Response to the ABC's 20/20 broadcast segment, "Cruelty to Owners" featuring the SPCA of Texas that aired Friday, 6/3/05.
The Humane Society of North Texas supports the SPCA of Texas and their mission to help animals; however, our organization declines to generate an official statement as to the accuracy of the report, except for the following:
- HSNT is not affiliated with any of the organizations depicted on the 20/20 program.
- HSNT receives no monies, grants or any donations whatsoever from any of the organizations portrayed on the 20/20 program.
- HSNT employs trained humane investigators whorespond to neglect and cruelty calls seven days a week.
- HSNT firmly believes that education is our first and foremost responsibility to the community. We do not exclude breeders, puppy mills, rescue organizations, private owners or any other entity that cares for animals.
- HSNT’s mission is to educate the public in the proper and humane way in which to care for animals. If, at any point, the newly educated animal owner and/or guardian does not or will not improve the living conditions and/or the environmental conditions
- HSNT has a responsibility to proceed and remove the animal(s) for the animal’s welfare and safety. HSNT feels the removal of ANY animal should be a last resort when all other options have failed or the person(s) involved have a previous history of neglect or animal abuse.
- HSNT considers every investigative case a different situation.
- HSNT does not have varied animal adoption fees. Our fees are based on what we consider fair and reasonable to assist in offsetting the cost of veterinary treatment.
- HSNT enforces strict protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and welfare of the animals during and after a seizure. We make certain all laws in the State of Texas are upheld including proper and complete search and seizure warrants and notices to the person(s) being investigated.
HSNT believes that the biased depiction of animal cruelty investigations reported by 20/20 has a far reaching affect that will negatively impact animals in need for years to come. We feel that ABC’s 20/20 should be held responsible for destroying the work and credibility of humane investigations across the country due to poor reporting and for the sake of media sensationalism.HSNT stands by our humane investigations and the continuous effort to end animal suffering.I encourage anyone who has questions or concerns about HSNT’s humane investigative policies to contact me personally at 817-332-4748, ext. 115. Sincerely,
Tammy Kirkpatrick
Director of Animal Care Services
For more information contact
Heather Bern
817-332-HSNT, Ext. 119
heatherbhsnt@sbcglobal.net
