The very idea of HSSA having “rescue partners” makes me cringe. If they can’t be transparent and say we sent x number of dogs to x rescue, it’s hard to know if it’s the truth. They have a track record solidified with a massive cover up of where they sent the 323 small pets to their death to be used as reptile food which they have never been transparent about. Now that BFAS is in there transparency will degrade more.
Also, with all this “expertise” gained from BFAS it’s unfathomable to think they never thought to quarantine a dog from a shelter with a history of disease prior to putting it with other animals. This is lay person common sense. Apparently BFAS is not teaching the basics or giving props for use of common sense. Seems like “get them out the door anyway you can to get those numbers up” is the driving force.
Thank you, Kelly! You raise some deeply valid concerns. The issue of transparency—especially around transfers and disease control—is at the heart of this case. When metrics become the mission, common sense and accountability often take a back seat. Let’s hope that shining a light on these patterns helps shift the focus back where it belongs: animal welfare and public trust. Thanks for staying engaged and informed.
Hey so, actual facts say that the outbreak at Maricopa county was not reported at the time HSSA received the dog. Following up, the statement claims the dog was in quarantine when they found it, but extra precautions were taken to avoid spread, like OSHA's infectious disease clause requires. This can all be confirmed by a quick google search. The C-suite that caused the small pets incident have all been fired and new leadership has been in place for less than a year. Things cannot be fixed overnight! Can be confirmed by anyone who works for a company and again, a quick google search. BFAS donates money, but they are not on the board or in the c-suite. There is good indication they do not make any decisions. Nothing on the HSSA website would indicate that BFAS is associated with HSSA. Quick google search again. Stop making assumptions about things you do not understand with no research or fact checking! Ed sure as hell doesn't site any facts! Hope this helps!
Erin - Several times you have "sited" (sic) a quick Google search as the basis of your assertions? A quick Google search of what? Please be more specific so that your "facts" can be corroborated.
I can personally confirm that Ed's reporting of the situations in San Diego (including the tragic transfer and demise of hundreds of small companion animals to HSSA) has been factually based on documentation and follow up of allegations. He did not cite any inaccuracies and the articles certainly could not be characterized as "fear mongering". Far from it. Consequently, I trust his reporting of concerns cited at HSSA.
I respect your opinion, there has been no transparency on the small pet situation and Steve was given a settlement even though there was proof he failed to uphold his fiduciary duties. There were many applicants for the job yet someone with a BFAS affiliation was hired as the CEO. Sometimes when you are in the thick of things, you tend to believe what you are told. The bonus of not being in it is you see things more clearly.
Regardless of a current outbreak, the shelter the dog came from has a history of outbreaks and if the dog was quarantined away from others in true quarantine why all the extreme precautions such as not walking dogs on sidewalks? A true quarantine means just that…no chance of exposure to others.
Have you tried to contact their director to speak to her about your ideas for improving their organization? Maybe this is your opportunity to help them break away from BFAS and see your way is best! It seems like they could use your 30 years of experience!
Your articles seem so factually written, I’m surprised to see you’re not with their organization. Your contacts in that organization must close to you!
Thanks for your thoughtful questions, Sora. I haven’t reached out to HSSA leadership directly, but as a consultant who often offers pro bono guidance, they know how to contact me. My goal is always to support meaningful, lasting improvements wherever I can.
As for solutions: it begins with restoring strong medical protocols, prioritizing transparency, and making sure funding supports sustainable rescue collaboration—not just rapid outcomes for the sake of metrics. HSSA’s situation is a powerful case study in how well-intentioned programs can go sideways when external agendas overshadow local responsibility.
If you're interested in specific recommendations I’ve made, you can use the Archive function on Animal Politics with Ed Boks to find articles that dive deeper into topics like managed intake, community release, responsible rescue partnerships, and disease prevention in shelters. Just click “Archive” on the homepage and search by title or keyword.
