Victory! Miami-Dade Animal Services Director Resigns, Activists Hope for No Kill Future

by Stephanie Feldstein · 2011-08-05 14:57:00 UTC
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Dr. Sara Pizano, the Director of Miami-Dade Animal Services, officially resigned from her position on August 4, following months of protests and controversy. Local animal advocates are celebrating what they hope will be a new day for Miami-Dade's animals.

Not only do shelter records reflect that more than 114,000 animals were killed during Dr. Pizano's tenure, but several documented reports of alleged neglect and abuse plagued the taxpayer-funded facility.

Dahlia Canes, Founder and Director of Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation (MCABSL), said, "While we wish Dr. Sara Pizano the best of luck on her next project, we are also ecstatic and hopeful for a bright new future for the animals. It's been a long fought journey, attempting to save dogs and cats from a decrepit shelter and a Director who not only did not embrace No Kill, but supported breed specific legislation."

No Kill Nation's Founder, Debi Day, said, "This could be the new start Miami-Dade Animal Services needed. A change in leadership at MDAS was long overdue."

MCABSL and No Kill Nation are among several local groups and advocates passionate about improving the situation at MDAS. Others include Miami Voice, Underdog, Heidy's Legacy, Rugaz Rescue, Hialeah Council President Isis Martinez, Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz, and countless others who have been tirelessly fighting for change.

The local activists were supported by people across the country who made phone calls and sent emails, including more than 7,000 members of Change.org who signed the petition calling for Dr. Pizano's resignation.

In March, County Mayor Carlos Alvarez was ousted in a landslide recall vote, closely followed by the resignation of County Manager George Burgess. The political shake-up in Miami-Dade County helped add political pressure to Dr. Pizano, although she notes that the new mayor did not ask her to resign.

The coalition of Miami-Dade activists is urging the county to replace Dr. Pizano with a progressive and compassionate director who believes in the No Kill vision.

In a joint press release from MCABSL and No Kill Nation, the groups write: "The No Kill movement has demonstrated victories in many states and counties across the country by following a proven lifesaving program known as the No Kill Equation. Nothing is stopping Miami-Dade County from achieving this same success, other than the lack of a shelter director willing to implement the proven No Kill policies contained within the No Kill Equation. Effective leadership is the crucial first step on the road to reaching the 90 percent-plus lifesaving rate indicative of a No Kill shelter."

There's no shortage of community support in Miami-Dade County for saving the lives of homeless pets. A few months ago, citizens stepped up to rescue more than 500 animals when the shelter temporarily shut down due to disease outbreak.

Photo credit: jeffreyw

Stephanie Feldstein is a Change.org Editor who has been part of the animal welfare and rescue community for over a decade, and most recently worked for an environmental organization.

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