Submitted by Frances at: January 22, 2010
Thanks for posting this. It reminded me why I will no longer be sending money to the ASPCA.

Submitted by Dloris at: December 26, 2009
I do not believe any animal is unadoptable, I took a feral cat who the human society was going to kill. his name is cody and yes at first he was scared of everything. I put a bowl of food and water and a litter box in my master bath. I left the door open. at night I would hear him going in there and eating and using the littler box,now mind you I have 2 other cats and 2 dachshund. before 2 long he came oit in the living room and the others saw him and wanted to play with him, well to make a long story short cody was adoptable and has a wonderful time playing with his new friends. I say never put them to sleep find an old lady like me who has the love and patients to work with them. I do not donate to a kill facility's only no kill. oreo deserved a better chance, it did not take four or five months for him to learn to be affraid so why only give him that amount of time? like one person said aspca let greed determine oreo's fate and that is exactly why I only donate to a no kill facility. if I could I would take everyone of them

Submitted by Joy at: December 16, 2009
I haven't commented on this before now. Many of us were touched by Oreo and what her owner afflicted upon her.Is it any wonder that Oreo suffered emotionally and was scarred for life? Because of what her owner did, Oreo gave her all.I don't think anyone will ever forget her, but I also feel Oreo's death should not be in vain. I believe stricter laws should be applied to people who do these terrible things, plus stiffer fines.Not just a slap on the wrist and a fine.These people should be held accountable for their actions.I just felt heartsick at the out come,and at the same time, I feel like ASPCA did all they could do to save Oreo.

Submitted by Althea at: November 24, 2009
It was not an issue of Oreo being too psychologically damaged, or a pit bull, or injured, as some people would like to believe. Tragically, Oreo was TOO AGGRESSIVE to be safely handled, much less adopted. It's not her fault, and euthanasia was not intended as a punishment, but, sadly, to prevent her from harming anyone, or worse yet, being adopted and hurting her new owner, who might have retaliated against her physically.

