Humane Society declines interview

ANYA TIKKA
Posted 1/17/18

DEERPARK, NY — The Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark denied a request by The River Reporter for an interview in the wake of allegations that the facility allows the adoption of …

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Humane Society declines interview

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DEERPARK, NY — The Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark denied a request by The River Reporter for an interview in the wake of allegations that the facility allows the adoption of aggressive and possibly dangerous dogs to unsuspecting customers.

Joanne Vicaretti, the shelter’s president wrote in an email message, “Thank you for contacting the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark… While we appreciate your asking for information, we must decline the interview. We will however be releasing a statement in the future and if you would like, we would be happy to share it with you when we do.”

Earlier reports by the television news operation News12 said the board and staff in the shelter were aware of the possible danger of unsuitable dogs up for adoption, but they let adoptions go ahead. Ex-director Lee Curtis said she knew of two dogs that were allowed to be adopted even after they bit people, and the board turned a blind eye to the issue. One of the consequences was a toddler suffered bites to the face, and Curtis herself was attacked by some dogs. Curtis claims she was fired after she tried to have the dangerous dogs put down.

However, others have come forward to say the opposite. Chrissy Beach wrote online, “I don’t believe this at all; it seems like a disgruntled ex-employee. Myself and my 9-year-old personally volunteered and was [sic] alone with and wrestling kissing many of the dogs including archer who is in the above picture. Hardly a vicious dog. Loving and caring is all I can say about the people who run the shelter.”

But there have been various comments in published reports on both sides of the issue. The Humane Society of Port Jervis/ Deerpark’s website includes a statement about its mission. It states, “At the Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark we are passionate about ensuring the protection and welfare of all animals in need. This passion is the Mission of our service and the legacy that was left to us by our founder Robert Kleinstuber. Robert began the shelter in 1959 as a memorial to his beloved dog, Jeff. His hard work paved the way for the Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark. This spirit is what drives us each day to do the best we can for the good of all animals.”

The organization contracts with 10 municipalities in Orange and Sullivan counties, providing dog impound services, and, depending on space availability,  providing intake services for residents on a state by state basis.

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