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Dozens of animal rights activists protested on Sunday in front of the animal shelter of Miami-Dade County, in Doral, against the conditions and treatment of animals at the institution.
After the death of a dog from heatstroke at the local shelter, protesters are calling for action, according to local news.
"There are problems at all levels; it's a systemic failure. They identified the strep outbreak at the zoo in the last two weeks, but that's a lie," said Nicolette Acosta, one of the protesters, referring to the shelter's claims about a strep outbreak.
The spokesperson for the site, Gabriella Domínguez, states that the dog was seriously ill: “After examining him, our veterinarians determined that Rocky was gravely ill and made the compassionate decision to perform humane euthanasia to prevent him from suffering further.”
However, animal rights activists accuse the shelter staff of only walking the dogs for 10 minutes a day and not having enough air conditioning.
"What we demand as a community is that the leaders are held accountable, because they will say that the budget was approved and that everything was processed correctly, and in theory, I'm sure that's true, but they committed to the well-being of the dogs," said another protester.
After the protest, the Miami-Dade Animal Services stated that it "remains committed to animal welfare and provides the best care to every pet that enters our shelter."
However, they acknowledged that “like many shelters across the country, it is facing an overpopulation crisis.”
“To accommodate as many pets as possible, we are using our secondary outdoor facilities in Medley as an overflow shelter,” they added.
They also assured that these "facilities are equipped with large industrial fans that operate 24 hours a day" and that the animals have access to pools and play areas.
"Now more than ever, we need the support of our community to clear our shelters and place animals in loving homes where they belong. We urge residents to consider adoption, fostering, volunteering, donating, or sharing our pets on social media. Together, we can ensure that every animal has the opportunity to find a loving home."
The protesters, for their part, insist that it is a "multisystem failure."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Protest at the Miami-Dade Animal Shelter
Why did animal rights activists protest in front of the Miami-Dade shelter?
Animal rights activists protested against the poor conditions and treatment of animals in the shelter, especially after the death of a dog due to heat stroke. The demonstrators are demanding measures to improve the situation and hold the shelter accountable for a systemic failure in animal care.
What has the shelter said about the animal abuse allegations?
The spokesperson for the shelter, Gabriella Domínguez, argued that the dog was seriously ill and that the decision was made to administer humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering. Furthermore, the shelter assures that, despite facing an overcrowding crisis, it is committed to providing the best possible care for the animals.
What are the demands of the protesters in front of the animal shelter?
The protesters demand that the leaders of the shelter be held accountable and improve the living conditions of the animals. They criticize that the dogs only receive 10-minute walks a day and that the facilities lack proper air conditioning. Additionally, they call for transparency and effective solutions for animal welfare.
How can the community help animal shelters in Miami-Dade?
The Animal Services of Miami-Dade urges the community to get involved in adoptions, foster care, volunteering, and donations. They also encourage sharing information about pets on social media to help find them loving homes.
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