Submitted by Mike Urciolo at: November 20, 2009
After reading all of the posts here, I see a lot of anger, most of which, I feel, is genuine, albeit misplaced. I have had cats and dogs all my life (I recently decided to adopt two kittens, but the shelter conned me into taking three) but the fact that I love them and make sure they are happy and loved doesn’t make me an expert on how to deal with psychologically damaged animals. There are experts for that, at the ASPCA, PETA, and various animal shelters throughout the country. Ladies and Gentlemen, none of you have mentioned what you do, so I assume that most of you have nothing to do with animal care outside your home. Perhaps some of you just love animals without having any. I am a retired computer tech who just spent 12 years working for the U.S. Government in Panama, Germany and Italy. In Panama, dogs, cats and raccoons are captured and eaten. There are no laws against it. In Germany dogs are revered and allowed to be brought into restaurants (I don’t particularly care for this – it’s not hygienic), and Italy is the worst. They keep their pets outside chained up (no cage for shelter) and give them no food or shelter for weeks at a time. I went with an Italian-speaking friend, first to the police to complain about this but they said no laws were being broken. We then sent to the Italian version of the ASPCA. My friend eloquently pleaded out case. The man listened attentively and sympathetically, but finally said, “We are overcrowded here, but you can bring in six cats and two medium sized dogs.” I asked “what will happen to them.” He shrugged and said, “Minimal medical attention, give them some food and water, bathe them if they let us, and try to adopt them out. “How long will you hold them” I asked? “Two days” was his response. “We need the room.” So things might not be perfect in the USA, but they are a LOT better here than in Europe or Central American countries. But blasting the ASPCA is so far off the mark, it’s dangerous. Perhaps a true “no-kill” policy might have been instituted if funds were there for that purpose. The cost of diagnostics, medical and dental care, food, proper housing play time, interaction with other animals and evaluation for each animal that gets “dumped” at the pound costs a lot of money, so they need to rely somewhat on donations to meet the bills. When the donations dry up in the recession we have all be suffering through, some animals more than others are deemed to be the best candidates for euthanasia. There is a letter from PETA in this section under Oreo’s death entitled, “Letter to the editor about Oreo from PETA” in which Theresa Lynn Chagrin defends the ASPCA and directs her anger at those responsible and those who do not neuter and spay their animals. If you haven’t done so yet, please read the letter from the American Pit Bull Association. Karen Bachelor apparently a spokesman for the Pit Bull Association says, “Your staff obviously suffers each time the battle is lost for such tragic cases.” Your staff obviously suffers each time the battle is lost for such tragic cases. Those of us who know and love Pit Bulls are very grateful that your organization has made such enormous efforts to rescue not just abused Pit Bulls but also their unfairly damaged reputation with your Adopt-a-Bull programmed and the information you have placed on your website to educate the public about the breed. It is heartening to see that your people are prepared to re-home these dogs where possible and give them a chance at the life they deserve. Hopefully your enlightened views and example of best practice will be followed around the world and we can see an end to the nightmare life so often suffered by the loyal Pit Bulldog. Kind Regards Karen Batchelor American Pit Bull Terrier Association Inc. New Zealand. PS – I have recently learned to love pit bulls, as I have been scared of them all my life. It just might be true that it’s not the breed but the breeder that makes them so ferocious. But the two I have recently met (a 9 year old adult female and a six month old male puppy) are the sweetest dogs I have met in years. I’ve renamed “Jessica” “Flopper” when I see her because she flops over on her back because she wants her tummy scratched. The puppy, who lives next door but I don’t know his name yet, will run up to me on his leash, jump in my arms and start licking my face. I always make a big fuss over it and say, “I have dog spit all over my face! Now when I go inside, the cats will attack me and rip my arms and legs off because I played with a DOG!” The kids always laugh because it is funny and meant in a funny way. Be that as it may, I still support the decision to euthanize Oreo. If you stop making contributions to the ASPCA or PETA or any local animal welfare shelter that says “we don’t kill animals” but sometimes they are forced to, and you put them out of business, you have won a small battle. But with the resources that these organizations have will be hurt, to be sure, and slowly at first and then more quickly, more services will disappear, and many more Oreo’s will have to be destroyed, without any of the evaluation necessary to see what the next best step is. I doubt if I will change any minds here, but I am going to “up” my contributions to the ASPCA – they did the right thing.

Submitted by Jessica at: November 20, 2009
Carol, you may be a librarian, but your critical reading skills are sub par. Where in that New York Times article did Sayres RECOMMEND killing the Vick dogs? In that piece, the dogs had not yet been evaluated and he was speaking in generalities. If you don't believe that the ASPCA's behaviorists helped save the Vick dogs, contact others who were involved, like Bad Rap, Best Friends or the U.S. Attorney and ask them what they think.

Submitted by traci at: November 19, 2009
I have seen no logical explanation as to why this dog needed to be put down. I'm not surprised she had psychological issues considering her owner was a sadistic fiend. So does this mean that anytime an animal is traumatized it should be put to sleep? How can ASPCA be an advocate for saving the lives of animals and then put one to sleep simply because she was CLEARLY psychologically damaged through no fault of her own. I just signed up as a Guardian and now I am considering stopping that. However, I don't think other animals should suffer because of the stupidity of Ed Sayres. Shame on you Mr Sayres. I hope your little stint here at ASPCA ends soon because of your reckless and thoughtless decision. You have created a black mark on an organization that has always been respected and supported by millions of people. You are disgusting. Speaking of disgusting. Does anyone know how we can lobby to get that S.O.B Fabian Henderson put in prison for a very long time? Let's all pray he gets what he deserves. He as a sadistic, evil, coward that takes out his OWN MENTAL ISSUES on a poor innocent animal. And you people who just listened while he beat this poor dog are just as guilty as he is and I hope you all-including FABIAN (bile builds in my throat just from saying his name)- die a slow painful horrible death one day.