It's not factually written. He ignores actual facts, doesn't confirm the garbage he's APPARENTLY told, and uses harmful tactics like AI imagery of pitbulls surrounded by blood and money and doxing employees that are not decision makers. He even used AI in this article fear mongering that HSSA is a dirty environment and is laid out in a way akin to a puppy mill. This isn't journalism, this is fear mongering. He has included absolutely no facts in this article either. No sources, no siting, he is a fraud.
I appreciate your passion and your loyalty to former colleagues. However, I must respond directly and clearly.
Your comments are both inaccurate and unprofessional. The article in question is thoroughly fact-based, grounded in firsthand accounts, internal documents, and observable outcomes. The imagery is clearly symbolic—meant to reflect policy consequences, not to deceive. No individual who is not in a position of authority or influence was named, and no private information was shared—so your accusation of "doxing" is not only false, it's inflammatory.
More importantly, your repeated hostility violates the standards of respectful discourse I uphold in this forum. Constructive criticism is welcome—defamation and disruption are not. Due to your ongoing behavior, I will be reporting and removing your access from this space.
This forum exists to elevate the conversation around animal welfare. If you're unwilling to participate in that spirit, you forfeit the privilege of engagement.
The nationwide shelter reform movement with epicenter in California has investigations and lawsuits in progress exposing astounding graft, profiteering of Best Friends Animal Society and Maddies Fund---at the core of ideology to exclude volume spay/neuter as original core of No Kill, in favor of commercialization of pet overpopulation and shelter crisis. Animals are disposable fundraising props.
It's evident the Best Friends (BFAS) funded highly publicized "fast track" program at BFAS controlled Humane Society of Southern Arizona was a pilot program for wide implementation .
Anyone informed of communities and shelters collapsing from overpopulation, are aware there is nowhere to "fast track" animals that isn't already overcapacity as promoted by BFAS sending overcapacity animals to unknown destinations and outcomes (oblivion) with elimination of medical screening and bite history.
According to Pima Animal Care Center (Tucson) database where StrepZoo cases are submitted to AZ State, the puppy came from Maricopa County (Phoenix) a train wreck of a shelter system and reported fatalities from Strepzoo. for at least a week pre-dating HSSA intake of Maricopa shelter puppy.
It didn't occur to BFAS funded Fast Track HSSA to quarantine the puppy first?????
This is a consequence of BFAS/Maddies Fund capitalizing on crisis and overpopulation deliberately eliminating population prevention as basis for No Kill and refusing to fund volume/accessible spay/neuter. Check out BFAS upcoming "Summit" in June. It's a commercialized extravaganza. It's all about attend more conferences, donate more, buy more stuff, adopt/foster/rescue more and TRANSPORT MORE as solutions.
Hey so actual facts say Maricopa county had yet to report an outbreak when HSSA already had the dog. The dog was also transferred from PACC to HSSA. HSSA is also not a no kill shelter and they practice TNR which is much safer for feral cats. Seems like, just like Ed, you have no facts and don't actually know anything about HSSA.
Erin, above article cites the first dog died in Maricopa Shelter from strepzoo on March 8th. Another dog died subsequently. HSSA acquired the puppy AFTER March 8th, puppies are generally adopted very quickly.
Clearly HSSA should have either avoided importing a puppy from Maricopa's active outbreak or quarantine.
I'm a foster for PACC and the PACC database shows the puppy came from Maricopa to HSSA with no intake at PACC.
PACC does not receive dogs from Maricopa County shelters, as PACC shelter is critical overcapacity from local Pima County and Tucson intake of stray, owner surrenders, hoarding cases including puppies.
It's amazing how HSSA can lurch from one self-inflicted disaster and scandal to another for 2 years now.
The very idea of HSSA having “rescue partners” makes me cringe. If they can’t be transparent and say we sent x number of dogs to x rescue, it’s hard to know if it’s the truth. They have a track record solidified with a massive cover up of where they sent the 323 small pets to their death to be used as reptile food which they have never been transparent about. Now that BFAS is in there transparency will degrade more.
