Melanie “Scary Spice” Brown came to the Long Beach Animal Shelter last week to tape an episode of a lighthearted TV contest called The Singing Office—at about the same time City Manager Pat West announced he had accepted the resignation of the shelter’s top officer, suspended one of its employees and launched an investigation into charges of animal mistreatment at the facility.

West’s April 8 announcement confirmed the major findings of an April 3 District Weekly story documenting procedural breakdowns, plummeting employee morale and staffing shortages. The District investigation followed a shelter employee’s tip, and was based on another employee’s complaint of animal cruelty.

The March 15 report by registered veterinary technician Christine Culhno of Long Beach Animal Control describes an incident in which an untrained officer used a rabies pole to drag an out-of-control pit bull from its holding pen. The report alleges the officer inadvertently choked the dog until blood gushed from its mouth and nose.

“The dog was flipping around and fighting so much that my syringe needle bent and I had to replace it before administering the drug,” Culhno wrote in a formal complaint. “I lost my footing on a pool of blood as I walked across the room.”

The scene was so exceptionally gruesome that, when the dog was finally euthanized, workers hosed blood off floors, walls, doors, cages and cabinets in the euthanasia room, the complaint alleges.

West said “management issues” and “breakdowns in protocol and procedure” led to the inhumane deaths of the pit bull and a feral cat. A former shelter officer told The District that the accidental euthanization of another dog due to misidentification was not a unique event.

West promised several big changes are already underway. Long Beach Animal Control facility manager Wesley Moore resigned April 7; days earlier, city officials suspended shelter employee Victor Martinez for alleged animal cruelty involving the March 13 killing of the pit bull.

West said he’s asked an outside investigation firm to evaluate the shelter’s managers, and has temporarily hired two senior staff officials, along with Belmont Shore vet Dr. Loren Eslinger. She started April 7.

Lt. Michelle Quigley will act as the bureau manager until Roger Hatakeyama, a former shelter manager who helped design the shelter, returns next week to deal with employee and internal issues. West says he has asked Long Beach city audit manager John Keisler to deal with more “bureaucratic responsibilities.”

The high-profile press conference didn’t answer all questions. For several months, the shelter has been short at least six staff—an issue West said was unrelated to funding.

The staffing shortage may explain why several shelter employees tell The District they’re overworked and that morale is in freefall. Former officer Carey Macy said he left the facility in October because he could no longer work in “an operation run by fear.”

“Managers would elevate their voices, use intimidation, change your words, and have scapegoats,” Macy said. “They [managers] do a really good job about finding a scapegoat which covers up the problem that management caused to begin with.”

By October, he was “physically sick when thinking about going to work,” he said, and sometimes so overworked that he could barely stand.

Other employees described being forced to work night shifts with little training, and then required to return for yet another shift less than eight hours later. They asserted the shelter operated without key written policies or procedures, and illegally euthanized animals and administered medication without oversight.

Acting facility manager Michelle Quigley did not respond to several requests for comment.

“I can’t look you in the eye and tell you why this has happened,” West said. “It’s something the investigation team will have to look into.”

Nor is it clear whether television can resolve this crisis in just 60 minutes. The Singing Office episode featuring the animal shelter—a show designed, Scary Spice says, to give “people a break from their everyday lives to have some fun with their co-workers”—is scheduled for June broadcast on TLC.

Tags: animal cruelty, long beach animal shelter, the singing office, TV

COMMENTS

1

If you don’t like LBAC, use your two feet http://nedthetoothpick.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?... and walk away. Then go and try to get some taxpayer cash by contacting some legal beagle. That’s your ticket.

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Posted By These boots are made for walking on April 16th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
2

ned’s shelter thread is dying a slow death even sweetannie the dear she is seems to have pushed it towards bottom

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Posted By oh wonderdoggie on April 16th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
3

I hate going on repeat here, news usually gets old and stale. I have fought for 2 yrs to make the public aware of Quigley’s wicked cruelty towards helpless defenseless animals.I have personally seen that little retard(Quigley’s playtard) named Edwards poke dogs viciously with sticks, and Quiggles denying that it ever happened.I have seen Quigley tell bold faced lies and get caught redfaced and even admitte jokingly in our faces that she has no ethics.I have even seen her at a hearing to get a dog killed and go into a three yr old style tantrum when the hearing was’nt going the way she wanted it to.
When Noahs Ark was busted by Quigley I witnessed again the rage ,psychosis and grandious behavior that is Quigley’s trademark.Tazering 13 yr olds, elderly people in handcuffs?Lying to get dogs killed,clearly this is not somebody who should be playing thug for a day as manager of LBAC.
For those of you who think those of us posting here are a bunch of kooks, no we are not going away until Quigley is fired and never allowed to be near anyones pets.This is for my two dogs who were murdered by Quigley and all the other dogs/cats past and present who did’nt get to live thier lives because of Quigley’s sadistic love of killing pets.

