Two years ago this week, the Shelby County Sheriff's Department and the ASPCA raided Memphis Animal Services, better known — ironically — as the Shelter. In addition to filth and overcrowding, investigators found ailing and injured animals, and three dogs near death from starvation.
On Thursday, October 27th, at 7 p.m., a candlelight gathering, at the new MAS building at 2350 Appling, will commemorate this tragic event, It's sponsored by SOSMEMPHIS.COM (Save Our Shelter).
Although the raid resulted in 16 counts of felony animal cruelty against the shelter administrator, Ernest Alexander, as well as the veterinarian and kennel supervisor, no case has appeared in court. That's right: Two years later, thanks to one continuance after another, these actions have not been tried or punished.
SOS spokespeople are urging others to join the vigil. They remind concerned citizens that one of the puppies who starved to death was named Justice, and that the community is still waiting to see justice carried out in court. Says longtime animal advocate Cindy Sanders: "It is vital for the public to send a clear, strong message to the Attorney General and law enforcement that we support the full and complete prosecution of this case. That we will NOT tolerate animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect. That we will not go away. That we will not forget."
For more information go to SOSMEMPHIS.COM. Participants are asked to bring candles to the vigil.