Submitted by Carol at: November 19, 2009
To Jessica. My "homework" had uncovered the following statement: "Ed Sayres, the president of the A.S.P.C.A., said that because the case was so high profile, the GOVERNMENT [emphasis mine] had taken extra care to keep the dogs alive and save those that were safe enough to return to society. ''There is a low percentage of rehabilitation, but the potential is there,'' Sayres said in a telephone interview. ''I'd estimate that about 10 to 20 percent can be rehabilitated.'' Sayres said that an organization of pit bull owners, supporters and rescuers in San Francisco would send two of its case workers to assist in the evaluations that will start next week. The final report on how to proceed in regard to each dog is due by mid-September. Sayres said dogs seized in connection with a dogfighting ring were usually euthanized immediately." ''A lot of times there are not enough resources to manage all them,'' Sayres said. ''There is a low chance they are placed, and a lot of times they are euthanized.'' Since I am a librarian and know a bit about research, I will include the source of the information above: The New York Times, August 29, 2007; Section D; Pg. 5. "Not enough resources"? A resource was right there waiting to help.

Submitted by Susan Peterson at: November 19, 2009
I have to wonder if Oreo had not been a pit-bull mix would Ed Syres have given the dog to the other rescue league who begged for the ASPCA to give the dog to them. I am so disappointed in the ASPCA. With all the money (which I do donate to the ASPCA)better choices should have been made to save Oreo. Until the issue with Ed Sayres is resolved, I will not donate any more money to the ASPCA. Instead, I will donate to the rescue league that tried so hard for the ASPCA to give them Oreo. I am for the no kill shelters. They said they would let Oreo live out its life at the shelter. Why would you have a problem with that after all the money, time and effort made for surgeries and to make Oreo well again. I really am beginning to think a lot of money is being wasted at the ASPCA. So this email sounds harsh but a really bad choice was made.

Submitted by Jessica at: November 19, 2009
To Carol, regarding the Vick dogs: "Ummm," you recall wrong. Do your homework next time before you post ignorant, inflammatory comments.

Submitted by Terry at: November 19, 2009
Ed Sayres ignored the public who supports ASPCA and all attempts by Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary to take full responsibility for providing Oreo a second chance at learning what love and trust from the human race is all about. While I respect the good services that the ASPCA provides, my faith in the life and death decision making of this organization has been compromised by Mr. Sayres inability to listen to and work with others on behalf of animals such as Oreo. The goal of the ASPCA should be to save the lives of animals when there are options available. Mr. Sayles has failed this task miserably by ignoring public outcry and a reputable sanctuary who would have provided a better option for Oreo.

Submitted by Mark Seer at: November 18, 2009
Tip of the iceberg for ASPCA? I trusted you!...YOU were more than many of the others groups.

Submitted by Mark Hausauer at: November 18, 2009
The ASPCA can continue their important work ... without Sayres. As in corporate America, there needs to be accountability in "non-profit" America. The buck stops at Sayres' unfortunate decision to abandon and disregard the larger rescue community ... and Oreo.

Submitted by Karen Jobe at: November 18, 2009
I have given to this organization, on a monthly basis, for years and years. But after what has taken place with Oreo, I can not find it in my heart to ever give another penny to them, at least as long as ED SAYRES is president. Maybe after he is gone, I will start with my monthly donations again. I'm sickened by the decision that was made. I'm sickened by the whole organization now. I will now give my monthly donation that would have gone to the ASPCA, to a local organizaton.

Submitted by Adele C. at: November 18, 2009
I increased my monthly contribution today. Thanks, ASPCA, for all your hard work, and making tough decisions when you need to.

Submitted by Lulu at: November 18, 2009
Well said, LindaNYC!

Submitted by Lulu at: November 18, 2009
The ASPCA made the most compassionate decision for Oreo by affording her release from a cruel world where she'd suffered terribly and learned to trust virtally no one. I don't doubt that someone would have made Oreo's "rehabilitation" a project--and a fundraising tool. The dog was not meant to be a fundraiser. She was suffering. She was a liability to people and other animals. The ASPCA did its best to help her and ultimately made the kindest choice they could. Now Oreo is in heaven and the ASPCA has can focus limited resources and energies on another animal who actually has a chance for a happily-ever-after ending here on earth. RIP, Oreo.