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Posted By Banes Mom on April 16th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
4

Four volunteers of a no-kill animal shelter who claimed to have been victimized during a police raid lost their lawsuit Tuesday after a federal jury found no evidence to support their claims. Seyhan Vergun and three other plaintiffs had argued that police unlawfully detained them and used excessive force against them outside Noah’s Ark Animal Rescue, 1333 Redondo Ave., in August 2006. Vergun’s daughter, Alexia Tiraki-Kyrklund, owned the shelter and was convicted last year of abusing more than 150 dogs in her care. She is now in prison. The U.S. District Court jury took about an hour to deliver its verdict following a five-day trial before Judge F. James Otero. Deputy City Attorneys Monte Machit and Cristyl Meyers, who defended the case on behalf of the accused Long Beach police officers, argued that the plaintiffs - Vergun, two men and a 13-year-old boy - had concocted the tales of detention and abuse. The only interaction the officers had with the volunteers was asking them for their identification, he said. “Absolutely no force was used,” Machit said after Tuesday’s verdict. “The detention was absolutely reasonable in light of all the strange and unusual circumstances. And, as it turns out … Ms. Kyrklund was arrested later that day for felony animal cruelty.” “This case,” Machit added, “was really about just very good police work.” While Animal Control authorities carried out the raid, it was a Long Beach police officer, Karen Dougherty, who alerted them to the problem. She had been responding to a silent-alarm call next door when she noticed a stench of urine and ammonia emanating from the shelter, Machit said. Vergun was parked outside at the time, he said, and immediately began accusing Dougherty of harassing shelter employees. Vergun, as well as volunteers Estaban Toribio, Jorge Casique and Angel De Luna claimed they were detained for an hour on the hot cement. The men said they were thrown against a car and manhandled, and De Luna claimed that Dougherty had used a stun gun on him. He later acknowledged that she had not actually used the stun gun, but rather had threatened the group with it. …

presstelegram.com

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Posted By you've got that wrong on April 16th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
5

The public is not that stupid to believe what is printed Long Beach Press telegram verbatim/word for word is the gospel truth..Like wise Long Beach post.

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Posted By Banes Mom on April 16th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
6

don’t believe it, read the court transcript.

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Posted By read the transcript then on April 16th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
7

if press telegram is lying then the four should sue for $$$$$$$$$$$$$ for libel. hire larry h parker

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Posted By if pt lied on April 16th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
8

i wonder how many disabled people reading find it offensive when you use the word retard

says a great deal about you

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Posted By by the way on April 16th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
9

Heather, it’s no wonder Quigley won’t answer your questions. She’ll prance around all day for the buffoons at the Press-Telegram or Long Beach Reports, but when someone does some real investigating, Quigley clams up.

You are doing wonders for the animals by going after the truth. As you know, you have just scratched the surface. Please keep going with this story. You are doing a terrific job!

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Posted By Quigleygate on April 16th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
10

Ok Ok already. What I want to know is did the investigation start yet? I don’t want to know what is being discussed, but has it started? It’s been about two weeks and I haven’t heard that one person has been talked to by this outside investigation team! What’s the hold up? Is Quigley holed up in her office distroying evidence that could incriminate her? I don’t understand why she is allowed to stay on the LBAC, when Moore was let go so quickly. She was the voice in his ear and just as responsible for what has happened to the department. Wes has resigned, an officer may lose his job, our RVT may not be able to do hers, a Lieutenant resigns, we have 5 other’s who left in 6 months and Quigley is stills sitting on her throne, with no consequence? Why isn’t she suspended? You mean to tell me there is no one who can run the daily operations but her in this whole city? Come on now-are you all buying this? Something sounds fishy to me! LBAC are you all still out there? This is not ok, you all know that something isn’t adding up with this “impartial” investigation. Moral is in a “free fall” is an undertatement! Injury is sure to happen to more employees as LBAC now has implemented mandatory overtime! Everyone is tired, and we want something done NOW!

