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Changes Come For Sumner Co. Animal Shelter

Animals Being Euthanized By Questionable Method

POSTED: 6:35 pm CST December 10, 2007
UPDATED: 7:42 pm CST December 10, 2007

The euthanasia video that sparked outrage in and shock around the world is again the focus in Sumner County.

There are proposed changes at the Sumner County Animal Shelter following an I-Team investigation last month.

The I-Team found through an undercover video that Sumner County veterinarian Dr. William Baber was using the heart shot method to euthanize animals at the shelter. The shot, which is prohibited by the shelter’s own policy, is a questionable method of euthanasia and is only supposed to be used once an animal is sedated.

The video seen by the I-Team shows fully conscious animals being given the heart shot by Baber. A trustee who worked at the shelter said the animals would scream and stumble or run until they died. Experts said the method is wrong. The I-Team’s video sparked outrage nationwide. Baber didn't deny what went on but said he's doing nothing wrong. "There's a difference between shelter medicine and veterinary medicine. It ain't pretty,” he said. He referred all questions to Sumner County Executive Hank Thompson, who hired him.

On Monday night, county commissioners heard proposals on possible changes at the shelter.

A letter from County Executive Hank Thompson refers to “the national embarrassment to our county.” Thompson is the person who hired and fired Baber.

An inspection team was formed for the shelter as a result of the investigation. Another proposal was to reorganize the staff at the shelter and to appoint a person to oversee euthanasias.

Animal advocates said they were happy about the proposed changes but also want the shelter’s director fired.

“If he neglected to oversee these procedures, he should be terminated. If he was aware of the improper procedures and allowed this to continue for three years, he should be terminated,” said advocate Peg Olea.

Outraged citizens were dressed in red for the meeting.


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