Submitted by Stephanie Mansfield at: November 18, 2009
It would have been kinder to have euthanized Oreo when she was found, than to have put her through the agony of surgery and physical therapy, only to euthanize her. I am sickened at the choices you made for this poor animal, who relied on humans for compassion and in the end was ultimately given the same sentence her owner wanted for her; albeit a "kinder death". I think I will give more to individual shelters and cease to give to the ASPCA. If the ASPCA is the standard for animal treatment then I definitely do not want to support it.

Submitted by denise at: November 18, 2009
I say the Mayor's Alliance needs new leadership, but then we know how humane Mike Bloombucks is -- NOT! Jane Hoffman, get a grip, every animal is precious. You are justifying the unjustifiable by saying "hey, it's JUST one dog and the ASPCA does SOOOOOO much good." Please resign, jump out your window or do SOMETHING meaningful other than boot licking. Your mental processes are extremely flawed. Oreo did not have a chance, 5 mos is NOT sufficieint time to judge the future for a physically and psychologically injured animal. I am writing to the mayor and telling him how I feel about YOU and your mealy mouthed act. The Mayor's Alliance needs to be vastly different if you have no spine whatsoever and can write off a living breathing creature as you did. Jane, Jane shame on you. Quit today, make it a better week for everyone.

Submitted by James Miller at: November 18, 2009
Ed Sayres should be fired. It seems he is more interested in how much money he can make off of the lives of animals. How much does he earn off of the lives of animals anyway? Does anyone know?

Submitted by Jan at: November 17, 2009
This statement in no way justifies the needless killing of Oreo. Until the ASPCA becomes a "no-kill" shelter they are unworthy of the support that they are receiving. Millions of dollars to do this to an animal that was offered placement just 90 minutes from your killing hands? Seriously, only the completely naive could believe this. Why did Ed Sayres choose to kill her and WASTE 6 hours deliberately avoiding all requests to turn her over to QUALIFIED hands? In half the time he wasted dodging phone calls, ignoring e-mails and refusing to speak to Pets Alive he could have DRIVEN to Middletown to see for himself that the option offered to Oreo was much better than death.

Submitted by Linda NYC at: November 17, 2009
The greatest thing you can do to honor Oreo's memory is to assist the ASPCA in their attempts to help law enforcement bring people like Fabian Henderson to justice. If you really want to walk the walk, take time on DEC 1st and show up for Mr. Henderson's sentencing on DEC 1st in NYC and let the District Attorney know that you are there in support of Oreo.

Submitted by Bobbie Galford at: November 17, 2009
I can't believe Ed Sayres could possibly think this was a decent or moral decision or the right thing to do for Oreo. It is time for Ed and his merry thugs who obviously have lost sight of their role and responsibilitis on behalf of the ASPCA to step down or be fired.

Submitted by Mary Hardy at: November 17, 2009
I am shocked and upset each time an animal on the care of the ASPCA, an organization to which I contribute, makes the decision to kill an animal. Other humane organizations have proven that dogs deemed "unadoptable" because of questionable tests, can be rehabilitated and live happy lives with a family. Why is the ASPCA not a "no kill" shelter?

Submitted by kathleen campbell at: November 17, 2009
I think that maybe the ASPCA should take another hard look at the "man in charge" Ed Sayres, the President. It seems to me that if the founder Henry Bergh was alive to hear this story he would have NOT taken the same steps. why was she given poison? She didn't get a fair loving chance even in her death. I took a look at the websit again and i saw the "Donte" request this time more than ever. I hope and pray that the greed factor hasn't taken over the ASPCA. money is needed to do for the animals but should NEVER be the driving force in rescue. I won't be able to give to this organazation until this is resolved with the current President. thank you.