Compassion Watch on Prince George's CTV

Via PGFF:

There is a link between the various forms of cruelty -- spouse abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, and animal abuse. They all result from a lack of respect for living creatures, be they companion animals or our fellow humans. We at Prince Georges Feral Friends, SPCA, think that there is a good reason why Prince George's County has the second highest rate of crime in the state, and one of the highest kill rates in the country in our Animal Management facility. The new public access TV program, "Compassion Watch" will soon be hosting Dr. Ken Shapiro, CEO of the Animals and Society Institute, who will explain "The Link" between animal cruelty and other forms of violence.

Prince George's County sets a very bad example by showing little regard for the life of the animals or the citizens. For the second time in two years the contractor at the Animal Management Division facility has chosen NOT to renew their contract because of the county has failed to allow them to accomplish their mission of saving animals, increasing adoptions, reducing the kill rate, working with the community, etc. According to the County Budget 2007, the number of animals handled at that facility is increasing by about 2,000 every year and the percentage of those animals handled that are adopted into homes is decreasing -- now at about 11%. At the same time, by simply changing policies, Suzanne Kogut, director of the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, an open admission shelter, increased their adoption rate from about 10% to over 90% in less than two years. Suzanne will also be a guest on a future program and will explain what she did to turn their failing shelter around.

Meet citizens of Prince George's County who have been harassed by Animal Management Division employees, accused of violations of non-existent laws, and fined thousands of dollars, simply for exercising compassion for homeless animals. Hear about what it is like to experience a hearing before the Commission for Animal Control, where the Animal Control Statute and even the Commission's own Rules of Procedure take a back seat.

You will also learn useful information from Christina Chambreau, DVM, author of "The Healthy Animal's Journal", who will explain some of the early signs of disease that can help you to keep your companion animal healthy.

... all this and lots more -- to teach compassion by promoting the positive experience of the human-animal bond.

"Compassion Watch" has been provided free of charge to Prince George's CTV as well as thirteen municipalities who requested it. Check their schedules to see when it is being aired. (emphasis mine)

PGFF has additional details on Compassion Watch here.