Milford. The risks of moving 8 week old pups is high - especially since most are not surrendered early enough to get vaccinated on a protocol that is effective and most shelters do not have funds for Neopar. Do you have any interest at all in setting up a test program with two of the shelters in VA that I can monitor more closely? We can outline a detailed protocol for puppies, provide what they need, and require a more through exam before leaving the state. I often pass through the Richmond area on the way home. Maybe there is a possibility of using a clinic of Dr. xxxxs referral for this? Potentially even getting it funded through the vaccine manufacturer etc? I have cancelled the transport due in on March 3rd. We will have to work with the rescues and cover fees on this as 28 puppies were pulled from shelters, fostered, and had medical to meet the protocols. Additionally many have had a second vaccination since the date of transport was moved from Wed (2/27) to Saturday (3/3). I do have 4 PawSafe puppies in ISO that I would like to pick up at the end of the 48 hours. I am happy to hold them at my house for an additional period after release. Would that be acceptable? **-**-**-**-**-**-**-** According to the news reports, Dr. Poling Diane wants people to think PawSafe can’t be PawSafe Animal Rescue trusted and that we brought young puppies to www.pawsafe.org [email protected] MA with clear disregard for protocols – when **-**-**-**-**-**-**-** exactly the opposite is true. He originally wanted 100 eight week old pups each week and stated one vaccination was fine. I refused. I said over and over again that high numbers of young puppies would bring illness. He said he wanted “cuter and younger puppies then Sterling” 1. PawSafe contracts a transporter and reimburses other rescues for medical and Health Certificates. PawSafe does NOT sell puppies to Holliston Meadows or RCC. There is NO SALE OF PUPPIES. 2. Puppies are transported to RCC (isolation in Milford). Dr. Poling signs a health certificate stating they are free of contagious diseases to the best of his knowledge and moves them to Holliston. Is this paragraph stating that I have responsibility for a DVM not knowing they have parvo? Is it stating that they had an UNOBSERVABLE disease that Dr. Poling did not catch but that I am somehow responsible for? Is this stating that either Dr. Poling or MDAR had concerns with Health Certificates on dogs coming to ISO and no one followed up? The sending shelter or vet has NOT been contacted. • How is this related to PawSafe? Do any PawSafe volunteers work at RCC (isolation) where we can verify proper disinfection procedures? NO Does PawSafe PAY RCC for the board, isolation and examination of our dogs? YES Has MDAR previously gone to ISO and had problems with disinfection procedures? YES Did PawSafe’s volunteers examine the dogs and sign their Health Certificates? NO Did PawSafe volunteers move the dogs to Holliston Meadows for adoption and mix them in pens with dogs that were there from several weeks prior -- causing an outbreak of Parvo that KILLED dogs already in Holliston – dogs that had been there for weeks??? NO and it should IMPOSSIBLE for us to be held responsible for that. Did Dr. Poling deem them healthy enough to move to Holliston, sell, and receive entire payment for? YES a) either Brad is implying Dr. Poling could not have known disease was present but that PawSafe is still responsible for it… or b) Dr. Poling moved puppies he knew were sick, to his facility, let his staff mix them, and that PawSafe is still responsible for it… • True. A puppy in 1995 went home and despite our requests to have the puppy returned, it was not. New emergency orders were issued. PawSafe’s director left her current job to work at one of the few isolation facilities the MDAR approved. The facility was filthy, yet it was approved by MDAR. These pictures, and many more were submitted to the parent company, OSHA, and MDAR when animals starting getting sick. MDAR was informed that CLIENTS dogs, boarded in the kennel, shared the same air exchange as isolation dogs. Rescue dogs got sick and my repeated requests for help, by all 3 parties, were rejected. I left the company. Please see letter to Brad Mitchell from previous COO of Healthy Pet – the hospital’s parent company - confirming that I asked for help from OSHA and Healthy Pet - but was denied assistance. • If MDAR feels PawSafe is importing disease than why are we not allowed to rescue local dogs. A dog placed by the Meadows several months ago needed to be re-homed. PawSafe asked permission from MDAR, and Brad Mitchell DENIED it. Why? Hundreds more of these photos can be viewed here: http://www.sharpcast.com/photos/photos/user/pawsafe/thum bnails?album=895410740329745309860830085629736867 8156793731683814650620244905054016725925130&recipi entEmail=b333fc3b38a31863e6e047d2a9ec35b418f288b98 66b305f&autoAccept=true ““TheTheroom is always crawling with flies and cockroaches despite the number of times we have Terminex treat room is always crawling with flies and cockroaches despite the number of times we have Terminex treat the hospital. They come from the drain, the large gaps in the kennel doors and due to the fact that the room is the hospital. They come from the drain, the large gaps in the kennel doors and due to the fact that the room is so hot and moldy that the animals would die without a door being open to give them a chance at fresh air. We so hot and moldy that the animals would die without a door being open to give them a chance at fresh air. We can not control disease in an area where flies and cockroaches can crawl through the feces of one animal and can not control disease in an area where flies and cockroaches can crawl through the feces of one animal and then infect others as well as leave disease everywhere they land or crawl into. Dr. xxxx has removed a then infect others as well as leave disease everywhere they land or crawl into. Dr. xxxx has removed a cockroach from an exam room in front of a client. While one of our techs corralled a mouse in reception before cockroach from an exam room in front of a client. While one of our techs corralled a mouse in reception before it ran by a client. Terminex visits our facility on a regular schedule and can not control the infestation due to the it ran by a client. Terminex