A sad day when optics become more important than the welfare and safety of the animals these groups profess to care about. It's about time those comfortable relationships between organizations and foundations are examined. Thank you for the ongoing information, Ed; it's eye opening for sure.
I have the misfortune of dealing with Orange County Animal Care. When it comes to lack of accountability they take the prize. OCAC transferred large numbers of small animals to an unknown Arizona destination (with a local herpetology group as the intermediary). All this is documented from OC records obtained under the Public Records Act. See Voice of OC here:
The result? The interim director Monica Schmidt was promoted to permanent director and received a significant pay raise.
By comparison, San Diego Humane looks pretty good. They investigated, threatened lawsuits, and got to the bottom of the fate of the small animals. Here in OC we're left to imagine what horrible fate they met.
Thank you, M, for sharing your experience and for shedding light on the troubling situation with Orange County Animal Care. It’s deeply concerning to hear about the lack of transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to the welfare of vulnerable animals. I appreciate you providing the links to the investigative articles—these stories are critical in holding organizations accountable. Your comparison with San Diego Humane highlights how much more can and should be done. Let’s hope that continued advocacy and exposure will lead to meaningful change in OCAC’s practices. Thank you for staying vigilant and speaking up for the animals!
Ed, thank you for your work. I've been engaged in animal politics in Southern AZ for several years. Farley was a Senator from Tucson, AZ. He was known as an animal advocate. In my experience, it was hard to get appointments to discuss animal welfare with him while he was in the State Capital. It was a red flag.
When Farley was then hired to head HSSA, I thought, hmmm... we'll see how this goes. As we know, it was tragic.
I've also met and worked with some of the others you've mentioned in your essays. What I experienced and observed while working with animal groups, one in particular, was appalling. Traumatic experiences sometimes take time to find the words to express despair with corruption.
I've met with other Senators and Congresspeople who were more accessible and helpful. I have spoken on the floor of the State Capital and on the floor at other State Agency meetings. I was told that my work helped get the first female commissioner in the State. I've also been involved in stopping wildlife killing contests, getting protections for animals, among other things.
My focus is to help people get healthier in mind-body-spirit to help reduce harm not only with humans, but with animals and nature, as we all suffer direct consequences of ill humans. I created Regeneration Nation to plant as many food and pollinator gardens as possible and currently work in AZ, CA, OK, OH, and share experience and research through Wildlands.
Thank you, Robin, for your thoughtful comment and for sharing your experiences. It’s inspiring to hear about your dedication to animal welfare and the impactful work you’ve done, from advocating at the State Capitol to creating Regeneration Nation. Your insights into leadership and the challenges within animal welfare organizations resonate deeply. I admire your holistic approach to fostering healthier communities for both humans and animals. Let’s continue sharing ideas to drive meaningful change!
Thank you and yes, let’s continue sharing ideas to drive meaningful changes!
By the way, when I contacted (then) Senator Farley to help with a serious issue involving an animal non-profit in his hometown of Tucson, he was unresponsive. I was able to get help from a Senator in Phoenix who helped greatly.
I’ve observed a lot and there is much work to be done- and have a lot of stories to tell, based on experience.
Thank you, Anon, for sharing your perspective and for engaging with my blog. I understand the importance of accuracy and take all feedback seriously. However, the need for anonymity does make it difficult to fully assess the credibility of your claims. My intention was to highlight concerns raised by multiple sources, and I remain committed to fairness and transparency in my reporting. If you're open to providing more details, even confidentially, I’d be glad to revisit this matter further. I appreciate your taking the time to reach out. You can contact me at ed@edboks.com
A sad day when optics become more important than the welfare and safety of the animals these groups profess to care about. It's about time those comfortable relationships between organizations and foundations are examined. Thank you for the ongoing information, Ed; it's eye opening for sure.
I have the misfortune of dealing with Orange County Animal Care. When it comes to lack of accountability they take the prize. OCAC transferred large numbers of small animals to an unknown Arizona destination (with a local herpetology group as the intermediary). All this is documented from OC records obtained under the Public Records Act. See Voice of OC here:
https://voiceofoc.org/2024/05/yamashiro-oc-animal-care-mismanagement-and-public-deception-regarding-small-pets/
and prior story in OC Register here:
https://www.ocregister.com/2023/10/13/advocates-horrified-over-mysterious-fate-of-small-animals/?share=saaeotyscecmamsaw1ie
The result? The interim director Monica Schmidt was promoted to permanent director and received a significant pay raise.
By comparison, San Diego Humane looks pretty good. They investigated, threatened lawsuits, and got to the bottom of the fate of the small animals. Here in OC we're left to imagine what horrible fate they met.
Thank you, M, for sharing your experience and for shedding light on the troubling situation with Orange County Animal Care. It’s deeply concerning to hear about the lack of transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to the welfare of vulnerable animals. I appreciate you providing the links to the investigative articles—these stories are critical in holding organizations accountable. Your comparison with San Diego Humane highlights how much more can and should be done. Let’s hope that continued advocacy and exposure will lead to meaningful change in OCAC’s practices. Thank you for staying vigilant and speaking up for the animals!
Ed, thank you. Your own work is an inspiration for all of us!
Ed, thank you for your work. I've been engaged in animal politics in Southern AZ for several years. Farley was a Senator from Tucson, AZ. He was known as an animal advocate. In my experience, it was hard to get appointments to discuss animal welfare with him while he was in the State Capital. It was a red flag.
When Farley was then hired to head HSSA, I thought, hmmm... we'll see how this goes. As we know, it was tragic.
I've also met and worked with some of the others you've mentioned in your essays. What I experienced and observed while working with animal groups, one in particular, was appalling. Traumatic experiences sometimes take time to find the words to express despair with corruption.
I've met with other Senators and Congresspeople who were more accessible and helpful. I have spoken on the floor of the State Capital and on the floor at other State Agency meetings. I was told that my work helped get the first female commissioner in the State. I've also been involved in stopping wildlife killing contests, getting protections for animals, among other things.
My focus is to help people get healthier in mind-body-spirit to help reduce harm not only with humans, but with animals and nature, as we all suffer direct consequences of ill humans. I created Regeneration Nation to plant as many food and pollinator gardens as possible and currently work in AZ, CA, OK, OH, and share experience and research through Wildlands.
Thank you, Robin, for your thoughtful comment and for sharing your experiences. It’s inspiring to hear about your dedication to animal welfare and the impactful work you’ve done, from advocating at the State Capitol to creating Regeneration Nation. Your insights into leadership and the challenges within animal welfare organizations resonate deeply. I admire your holistic approach to fostering healthier communities for both humans and animals. Let’s continue sharing ideas to drive meaningful change!
Thank you and yes, let’s continue sharing ideas to drive meaningful changes!
By the way, when I contacted (then) Senator Farley to help with a serious issue involving an animal non-profit in his hometown of Tucson, he was unresponsive. I was able to get help from a Senator in Phoenix who helped greatly.
I’ve observed a lot and there is much work to be done- and have a lot of stories to tell, based on experience.
Thank you, Anon, for sharing your perspective and for engaging with my blog. I understand the importance of accuracy and take all feedback seriously. However, the need for anonymity does make it difficult to fully assess the credibility of your claims. My intention was to highlight concerns raised by multiple sources, and I remain committed to fairness and transparency in my reporting. If you're open to providing more details, even confidentially, I’d be glad to revisit this matter further. I appreciate your taking the time to reach out. You can contact me at ed@edboks.com