N.C. Animal Shelter in the Doghouse

by: Mallory Pfeffer

Animal rights have always stirred up some sort of controversy (think PETA and its avant garde campaigns). The killer whale who just recently killed a trainer at Sea World has certainly ignited debate regarding the captivity of animals, so organizations such as PETA and Friends of Animals have  been given something current to talk about. Well, to add to the recent drama in regards to animal protection, an animal shelter in Robeson County, N.C. is receiving national attention and a multitude of negative publicity.

ABC11 Eyewitness News reported on the situation surrounding the Robeson County Animal Shelter and its treatment of animals. The situation all started when a video was found on YouTube which showed animals being “brutally euthanized” by shelter workers. The catch is the video was recorded 13 years ago and, according to current shelter director Jeff Bass, the facility has undergone drastic changes since then to ensure humane sedation methods.

The public isn’t buying it. Animal rights activists and organizations alike are lashing out against Bass. One group, MJ’s Animal Sanctuary, is even calling for an investigation on the grounds that they have evidence proving the shelter’s continued wrongdoings. Individual animal advocates are the ones who seem to be lashing out the most however, Governor Beverly Perdue’s Facebook wall has been taken over by complaints.

Thousands of people have posted comments about the situation and are urging her to take action against the shelter. Some have written extensive paragraphs regarding animal cruelty and actions the state should take to prevent such incidents, and others are simply asking Perdue to “please do something.” The governor responded to the outcry by assuring the public that her office has contacted the Commissioner of Agriculture’s office and the Robeson County Sheriff.

It seems like a huge mess at first, but there is actually a lot of good public relations at work. It is empowering to know that current trends in social media allow the public to voice their opinions directly to the people they think should hear. Concerned animal advocates were able to flood the governor’s office with  their grievances via Facebook and actually receive a response, however minimal it may have been.

On the other side of the issue, Bass has done well to maintain his composure and respond to the situation. He has calmly stated to reporters that “he keeps detailed records…and will gladly share them with animal rights advocates if they ask him and not accuse him,” but he refuses to have his face shown on camera because he has already received countless threats. Even though he is remaining somewhat anonymous, he is not keeping quiet. He is not pointing any fingers or trying to duel with the opposition, he is simply telling the facts as he knows them.

It’s certainly refreshing to see public relations tactics used appropriately.

Photo Source: garrardhumanesociety