visits our facility on a regular schedule and can not control the infestation due to the conditions of the hospital….. conditions of the hospital….. ….XXXX Animal Hospital has put every animal they care for in constant danger since the day the program ….XXXX Animal Hospital has put every animal they care for in constant danger since the day the program started. Clients choose our facility for the safety of their animals and we have failed, in many ways, to provide started. Clients choose our facility for the safety of their animals and we have failed, in many ways, to provide ”” any level of the safety we charge them for. any level of the safety we charge them for. “…In “…InDecember Decemberaadog doghung hunghimself himselfby byhis hisback back legs legswhile whileininour ourboarding boardingkennel.” kennel.” MDAR Approved “…My “…Myrequests requestsfor forhelp helpover overthe thelast last77 months monthshave havegone gonelargely largelyunanswered.” unanswered.” MDAR Approved MDAR Approved From: xxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Friday, May 05, 2006 9:15 PM To: Mitchell, Brad (AGR) Subject: RE: Bureau of Animal Health - Information Received Hi Brad Thank you for the email. I have to be honest and tell you that Lorraine was harsh but also extremely unprofessional and the "tantrum like" behavior shown was something I would of never expected from someone who represents our state. I have never in my life witnessed such erratic behavior from someone in a "political position" and I have never been so offended. [additional content deleted but available] xxxxxx -----------------From: Mitchell, Brad (AGR) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Mon 5/8/2006 1:52 PM To: xxxx Subject: RE: Bureau of Animal Health - Information Received I agree that Lorraine was way out of line for portions of the meeting. There is little I can do about this except apologize. I am dealing with hiring freezes, unions and a host of other issues that prevent me from taking any serious action. “…At the same time I was also trying to address the poor conditions of the XXXXX Hospital and how animals were dying due to these conditions. Additionally staff members sustained injuries and as the conditions grew worse our employees got sicker and sicker. We were reported to OSHA by a client not affiliated with the hospital and when I tried to comply with their requests I was told by the OSHA rep that XXXXX agreed to work with them and that they would not accept any further information or reports from me. I asked them to review photos and they said that I was not to address it any further. You can view the photos here: http://photos.sharpcast.com/photos/user/pawsafe/ I continually brought such issues to the attention of XXXXXX and was told over and over that the issues were being addressed. Months went by and these issues were left unresolved – despite my pleadings and questions for over 4 months. Finally I gave my notice on July 14th, 2006 due to the fact that my health was deteriorating and the animals in my hospital were dying due to illnesses picked up in our facility.” From: Tavares, Joao (AGR) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, December 09, 2005 4:28 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Animal Health - Isolating Animals Dear Shelter Rescue Organization The Department of Agricultural Resources has determined that your organization has a facility that is adequate to isolate animals per Emergency Order 1-AHO-05. A number of shelter and rescues who do not have isolation facilities have asked if we could provide them with a list of groups with the approved isolation facilities with the hopes that they could make use of existing, approved facilities. The Department has said that would query those with approved facilities and if the organization were willing to consider isolating animals for other groups. If you woul like to be listed as an organization that would consider isolating animals for other groups, please let us know via email. Thank you Not only was this ________________________________________________ facility approved, Joao P. Tavares MDAR thought we MDAR – Tech Support should share it with 251 Causeway Street, Boston MA 02114other rescues. Phone: (617) 626-1719 Email: [email protected] MDAR Approved From: Kristin Ruggiero [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, August 03, 2006 9:35 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Kristin Ruggiero-Confidential Hi Brad Thank you for speaking with me today. Below are emails to show problems Diane Scuderi was having with Healthy Pet not addressing the safety and maintenance issues at Belmont. Due to this she left Healthy Pet. Many are huge OSHA violations and also it was causing her puppies to become sick when they were staying for their quarantine time at the hospital. Cultures were down and 10 plus bacteria's were present (many dangerous to animals and to humans). When Healthy Pet did not respond, Diane was forced to leave and is currently looking to work with another group before she is able to continue her rescue program. I am trying to help her find another hospital. I am going to forward you some more emails for you to review and also a breakdown of the things we discussed earlier. Thank you and I look forward to speaking to you more about the companion animal program Kristin Ruggiero PawSafe used foster homes prior to having to isolate puppies In APPROVED MDAR isolation facilities. From: Kristin Ruggiero [mailto:[email protected]] Now without isolation facilities, Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 11:28 AM To: [email protected] PawSafe was forced to search Subject: Follow up for new options. We located a facility that would work, but to gain MDAR’s approval we had Hi Brad, to agree to form a coalition that would back Brad Mitchell’s I just wanted to thank you for our conversation yesterday. I was really excited after I spoke with you and would love to set a time next week to meet. To know that there is a emergency orders. need and want for this type of program and to hear you say that made me much more motivated to pursue this. I spoke with Diane, and we discussed at length forming a coalition and working with pet stores, rescues and the Dept of Ag. It was a great conversation and it can be done and the right way. It