I remember reading some years ago about problems with Birmingham-Jefferson County’s animal control facility, a private for-profit company called BJC Animal Control. At the time, there was an outcry about poor conditions and lack of accountability. And I thought, naive soul that I am, the problems would be addressed. Guess not.
In response to complaints from constituents, on January 21, 2009, Sharon Evans and Jeanette Brabston, both employed by Jefferson County Commissioner Jim Carns’ office, made an unannounced visit to the BJC Animal Control facility. Their account of what they observed was included in a February 3, 2009, press release intended to highlight what they considered to be unacceptable conditions at the facility.
They chronicled and photographed horrors like an injured dog left in its cage surrounded by blood and vomit, windowless holding rooms where the heat and stench were almost unbearable, and exhaust fans and hot water faucets marked “Do Not Use”. Cats and dogs were held in small cages and never taken out for any exercise (or, apparently, affection).