Broward animal shelter still fails its cats and dogs

Broward’s shelter animals are still being failed. A recent audit did not hold anyone accountable and the county’s response was to import another director from a faraway community.

Emily Wood, the new director, aligns with the philosophy of socially conscious sheltering, not a no-kill philosophy. She began on Jan. 25 and broke trust with the community from the start. She signed off on killing a dog named Trey, who was euthanized in her first week on the job. Ms. Wood was informed that numerous trainers and rescuers were ready to step up for Trey, and substantial funds were raised by the community to cover medical and training expenses. Ms. Wood decided it was more humane to euthanize Trey than to wait a few days because he was not sheltering well in his kennel. She showed a complete lack of interest in working with the community.

The next week, a senior cat, Honey, suffering from thyroid disease, was not receiving treatment. A foster was willing to take Honey to a vet, but was denied and told there was a rescue hold. Rescue never showed, and Honey passed away in her kennel during the night as staff went home without securing provisions for Honey during the 14 hours that shelter animals are unattended.

County commissioners have said Ms. Wood is qualified and doing a good job. The community has found that to be false. The shelter is not at full capacity but they are still killing adoptable cats and dogs. The shelter remains closed while only select volunteers are allowed in, and the public is allowed in by appointment only. Limiting access to animals limits the help the community can provide.

Sloan Cowart, Dania Beach