will be tough to try to unite the groups but not impossible. Also to consult for both rescues and pet stores will only have positive results for everyone. It all comes down to the presentation & contacts. I had a question about non profit coalition vs profit. Do you or your department have guidelines or preferences to which one would be most appropriate to work with. Also you had mentioned members that you would like to see in this group last time and I would like to contact those individuals to see if they are interested in joining. If you prefer me meet before that and go over everything , that is fine also. I have many larger veterinary corporations and private practitioners in Massachusetts who are willing to help also to see this through. Many are already working with rescues & pet stores (in combination). Also the appropriate political contacts to help with what was discussed. Now that I have more time & the support of Diane-paw safe, it will result in a much more efficient and quicker process for everyone. Plus working closely with the state is something that I think would be a fantastic and positive experience too. Dr. Ulrich's # is 413-329-1572. He will be very open and honest about Belmont and the conditions there. He can also verify that the paw safe program was being forced to work in poor & unhealthy conditions which resulted in the sickness or death of many puppies and employees. Again, thank you for your time and if you could let me know a day that will work for you, I will plan on making a trip up your way. Best Regards, Kristin Ruggiero From: "Mitchell, Brad (AGR)" To: xxxxxxx" Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2006 5:59 PM Subject: RE: Shelter groups People should put their skepticism aside and worry more about what THEY can bring to the table, not just what they will get about it. If the shelter rescue community has learned nothing in the last year it should be that they need a lot of help. The expertise listed should be enough to convince them that their is value in it to them. Meaning well is no longer enough. Their are too many amateurs in the shelter rescue community who desperately need guidance and assistance. "Mitchell, Brad (AGR)" <[email protected]> wrote: xxxx called, I told her I had encouraged you and Diane to move forward in starting an association , had given you input on what I thought the role of such a group might be, and beleived you were both well under way to getting an initial meeting together and I was confident that you both could do it. I think you and Diane make a good team. When doing what Brad wants, I am part of a good team! When I disagree, PawSafe pays the price with a Cease and Desist. Are these the kind of replies that someone in Brad Mitchell’s position should send out via email? -----Original Message----From: xxxxxx Sent: Wed 9/13/2006 7:42 PM To: xxxxx; Mitchell, Brad (AGR) Subject: Re: Shelter groups Brad, the reason I say not to bring them in to it yet, is because ALOT of groups have been promised alot of things in the past by people /hospitals /medical directors /vendors etc...only to have it never come about, fall through, or be forgotten about. Many of these same groups have done alot of work to try to make contacts and get help... followed through on their end, only to have someone pull the rug out from under them. RESPONSEf from "Mitchell, Brad (AGR)" <[email protected]> you state >" And no one should expect anything for free on either side." So, what are these shelter and rescue groups bring to the table to offer. You might want to consider asking WHY the rug has been pulled out from under them. This is business, non-profit or otherwise. No free lunch for anyone. My experience with a lot of these groups is that they expect a free lunch and for people to simply bow to them because they are doing gods work. Time for an attitude change. What did MDAR want us to do? Form an association to support their Emergency Orders. PawSafe’s approval for isolation approval hinged on our support. • Massachusetts Animal Health & Safety Association • Work with legislature to implement potential changes in DAR shelter & rescue legislation • Educate Massachusetts Pet Stores & Breeders on why the protocols & procedures are in place & are needed. • Work with the Department of Agriculture to pass legislation on these protocols • Creating the standard isolation model & structure • Work with smaller rescues on obtaining isolation spaces & veterinary assistance in Massachusetts DMS1 2) 1 and 2 were done. Why doesn’t he know this as we could not have gotten a signed approval without it! Additionally he had a PawSafe volunteer pick him up from his Boston Office and drive him HOME after he came to this facility and made it clear that we needed to start a coalition to back the emergency orders if this facility was going to be approved. 3) there is NO regulation for the size of a sink!!!! 1) How can the request for an approval be withdrawn when we were ALREADY GRANTED AN APPROVAL - SIGNED BY LINDA HARROD. Does he not read what he is signing? Slide 38 DMS1 1) How can the request for an approval be withdrawn when we were ALREADY GRANTED AN APPROVAL - SIGNED BY LINDA HARROD. This would indicate we were either operating without one until this time and that Brad did not shut us down (which is NOT the case - he was fully aware and had been to the Everett location), or that he has no idea what he is signing. Diane Scuderi, 5/5/2007 Sent : 11:12 Monday, Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 8:43 PM A p ri l To: [email protected] 30, 2 To: d PM 007 iane@ Hey Diane, Subj p awsa ect: I just want to let you know that W i s ... hat a fe.org I was devastated to hear the jerk t hat g news about what happened! uy They I think you all do a wonderful s conc hould be job and it is too bad that one e more person wrecks all the work resta rned abo ut u you and Bonnie do. rescu rants in B the rats in o e Cheryl intere s alone. ston and the I l s as pa ted in tha would be eave m r t perso vo is not story....s ore s e n of ba can get omething eing d B a your can happ UT a wh ol food! en w ith ra e lot ts i n RE : Pawsafe Reply to: [email protected] Date: 2007-05-03, 9:36AM I too adopted from Pawsafe. In fact I have adopted 3 dogs over the years from them. I referred them to my family and all of my friends. I do not