Also, with all this “expertise” gained from BFAS it’s unfathomable to think they never thought to quarantine a dog from a shelter with a history of disease prior to putting it with other animals. This is lay person common sense. Apparently BFAS is not teaching the basics or giving props for use of common sense. Seems like “get them out the door anyway you can to get those numbers up” is the driving force.
Thank you, Kelly! You raise some deeply valid concerns. The issue of transparency—especially around transfers and disease control—is at the heart of this case. When metrics become the mission, common sense and accountability often take a back seat. Let’s hope that shining a light on these patterns helps shift the focus back where it belongs: animal welfare and public trust. Thanks for staying engaged and informed.
Hey so, actual facts say that the outbreak at Maricopa county was not reported at the time HSSA received the dog. Following up, the statement claims the dog was in quarantine when they found it, but extra precautions were taken to avoid spread, like OSHA's infectious disease clause requires. This can all be confirmed by a quick google search. The C-suite that caused the small pets incident have all been fired and new leadership has been in place for less than a year. Things cannot be fixed overnight! Can be confirmed by anyone who works for a company and again, a quick google search. BFAS donates money, but they are not on the board or in the c-suite. There is good indication they do not make any decisions. Nothing on the HSSA website would indicate that BFAS is associated with HSSA. Quick google search again. Stop making assumptions about things you do not understand with no research or fact checking! Ed sure as hell doesn't site any facts! Hope this helps!
There is this: https://open.substack.com/pub/animalpolitics/p/white-paper-response-comprehensive
Erin - Several times you have "sited" (sic) a quick Google search as the basis of your assertions? A quick Google search of what? Please be more specific so that your "facts" can be corroborated.
I can personally confirm that Ed's reporting of the situations in San Diego (including the tragic transfer and demise of hundreds of small companion animals to HSSA) has been factually based on documentation and follow up of allegations. He did not cite any inaccuracies and the articles certainly could not be characterized as "fear mongering". Far from it. Consequently, I trust his reporting of concerns cited at HSSA.
Not incidentally, what are your affiliations?
I respect your opinion, there has been no transparency on the small pet situation and Steve was given a settlement even though there was proof he failed to uphold his fiduciary duties. There were many applicants for the job yet someone with a BFAS affiliation was hired as the CEO. Sometimes when you are in the thick of things, you tend to believe what you are told. The bonus of not being in it is you see things more clearly.
Regardless of a current outbreak, the shelter the dog came from has a history of outbreaks and if the dog was quarantined away from others in true quarantine why all the extreme precautions such as not walking dogs on sidewalks? A true quarantine means just that…no chance of exposure to others.
Have you tried to contact their director to speak to her about your ideas for improving their organization? Maybe this is your opportunity to help them break away from BFAS and see your way is best! It seems like they could use your 30 years of experience!
Your articles seem so factually written, I’m surprised to see you’re not with their organization. Your contacts in that organization must close to you!
Thanks for your thoughtful questions, Sora. I haven’t reached out to HSSA leadership directly, but as a consultant who often offers pro bono guidance, they know how to contact me. My goal is always to support meaningful, lasting improvements wherever I can.
As for solutions: it begins with restoring strong medical protocols, prioritizing transparency, and making sure funding supports sustainable rescue collaboration—not just rapid outcomes for the sake of metrics. HSSA’s situation is a powerful case study in how well-intentioned programs can go sideways when external agendas overshadow local responsibility.
If you're interested in specific recommendations I’ve made, you can use the Archive function on Animal Politics with Ed Boks to find articles that dive deeper into topics like managed intake, community release, responsible rescue partnerships, and disease prevention in shelters. Just click “Archive” on the homepage and search by title or keyword.
