Tradgey @ Clermont County HS

A Double Tragedy in Williamsburg
Contributed By Melissa Thompson

http://rodeo.cincinnati.com/getlocal/gpstory.aspx?id=100179&sid=127789

On March 16, Kellie Fitzgerald, founder of Briar Patch Animal Rescue, was found dead by her friend and housemate, Trish Spitznagel. What followed was a further tragedy, causing additional pain and heartache for those who grieved Kellie’s loss.

There were twenty cats and seventeen dogs in Kellie’s rescue, including her personal pets. The police called Clermont County Humane Society who removed all the animals despite being told by Ms. Spitznagel that some of the cats were personal pets

Rescuers who called CCHS were told that the cats all had Feline Leukemia. When they questioned the validity of the tests, CCHS switched tack and said they all had serious upper respiratory infections. I personally consider both of these assertions unlikely. Feline leukemia is not a disease that spreads rapidly. Another cat from Briar Patch adopted shortly before Kellie’s death tested negative for the disease. Ms. Spitznagel has stated that the cats did not appear to be unhealthy. In any case, the cats were removed from Kellie’s house on Sunday and by Tuesday morning they were dead, euthanized by CCHS.

Subsequent Feline Leukemia tests performed on four cats who were hiding in the house and escaped the CCHS roundup have been negative, as has one done on another cat who was adopted shortly before Kellie died.

The dogs do not appear to have been euthanized right away, although their fate is somewhat uncertain as when asked about them CCHS would only respond “They’re not here”. Since this was the same way they responded to a Tuesday morning caller asking about one of Kellie’s cats, it seems probable that “not here” is a euphemism for dead. One gentleman who had entrusted seven puppies into Kellie’s care for her to find adoptive homes did get one of his puppies back. However, when CCHS found that he was the owner of the dog, he was forced to pay more than double the usual adoption fee of $85 and could not afford to reclaim any more of his dogs.

It seems that for CCHS killing animals is preferable to working with rescues. Deborah Wood, the Animal Warden for CCHS, said that she was “skeptical” of rescues. It is true that there are animal hoarders masquerading as rescuers as well as people with good intentions who have gotten in over their heads. However, it's easy to find out if a rescue is legitimate. Call their vet. All responsible rescues work closely with veterinarians to insure the wellbeing of animals in their care.

Public shelters often point out that, unlike rescues, they are mandated to take in all animals. While this is certainly true, it is also true that many public shelters nationwide and locally (Butler and Lafayette County shelters come to mind) have dramatically cut their euthanasia rates by working with rescue and improving their adoption programs.

It seems to me that Clermont County Humane is entrenched in the past and unlikely to cut down on the killing of adoptable animals unless it is forced to do so by public pressure. And since the public is paying their salaries, this should not be impossible to do.

If we can use this double tragedy in the service of change, maybe Kellie and her beloved animals will rest easier. I know I will.

Kellie's cat Grace. A survivor. Feline Leukemia negative.
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