have a single bad word for this group. I believe that they have gotten a lot of unfair bad press where the whole story has not been told just to make it seem as though they are doing something wrong. Which is far from the truth. Please get your facts straight before bashing a group who has saved hundreds of puppies over the years with out problems. Date/time puppies came to RCC and last Discharge? contact I am able to have with them. They were still In iso on the 26th? Health Certificate dated the same day as COUGHING written on medical record (prev sheet). Meaning pups are safe to move to HOLLISTON – where dogs are boarded for paying clients. Is PawSafe responsible for this too? MDAR has copies of these!!!! Guess they forgot to mention it. So PawSafe is somehow responsible for the movement of dogs to Holliston only when parvo, a disease that can not be detected until outbreak, gets moved and spread but NOT responsible when any other observable illness gets moved. On Friday, April 26th, Dr. O’Connor stated these puppies were hardly over 7 weeks. She did not touch them, examine them, did not look at their teeth, yet implied that the vet who signed the HC’s in VA must be lying. Not many beagle mixes weigh 10.5lbs at 7 weeks and have TWO vaccinations two weeks apart! That would suggest they were vaccinated at THREE WEEKS. Most shelters do not have 3 weeks old pups who make it out alive. This is the same state vet, employed by MDAR, who has stated “…do not want that southern trash in my state”. Seems like a lot of wonderful rescue groups, with many great volunteers, must give up a tons of their time, to move trash like this around! Photo take in adopters home. Do they look ill? Can you tell they have parvo? WHY NOT? RENTED?? No that is not correct. We PAY to BOARD each and every puppy. RENT implies we have access and can care for them. We board our dogs, for a fee and the facility is staffed by employees of Dr. Polings. The dogs remain in RCC's care the entire time. ADOPTING. Not selling. LESS LIKEY to be infected?? But it's still a complete possibility - yet we're being told we HAVE be able to stop it. Meadows is only being required to be "less likely". Why is that? But one, from the same litter, went to Angell Memorial showing parvo symptoms a DAY earlier and was admitted. Another littermate was returned to Holliston showing the same symptoms... Neither of the 2 PawSafe puppies went to Holliston but littermates that did go to Holliston were ill. If not, why was Holliston also put under quarantine?? Information Sheet Canine Parvovirus Table of Contents Introduction Diagnosing Parvovirus Limiting the Spread of Parvovirus Parvovirus and puppy socialization Client Information Overview of diagnostic testing for Canine Parvovirus (CPV) Printable Infectious disease profile sheet -Canine Parvovirus Frequently Ask Questions about Canine Parvovirus Read Shelter Medicine Director Dr. Kate Hurley's article The Virus that Never Dies? published in Animal Sheltering Magazine Nov/Dec 2006 The title should speak for itself. Introduction Parvovirus is highly contagious, incredibly durable in the environment, and capable of producing severe or lifethreatening disease in dogs. It is critical to prevent transmission of the disease and rapidly identify infected animals in order to provide medical care as deemed appropriate and protection to other dogs in the shelter. Full article here: http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_parvovirus_canine.shtml Per this article, Kent Lage makes the following quote. What confuses Mr. Lage? Dr. Poling, another PawSafe volunteer, and Brad Mitchell had several face to face sit downs outlining the program. Documentation was submitted for MDAR’s review. Feedback from MDAR is clearly shown below. How is it that Kent Lage is not aware of what happens in his department when formal documents are sent out from his department? ODD. When it suits Brad Mitchell, he seems to forget this as well – email from him to follow. This was sent to Brad Mitchell on March 8th, 2007. I was told it had nothing to do with me and if so I would be contacted. Funny how one month later, PawSafe got a Cease and Desist for something that had NOTHING TO DO with me. Also – please note my cell number, although crossed out, was listed. -----Original Message----From: Mitchell, Brad (AGR) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 9:26 AM To: [email protected] Subject: If you are going to change phone numbers, you need to let us know. We ask for this in case there is a situation (like you have now) and we need to contact you (which we do now) -----Original Message----From: Diane @ PawSafe [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 9:13 AM To: 'Mitchell, Brad (AGR)' Subject: RE: Brad, The number you had listed was my HOME PHONE. I sent notes several times - starting from the Belmont days -over 1.5 yrs ago- asking for that to be changed. The phone number for PawSafe has been the same for several years now 781.350.3304 - it just never got changed on your end. ---*---*---*---*---*--Diane PawSafe Animal Rescue www.pawsafe.org [email protected] ---*---*---*---*---*--- Didn’t I just provide my personal cell phone to him several times as well? This Thiswas wassubmitted submitted to toMDAR MDARby by Dr. Dr.Poling Polingand and PawSafe PawSafefor forinput. input. Dr. Dr.O’Connor O’Connor claimed claimedto tonever never have haveseen seenititeither either time; time;but butdid didmake make full fullmention mentionto tothe the email emailititwas was attached attachedto! to! More emails to MDAR on protocols remained unanswered. From: Rodney Poling Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2007 To: [email protected] Subject: RE: ISO / Transports …. I did indicate in my emergency plan that if we had a break at RCC and a shipment on the way that we would deliver to HM. I asked for a comment on the plan twice but have received no comment. I will call again today…. Request and confirmation of pre-inspection to have MDAR check a small isolation center so that PawSafe could care for their own puppies. ******************* From: Harrod, Linda (AGR) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 8:31 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Prelim inspection Hi, I can meet you out there on Monday, probably between 9-9:30 if that works for you. Linda From: Diane @ PawSafe [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thu 3/22/2007 11:06 AM To: Harrod, Linda (AGR) Subject: Prelim inspection Hi Linda, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you about taking a peek at my garage. I would love to set something up for next week if that fits your schedule at all. I have a contractor lined up to get water to the area should you give it the pre-ok! I will make myself available to you on any schedule that works best for you. I am in xxxxx, right on route xx, just a few moments off on Route 93. ******************* Diane PawSafe Animal Rescue www.pawsafe.org [email protected] ******************* From: "Diane @ PawSafe“ Reply-To: "'Rodney Poling'“ Subject: our next BG transport -- 20 Puppies... Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2007 23:50:12 -0400 • MDAR is saying I should “check my source” and that they are looking into it as well. To date, the rescue has not been contacted by MDAR. • I have been in touch with the rescue many times since. And of 114 dogs that were rescued by over 20 groups, the only ill puppies were in an isolation facility where a parvo puppy (from a group that is NOT related to PawSafe) had passed away a week earlier. • WHAT? Another parvo from a rescue group that IS NOT PawSafe. How can that be? Hi Dr. Poling, The Bowling Green transport for next Saturday, the 14th of April, is coming together nicely. These pups all were vaccinated and moved to foster care for us today. 20 in total. 4 are for PawSafe. As long as all goes well in foster they will get health certs on the 13th of April and arrive in ISO on the 14th. ******************* Diane From: Rodney Poling [Sent: Saturday, April 07, 2007 To: [email protected] Subject: RE: FW: our next transport -- 20 Puppies... This looks fine. We maybe should try for 35 if you are taking some and we always have 2-5 holdbacks. We can do the 20 easily for us just not 29 as we have in the past. >From: "Diane @ PawSafe" <[email protected]> >To: "'Rodney Poling'" <[email protected]> >Subject: RE: FW: our next BG transport -- 20 Puppies... >Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2007 11:55:05 -0400 We're running low numbers on this one because it was an emergency transport due to the 200 surrenders last weekend. To make our 10day hold it was as many as the group could get fostered out of the shelter in one afternoon. Once we have a handful of shelters using your vaccines and back on the rotation we can get the numbers below! Since the comment made about doing business as usual and "just fining" us does not make me comfortable … ….also using caution until I hold the USDA licenses I want to be above reproach - I would prefer to have them work with us vs. against us. ******************* Diane • From: Rodney Poling [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2007 8:24 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: FW: our next BG transport -- 20 Puppies... this is the correct approach. I am telling them to tell me what to do and I will do it MDAR wanted PawSafe to hold licenses that the USDA said NO WAY to granting. Yet here we state we are trying to work with the MDAR. Lots of good that does! FIRST HOLLISTON ARTICLE in Milford paper HOLLISTON - A pet care facility plans to lift a two-week quarantine today that it imposed on a group of puppies brought in from other states after eight of its dogs, adopted and taken home by new owners, died from a virus. Holliston Meadows Pet Resort on Summer Street quarantined 17 puppies after learning about the deaths from parvovirus. Ten dogs got sick, eight of which died, said founder Dr. Rodney Poling. Poling said stricter procedures now in place will ensure families are not taking home fatally ill dogs. "I don't ever want to see this happen again," he said. "We will not have a situation where they look great today and die in two days.“ The owners of all 10 dogs were refunded the $400 adoption fee. Of the eight dogs that died, four owners elected to get replacement dogs. Poling declined to provide customers' names. After receiving two complaints about the sickened dogs, the state Bureau of Animal Health is requiring additional testing for parvovirus before Holliston Meadows Pet Resort call sell puppies again. The facility expects to receive state approval for selling the puppies today after it receives the latest test results. PUPPIES? Plural? MDAR is claiming that During a routine inspection in February before the dog deaths were reported, state inspectors found PawSafe brought violations regarding ventilation and cleanliness of foodonly and water dishes, Capone said. The Bureau of Animal Health ordered the problems corrected. in parvo. Since we’re "At this point, he has not received a clean bill of health from the state and is not allowed to sell or not Hopkinton, could receive dogs until then," Capone said. Holliston Health Director Ann McCobb said the incident did not fall under office's jurisdiction. MDAR beherwrong?? Lisa Capone, spokeswoman for the state Department of Agricultural Resources, said the pet resort will not get the go-ahead from the state until the facility is reinspected. "I'd like to know more about it myself," she said. Parvovirus infected adopted puppies from a Hopkinton kennel last summer, according to customers who contacted the Daily News. Holliston Meadows Pet Resort offers a range of pet services, including day care, grooming and training. The adoption program, started about five months ago, has found new homes for about 300 puppies, Poling said. The dogs slated for adoption come from humane societies and shelters in Kentucky, Virginia and Indiana. The infected puppies were exposed to the virus while in the care of a Kentucky organization that Poling said he will no longer deal with. The pet resort also runs an operation in Milford on Sumner Street that takes in rescued dogs from the same organizations in the South. The puppies are vaccinated and quarantined and then given to humane societies in Massachusetts for adoption. NO. The infected puppies were from VA and died in Milford Isolation. Improper Under cleaning the new procedures, puppies up for adoption will be vaccinatedhas more than once, Poling said. techniques (which MDAR They also will be held longer in isolation in both their home states and when they arrive at the pet resort to ensure they are healthy before being made note of) and the released. mixing of exposed The rules will apply at to the Milford and Holliston facilities, Polingin said. puppies KY puppies already Holliston Poling is saidwhat the quarantined puppies are not putting other dogs at the pet resort at risk. The puppies are caused the ”infection” in a separate facility, which has its own ventilation system and its own staff. "People need not fear for their pets. And I don't want this to taint the rescue effort," he said. "This is something that can be prevented and done well.