One of the somber realities of our nation’s shelter system is that individual animals constantly fall through the cracks. Like Target, killed “accidentally” after being hailed a hero, or Oreo, who was killed even though a sanctuary offered to save her. These are some well-known examples, but sadly, we hear these stories every day about animals whose names no one knows.
As long as we have kill shelters in our communities, these fatal “mistakes” and misjudgments will continue to happen. When the lives of the animals as individuals are not valued and each one is just another number – why should shelter staff care who ends up dead?
Such is the sad case of a recent victim here in South Florida – May Ling. This lovely seven-year-old boxer mix was surrendered by her owner (who was going into assisted living) to Broward County Animal Care and Adoption. This shelter, which is working very hard to become No Kill, took great care of May Ling for almost three months. Volunteers loved May Ling deeply, and watched over her. Then, one day, May Ling was transferred (so she could receive additional exposure for adoption) to The Humane Society of Broward County – a shelter that claims there’s “no time limit” on animals who are “healthy and friendly”. Within 24 hours, May Ling (as healthy and friendly as they come) was apparently dead. (Note: there has still been no public confirmation from the Humane Society on what happened to May Ling.)
Broward County Animal Care and Adoptions did a wonderful job of caring for May Ling and was working hard to find her a home. In fact, the day after she was gone, a news article was released that highlighted May Ling, and most assuredly would have helped her get adopted. Instead, she’s dead. And WHY?! The Humane Society of Broward County is not responding to questions about what happened to May Ling. Please help put the pressure on them for answers, both in person and on their Facebook page.
May Ling will not be forgotten. Animal lovers across South Florida will continue to demand that the Humane Society answer for her apparent death. The public needs to hear & see the truth about what kill shelters are trying to sweep under the rug.
Here’s a lovely video of May Ling created in her memory. RIP May Ling, you were loved.
This Killing makes no sense> How Dare they have the Audacity to not be held responsible for their incompetence and give the answers that they OWE!!!!!!!
I am just sickened and angry that this poor dog was murdered ! I only wish these kind of things could be stopped !!!! I hope it does not happen again but am sure it will. I wish those responsible just feel aweful and will do everythhing not to let this kind of incident reoccur. My senior dog came from death-row in a pound in Ohio. Thankfully the “shelter” & a couple local rescues made it possible to save his life and give a PERFECTLY great dog a chance to find a home. Other dogs had to die due to limited space but he has had 4 1/2 years with me so far and I have been so blessed ! When you save ONE you also open kennel space for another.