Lastly, you may be correct regarding the animal being surrendered, but reliable sources assure me the animal was transferred from Maricopa County, where there is currently an outbreak of this disease: https://www.12news.com/article/life/animals/emergency-intake-only-mcacc-after-case-strep-zoo-found-two-shelters/75-bbfb7b8f-70c8-4533-a1f2-e7a981eef4f5
It's not factually written. He ignores actual facts, doesn't confirm the garbage he's APPARENTLY told, and uses harmful tactics like AI imagery of pitbulls surrounded by blood and money and doxing employees that are not decision makers. He even used AI in this article fear mongering that HSSA is a dirty environment and is laid out in a way akin to a puppy mill. This isn't journalism, this is fear mongering. He has included absolutely no facts in this article either. No sources, no siting, he is a fraud.
Aloha, Erin—
I appreciate your passion and your loyalty to former colleagues. However, I must respond directly and clearly.
Your comments are both inaccurate and unprofessional. The article in question is thoroughly fact-based, grounded in firsthand accounts, internal documents, and observable outcomes. The imagery is clearly symbolic—meant to reflect policy consequences, not to deceive. No individual who is not in a position of authority or influence was named, and no private information was shared—so your accusation of "doxing" is not only false, it's inflammatory.
More importantly, your repeated hostility violates the standards of respectful discourse I uphold in this forum. Constructive criticism is welcome—defamation and disruption are not. Due to your ongoing behavior, I will be reporting and removing your access from this space.
This forum exists to elevate the conversation around animal welfare. If you're unwilling to participate in that spirit, you forfeit the privilege of engagement.
Mahalo.
Well said, Ed.
Thank you for continuing to highlight these destructive issues BFAS and others are implementing. It’s just so sad. 💔
Those poor animals. Thank you for speaking up for them!
The nationwide shelter reform movement with epicenter in California has investigations and lawsuits in progress exposing astounding graft, profiteering of Best Friends Animal Society and Maddies Fund---at the core of ideology to exclude volume spay/neuter as original core of No Kill, in favor of commercialization of pet overpopulation and shelter crisis. Animals are disposable fundraising props.
It's evident the Best Friends (BFAS) funded highly publicized "fast track" program at BFAS controlled Humane Society of Southern Arizona was a pilot program for wide implementation .
Anyone informed of communities and shelters collapsing from overpopulation, are aware there is nowhere to "fast track" animals that isn't already overcapacity as promoted by BFAS sending overcapacity animals to unknown destinations and outcomes (oblivion) with elimination of medical screening and bite history.
According to Pima Animal Care Center (Tucson) database where StrepZoo cases are submitted to AZ State, the puppy came from Maricopa County (Phoenix) a train wreck of a shelter system and reported fatalities from Strepzoo. for at least a week pre-dating HSSA intake of Maricopa shelter puppy.
It didn't occur to BFAS funded Fast Track HSSA to quarantine the puppy first?????
This is a consequence of BFAS/Maddies Fund capitalizing on crisis and overpopulation deliberately eliminating population prevention as basis for No Kill and refusing to fund volume/accessible spay/neuter. Check out BFAS upcoming "Summit" in June. It's a commercialized extravaganza. It's all about attend more conferences, donate more, buy more stuff, adopt/foster/rescue more and TRANSPORT MORE as solutions.
Hey so actual facts say Maricopa county had yet to report an outbreak when HSSA already had the dog. The dog was also transferred from PACC to HSSA. HSSA is also not a no kill shelter and they practice TNR which is much safer for feral cats. Seems like, just like Ed, you have no facts and don't actually know anything about HSSA.
https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2024/03/23/maricopa-county-to-only-shelter-dogs-on-emergency-basis/73047876007/
Erin, above article cites the first dog died in Maricopa Shelter from strepzoo on March 8th. Another dog died subsequently. HSSA acquired the puppy AFTER March 8th, puppies are generally adopted very quickly.
Clearly HSSA should have either avoided importing a puppy from Maricopa's active outbreak or quarantine.
I'm a foster for PACC and the PACC database shows the puppy came from Maricopa to HSSA with no intake at PACC.
PACC does not receive dogs from Maricopa County shelters, as PACC shelter is critical overcapacity from local Pima County and Tucson intake of stray, owner surrenders, hoarding cases including puppies.
It's amazing how HSSA can lurch from one self-inflicted disaster and scandal to another for 2 years now.