“ PawSafe had nothing to do with the and exposure in an (David cleaning McLaughlin canprocedures be reached at 508-626-4338 or [email protected].) isolation center that none of our volunteers work at. -----Original Message----From: Diane @ PawSafe [mailto:[email protected]] PawSafe’s email to Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2007 4:56 PM MDAR for insight / To: Mitchell, Brad (AGR); 'Harrod, Linda (AGR)' Subject: Parvo litter help. Brad and Linda. Just wanted to give a little background on the parvo litter that our adopter contacted you and channel 5 about. Prior to MA arrival this litter was vaccinated and put into foster care in KY – out of the shelter for 10 days. During the period before they were adopted or showed any symptoms, they had been in foster for close to a week, seen by two different vets for routine medical procedures such as spay/neuter, booster vaccinations etc. Our two even saw a vet AFTER adoption while in the owners care and were not declared ill. From the period they were with us and three subsequent vet appointments, there were no signs or causes for concern at all. I would welcome Dr. O’Conner’s feedback on this case. I truly feel we have tried just about everything possible to keep our puppies safe and healthy. They were well wormed twice, vaccinated twice, isolated well past the 48 hour mark, and spayed after ISO release. PawSafe’s two spent the additional time with me in an x-pen in my kitchen. They ate normally, passed solid stools, and were some of the healthiest puppies we’ve seen! They left us on Thursday night and were diagnosed with parvo on Monday. I did ask the adopter to return the second puppy but she declined. I have attached the email chain to this note. I understand that my last response annoyed her but there is only so much harassment I will let her dish out to the volunteers. Is there something else my protocol is missing? I am at a loss. Not one other rescue who took puppies or dogs from that transport (in other states) had anything more than sniffles. The only way Dr. Poling’s and my pups can both have parvo after such a long separation is to be exposed on transport or in ISO. Not one other dog is sick elsewhere. ISO? Linda, are we still on for tomorrow? I truly want to just take in a small number of puppies and isolate them where *I* can care them the entire time. I have everything set for you to peek at my isolation tomorrow and hopefully can start taking pups into my care and getting Health Certificates done outside of Milford Isolation. There are no remaining puppies from that litter for adoption and there are no other puppies in our care. ******************* Diane PawSafe Animal Rescue www.pawsafe.org [email protected] ******************* From: Mitchell, Brad (AGR) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 8:52 AM To: [email protected]; Mitchell, Brad (AGR); Harrod, Linda (AGR) Cc: O'Connor, Lorraine (AGR) Subject: RE: Parvo litter So you were aware of unsafe practices (aware enough to document the practice with a photograph), but you continued to put your dogs through there and adopt them out? Although Brad Mitchell is well -----Original Message----aware of the reasons PawSafe From: Diane @ PawSafe [mailto:[email protected]] asked for their own ISO, he still Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 8:31 AM To: 'Mitchell, Brad (AGR)'; 'Harrod, Linda (AGR)'implies I put the dogs in danger Cc: 'O'Connor, Lorraine (AGR)' and did nothing about it – when Subject: RE: Parvo litter in fact it is the opposite course of action. Brad, I contacted Linda to do an inspection for this very reason. I fully explained to her and to Dr. O’Connor that all I wanted was a place where one or two litters could come at a time because I did not want to put my pups in group isolation. When the pups were all mixed, the ones I have photographs of, I went to Dr. Poling and addressed it. He was receptive but at that point Holliston’s Parvo issue followed a few days after. I know he made attempts to fix the situation but I can not speak as to what they are. It was at that point I contacted Linda. Linda, I am not trying to put you on the spot – but I DID tell you that I needed to go back to being the small rescue I wanted to be – and NOT do the numbers that I was required to by Healthy Pet and the numbers that Kristin had originally agreed to with Dr. Poling. I said it to you and again on Friday that I needed to be responsible for the care of my own dogs and not rely on kennel staff in any facility. I asked what I needed to do and did all of that. Brad, I know you are aware of the reasons I left Healthy Pet. If not, please contact OSHA. I left because I was made to bring in numbers of puppies over and over that they were causing to get sick. When I found out they lied about the air exchange and that the same vents were pumped into the kennel, along with other issues that they would not fix I left. When I had the Everett facility we did not have a parvo case. But to support that we needed VCA to come through with the clinic and for reasons that are not related it didn’t happen. We closed the facility and weeks later got in a notice signed by you that MDAR was denying my request for an inspection due to the size of the sink. Not even sure what that was about since we had paperwork with an approval and were no longer isolating or operating when the denial was issued. I had submitted our protocols last week and have re-attached them to this note as well. I know that Dr. O’Connor was not aware they were attached at that time and agreed to look at them when she had a chance. ******************* Diane PawSafe Animal Rescue -----Original Message----From: Diane @ PawSafe [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 