Texas Sheriff Bans Photography Of Shelter Animals

July 4, 2011 @ 5:05PM

Texas Sheriff Bans Photography Of Shelter Animals

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A Texas sheriff has banned photography of animals housed in the county shelter for the sole reason that it makes them look like they’re in jail.

As a result, animal adoptions at the Wise County animal shelter have dropped by more than two-thirds, meaning the animals will remained caged and eventually put to sleep.

The ban mostly affects rescue groups that regularly would take photos of the animals to post them on Facebook pages or email lists, according to CBS Dallas.

Wise County Sheriff David Walker said the only people allowed to take photos of the animals are those employed by the shelter.

The problem is, they apparently have other duties because they are not posting the photos as regularly as the rescue groups did.

According to the sheriff's website, animals that are not adopted after three days are liable to be euthenized.

Due to overcrowding in our animal shelter, and limited funds, it becomes necessary to put unclaimed animals to sleep. Texas law requires that an animal be held 3 days prior to euthanization. However, some animals at the shelter are available for adoption.

Complicating matters is the fact that the shelter changed the name of its Facebook page from Wise County Animal Shelter to Wisecounty Animalshelter, making it more difficult to find in a simple Google search.

Below is a picture and bio of Sheriff Walker.

David Walker was elected Sheriff in 2004 and took office January 1, 2005. David has been with the Sheriff's Department since 1992, beginning in the Communication Division. After graduating from the police academy in 1993, David transferred to Patrol. After serving 2 years in Patrol, David was transferred to CID as an Investigator and was later promoted to Lieutenant over the Investigation Division. David was promoted to Enforcement Captain in October of 1998 and Chief Deputy in 2004.

Walker obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice in 1995. He currently holds an Advance Peace Officer Certification. In October of 1999, Sheriff Walker graduated from the Quantico F.B.I. National Academy. He has obtained his TCLEOSE Instructor's Certification, Chemical Weapons Certification, and numerous hours of continuing education in various areas of law enforcement. Walker was named "Patrolman of the Year" in 1994 and "Officer of the Year in 1996". He has received numerous commendations from both Federal and Area Law Enforcement Agencies.

Comments

Duane Kerzic

10 months ago

Sounds like the Sheriff has accomplished his goals. With adoptions way off the workers at the shelter are too busy euthanizing animals to take photos of the animals that look like they are in jail and have the animals adopted. Nothing like creating your own overcowding problem.

Why would anyone change their facebook page name like that unless they didn't want to be found.

Jake Stichler -...

10 months ago

Just checked out their Facebook, and apparently they have already begun allowing pictures of the animals, just only in designated places.

Staged pictures are better than no pictures, and to be honest, the ASPCA has been running commercials with shots of their animals up for adoption, still in the cages, and it really does look bad. However, I think seeing the cute little kitty cat behind bars would make one want to adopt it even more, so that it's not caged up any longer.

Hazza

10 months ago

This is exactly why you do not allow people to make arbitrary decisions because they think it is a good idea, it could very well have the complete opposite effect than they want.

joe

10 months ago

maybe he gives them to the chinesse restraunt and making kickbacks ha

A_Lad_Insane

10 months ago

Was this sherriff bitten on the butt or something?... the pictures are generally intended to look sad, to make you feel sorry for the animal involved and, y'know.. ADOPT THEM!

Some people, I swear they just make up regulations to justify their paycheque.

Phred

10 months ago

Under what authority does the sheriff have the power to ban photos? Does the sheriff's office run the animal shelter?

Rance

10 months ago

According to the facebook page, the animal shelter is employed by the sheriff's office, yet technically the taxpayers run it. Most shelters I have come across are operated by a community board of directors (all volunteers usually), and major decisions like this one are taken to a vote. It doesn't appear that happened in this case however, and it makes Sheriff David Walker look like a complete asshole (which is likely an understatement).

Happy Tinfoil Cat

10 months ago

"He would not release numbers on how many animals come in each month and how many are adopted and euthanized..."

Sounds like they have something to hide. No number, no photos, hmmmmmmmm. I wouldn't be shocked that a Texas sheriff just didn't care and was trying to hide his ineptness.

Shawn Wright

10 months ago

How does the sheriff even have the authority to do this? There's nothing criminal in taking photos of animals in shelters unless one trespasses to do so, and the rescue groups apparently weren't, so the sheriff needs to butt out and let the shelter handle its' own affairs.

Richard Townsend

10 months ago

I don't know anything about the sheriff and I'm not a big fan of most law enforcement but this bad decision doesn't make him an evil man. This is a mistake that can be rectified, unlike the numerous murders of "humans" by law enforcement around the country. Until this man or his men start murdering people I will reserve judgement on his character. Bad decisions are made by everyone at one time or another, even good people.

Bergman

10 months ago

True. What would make him an evil man is refusing to rectify it once his mistake is pointed out.