We all make mistakes. The important thing is to acknowledge them and try to set things right. Which is why we’re handing out both bouquets and brickbats to both sides in a recent dust-up between IACC and other members of the Indianapolis animal welfare community.
Recently, interim IACC director Spencer Moore informed area rescue groups of a new set of rules for pulling animals from the city shelter. Many rescue groups took offense at the changes, and Humane Society of Indianapolis CEO John Aleshire, who also represents the Animal Welfare Alliance, took Moore to task in a long and angry e-mail.
The tone of Aleshire’s e-mail is condescending and implies that Moore discounts the contribution of rescue groups. It hints that Moore, who was IACC administrator in the ‘90s, is less than competent and should be asking others, specifically the Animal Welfare Alliance, how to do his job. That’s insulting.
Moore is owed an apology by Aleshire for this attack.
That being said, however, Aleshire brings up some valid points that also need to be considered.
The new rules for rescue groups were simply sent out in a blunt e-mail with no explanation of why the changes were made or what they seek to accomplish. The tone of this communication seems to suggest that the rescues may be less than responsible and must be told and guided step-by-step by IACC staff. It’s not surprising that many in the rescue community took offense.
The rescue groups are owed an explanation by interim director Moore as to why the changes were made.
Members of some long-time rescues have indicated that some of the policy adjustments are actually in the animals’ best interest. Nevertheless, those reasons need to be communicated. You can’t expect people to know what you’re thinking if you don’t tell them.
Rescue and/or advocacy groups shouldn’t be made to feel they’re being treated as less than partners in the animal welfare effort.
So let’s check the egos, ladies and gentlemen, and start over. Rescue organizations, IACC, and the Animal Welfare Alliance should all be on the same team with the same goal:
…what’s best for the animals.