1:52 PM To: 'Mitchell, Brad (AGR)'; 'Harrod, Linda (AGR)' Cc: 'O'Connor, Lorraine (AGR)'; [email protected]; 'K R' Subject: RE: Parvo litter PLEASE NOTE –I HAVE NO COMMUNICATION WITH KRISTIN OR KNOWLEDGE OF HER WHEREABOUTS, BUT I HAVE CHOOSEN TO CC HER ON THIS EMAIL BECAUSE I HAVE MADE REFERENCE TO HER INVOLVEMENT MANY TIMES. > I hear conflicting stories from all parties (HP, you, Poling). If you believe this to be the case then all you need to do is ask me. I have stated many times that OSHA was contacted – call them, call Kristin, call Cheryl Sonic of HP. I have emails from OSHA, my resignation to HP stating these issues, Dr’s notes confirming this, lawyer notes, etc. I can go on and on – all have a solid paper trail that you are welcome to gather and review. While I am sure you are busy, these seem to be important items to have inquired about if confusion since my employment dates at HP still exist. > Your relationship with Poling relative to these dogs is confusing to say the least. From our perspective thus far, the boundaries of your responsibility for these animals is somewhat outside of where you would like to beleive it lies. I am not trying to be combative – really I’m not – but if there are things you did not understand than wouldn’t you ask for clarification? I have told Linda Harrod how the pups were crossed in the Meadows –not with any malice by their employees I am sure. This is at a facility where I DO NOT WORK or have NO EMPLOYMENT WITH. You sat with Kristin and Dr. Poling while this arrangement was being set up. While I was not present at those meetings I would assume you had time to ask additional questions and contact me if confusion remained. Additionally I contacted you at the time of the parvo outbreak in Holliston and was curtly told, per your email, it had nothing to do with me and you would not discuss it. So from my understanding, you are stating that the whole time MDAR was reviewing and advising changes to the forms and contracts for this program, you had confusion about it and didn’t ask? Since I was never contacted by your department and didn’t know you even had questions, I will outline the relationship in more detail. 1) PawSafe participated in a joint adoption event at Holliston Meadows the last weekend of December 2006. The puppies for this event were isolated at RCC, altered at Holliston Animal Hospital, and moved to Holliston Meadows for adoption. PawSafe placed the pups and photos on Petfinder and PawSafe’s volunteers screened and invited potential adopters. PawSafe’s volunteers went to Holliston Meadows for this event. The Meadows received the entire adoption fee for each puppy. VASA was paid by the Meadows and in turn reimbursed the transporter and the medical/HC/vet fees from the sending shelter. 2) Dr. Poling, Linda Harrod and Kristin worked together to have isolation meet MDAR standards and get approval to offer ISO for Meadows Dogs, PawSafe dogs, and outside groups. 3) At that point Dr. Poling stated, in a room with Kristin present, that he wanted young puppies, who met MA protocol, but were just 8 weeks and older with one initial vaccination, to come to RCC for their program. All puppies were vaccinated at least 7 days prior to transport, wormed, treated for anything else needed, assigned wearable ID’s that matched HC/records, and rcv’d Health Certificates a day or two before transport. PawSafe worked with shelters to who had animals in need matching these protocols, and VASA was then contracted to transport them. 4) Initially receiving staff at RCC was not fully in place and Kristin assisted with kennel care for the first few transports of puppies and trained new staff as hired. At intake the animals were microchipped with RCC/Holliston’s ID’s and started on a worming protocol depending on what needed to be done. It was recorded on their intake sheets. While the Heath Certificates and incoming medical records were made out to RCC, the paperwork used at RCC had PawSafe’s name on the top since at that point PawSafe already had detailed sheets that we used. During this time Dr. Poling was submitting paperwork to MDAR for review and changes. As he got feedback from MDAR, I made updates to the forms so that we both could further the separation between PawSafe being a rescue and Meadows being a “pet store”. Our paperwork was completely split in the February-ish time frame. Many these changes took several revisions in accordance with the faxes from MDAR and re-submittals by Dr. Poling to make sure they were correct. 5) Once the pups were delivered to RCC, VASA billed RCC for their transport and any medical care they had incurred. Using language that is more consistent with MDAR’s view – the puppies become the property of RCC and then offered for sale, with proper “330 CMR” warranty verbiage on the contract. All monies collected and sales done at the Meadows were in no way connected to PawSafe’s Adoption program. 6) It is my understanding that during this period Dr. Poling was in the process of getting a PetPoint and PetFinder ID set up for the Meadows so that RCC/Meadow’s puppies could be listed entirely under Holliston as they entirely belonged to Holliston. While that was taking place PawSafe did list the pups on our site as a “courtesy posting” with Holliston’s Logo and a statement that those puppies would only be available through Holliston Meadows. A link to fill in an adoption application for Holliston puppies was included with their bio. When clicked it brought them to a page that had a Holliston logo, address and application. Once they submitted it, an auto reply went back to them. The following is what they got: Thank you very much for considering a rescue dog! Your application for a dog available through Holliston Meadows has been received. We will do our best to review it and contact you in a timely manner. A scheduled appointment is required to meet any dog or puppy in their care. Many of your questions may be answered in this email - please take the time to read this information!!! The web has an endless amount of data on topics such as breeds, training and diseases. Please take time to research topics that are important to you. Your adoption fee of $400 includes: • Two health examinations prior to release • 30 days of FREE Health Insurance • Microchip and FREE registration through 24 Hour Pet Watch • Spaying/Neutering • Wormings (or several!) • Distemper Combo Vaccination(s) • Rabies Vaccination (if 4 months & older) • Heartworm Disease Test (if 6 months & older) • Heartworm Preventive • Flea & Tick Treatment • Discount on training or boarding at Holliston Meadow Pet Resort Please note: All parties involved in the care and transportation of your dog/puppy and have done everything to ensure that your puppy / dog is as healthy as possible at the time of adoption, but there are diseases that your puppy can harbor and show no signs of at this time. It is important that you understand the protocols all parties adhere to meet and exceed those required by all regulations but there are incubation periods that you need to be aware of. Young puppies need lots of socialization. The rule of thumb is that the pup should not be left alone for more than one hour for every month of age. So a two month old puppy should not be left for more than two hours, a three month old for three hours, and so on. Obviously, you cannot leave an 8 month for 8 hours so the dog will need to be walked mid-day. Please note that although PawSafe has listed this puppy/dog on websites in which they are associated, there is no further relationship between Holliston Meadows and PawSafe Animal Rescue. PawSafe believes that lives are important regardless of the origin of an animal’s birth. The common link is that they are unwanted in the area they come from. To this extent we have offered to list their animals in need on sites where PawSafe’s dogs may be listed. In all cases they are marked by Holliston or PawSafe. Should you have any questions on this topic please ask prior to adoption or making an appointment. --------------------------------7) After the initial mixing of pups at the Meadows I worked with Dr. Poling to streamline procedures. We did talk about older puppies and he said that he would send vaccines to each of the rescues we worked with. I provided him a contact name and number for every rescue so that he could personally contact them directly to verify the rescues would meet his protocols as the pups were coming directly into his adoption/sale program. Not PawSafe’s. He did make a few calls to them initially but never spoke with them, their vets, and never followed up. Vaccines were never sent. Prior to the last transports once MDAR cleared him for ISO and prior to The Haven’s parvo puppy (NEITHER PawSafe’s puppy nor Holliston’s puppy), I emailed and called several times in regard to vaccines. I specifically asked how he wanted the groups to meet his vaccine protocol with vaccines. At that time he did state that as long as they had one vaccine he wanted us to transport them for his program. The puppies in isolation now exceed that request anyway. All have had two vaccinations, with what they generally use, and wormed once or more. Does this clarify the relationship for you? We picked up dogs, charged for transport, billed RCC, paid shelters and transporters, and put photos on sites associated with us WITH a disclaimer and separate application form/auto responder. Please ask should you not fully understand what is outlined above. ******************* Diane PawSafe Animal Rescue www.pawsafe.org [email protected] Spelling errors were not edited in any way. From: Mitchell, Brad (AGR) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 3:36 PMaddresses Dr. O’Connor using Brad Mitchell her title but Dr. Poling is just called To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Parvo litter “Poling”? In an email? Politically correct? Its not a matter of our asking or your stating something. You story is different from Polings. I have no reason to believe you over him, or vice versa. In addition, neither of your stories are completely address our findings. Your relationship with Poling is much more complicated than you portray - you certainly do have (maybe had now) a financial relationship wiht him. You brokered and transported his dogs. Your name is all over his adoption paperwork. His adoptees are contacting you for returns. You brought parvo dogs up here, even if you did want to argue they weren't yours. . We are dealing with facts and evidence, not statements and protestations. Further emails from you are neither helpful or necessary. WHAT??? WHAT??? I Iwas wasasked askedaaquestion questionby byBrad BradMitchell, Mitchell,gave gave aadetailed detailedanswer, answer,got gotasked askedmore morequestions, questions,gave gavemore more answers, answers,and andthen thenI Iam amtold told“Further “Furtheremails emailsfrom fromyou you are areneither neitherhelpful helpfulor ornecessary.” necessary.” From Fromthe the DIRECTOR of the Massachusetts Department DIRECTOR of the Massachusetts Departmentof of Agriculture? Agriculture? Unacceptable, Unacceptable,unprofessional, unprofessional, and and harassing. harassing. Emails to Kent Lage remain un-acknowledged From: Diane @ PawSafe [[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 4:58 PM To: '[email protected]' Subject: Actions of Brad Mitchell Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Red Mr. Lage, I am writing to you from PawSafe Animal Rescue. A MA rescue group recently given a cease and desist order by Brad Mitchell. I fully intent to comply and work with the state on the matter, but I feel I am being unfairly treated and targeted by Brad Mitchell. In response to a question he asked, I provided a detailed answer. This is the one of the lines in his response to me minutes ago: “We are dealing with facts and evidence, not statements and protestations. Further emails from you are neither helpful or necessary.” I am happy to forward all of the correspondence from the last week, as well as discuss (and provide documentation for) other events in the past that will show a history of how we have been treated by Mr. Mitchell. My personal cell phone number is 781xxx-xxxx should you want me information. Otherwise I can be contacted via email at [email protected] Thank you for your time. Diane Scuderi Director PawSafe Animal Rescue [email protected] www.pawsafe.org phone: 781-350-3304 fax:781-207-9198 Is Massachusetts so privileged that we have lost all compassion? That the efforts of countless volunteers are ONLY considered hot news when a sliver of puppies are ill, compared to the THOUSANDS of healthy ones who find homes yearly.