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Posted By Rachel on April 16th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
11

quit

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Posted By dont like the overtime on April 16th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
12

what, they bring in scary spice in for a little office fun? how odd. who was taking care of all the animals if so short staffed? another attempt to move the spotlight. isnt quiglet scary enough for them? id rather hear more why employees left, especially from moore. more Carey, less Scary! maybe Bozo will visit next.

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Posted By slaughtergate on April 16th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
13

The District Weekly needs to be commended for exposing the dirty truth about LBAC! And thank you to Heather for writing another right on story - the dirty little truth is coming out about Quigley and the others, finally! The corruptness that occured with of the raid at Noah’s Ark and continues to this day with Alex still being in prison needs to come out.
Long Beach please get Quigley out of there during this investigation so that the animals have a chance.
Quigley needs to go…….she kills…. no more please!

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Posted By The Truth Will Free U LB! on April 17th, 2008 at 1:33 am
14

Just so y’all know, the show was there for the SPCA’s employees and not for LBAC. Two separate entities. SPCA is private while LBAC is a government agency.

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Posted By Monica on April 17th, 2008 at 5:55 am
15

Monica, the SPCA does not inclued the LBAC in anything. This is not a “partnership”. The stray animals are not included in anything either. They do not get the “SPCA” type of care at all. You know like food, water, bedding, shelter, vet care. How many times did the SPCA employees complain to LBAC about the care of the animals? Pretty much everyday. Why did it go on for so long? SPCA took no action. I guess they are two different entities.

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Posted By Great Partnership on April 17th, 2008 at 7:56 am
16

Unfortunatly the press telegram has bunches of people in the comment section infected with the Quiggy virus,these comatose souls brain stem detached,symptoms include but are not limited to mumbling and gurgling the wonders of Quiggles hard work and dedication to LBAC.
Thank you the district weekly for printing the truth about the horrors of LBAC.
Quigley needs to Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooo…….

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Posted By Quigititis encephyitis on April 17th, 2008 at 9:35 am
17

They can have the PT, that publication is for corrupt, lying government workers. The articles that they write are fiction and full of BS. “Q” virus is easily eradicated with a can of raid.

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Posted By Outbreak at LBAC on April 17th, 2008 at 9:56 am
18

if you dont like press telegram or lbpost reporting wonderdog has posted over at nedthetoothpick.com and the thread is absolutely dying on the vine. why is that, do you not care about LBAC

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Posted By to the so called truth on April 17th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
19

The comments are dying here and on the PT. Everyone is sick from the disease listed in #16. The queen bee probably advised them to shut their mouths because they will inhale raid.

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Posted By Outbreak at LBAC on April 17th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
20

spcaLA and Long Beach Animal Control are in partnership to care for all animals.

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Posted By george on April 17th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
21

george, I think you posted your comment on the wrong site. This is a non-fictional publication. You want the press telegram.

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Posted By Outbreak at LBAC on April 17th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
22

wonderdoggie - waiting for some more cow pies to be posted

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Posted By where is on April 17th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
23

Weeding out the deadbeat workers, giving the crazy NA people something to rant about. How’s that class action lawsuit going…oh yeah the judge through it out too…HA HA All’s great in the LBAC.

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Posted By Business as usual in the LBAC on April 17th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
24

the pope! wonder-where are you.bwhahahaha!

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Posted By and dont forget on April 18th, 2008 at 6:17 am
25

hows class action coming along

reminder to them to beat on your chest and jump up and down

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Posted By to the naar minions on April 18th, 2008 at 6:53 am
26

For 23, 24 & 25 - Since you have nothing worthwhile to contribute, why don’t you post at the Press Telegram? They like that sort of thing.

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Posted By Quigleygate on April 18th, 2008 at 9:40 am
27

QUIGLEY MUST GO! QUIGLEY MUST GO! QUIGLEY MUST GO!

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Posted By The "Q" Virus on April 18th, 2008 at 10:02 am
28

Is Quigleygate the same person who mentioned Lobstergate in the previous article? If it is , You Rock!!!!

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Posted By moorescoop on April 18th, 2008 at 10:53 am
29

Quigleygate says since you have nothing worthwhile to contribute, why don’t you post at the press Telegram? they like that sort of thing.

Response - because you and naar minions are already over there or at lbpost or at nedthetoothpick.com

why don’t you and the minions go over to groups.msn.com/whatisyourpoint2 . that place is where naar minions belong. send our greetings to aspoiledprincess for when she returns there.

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Posted By calling all naar minions, naar minions please on April 18th, 2008 at 11:20 am
30

If any of you would like your points of view published in The District’s print issue–and would be willing to sign your real names–please send your letters to one of these email addresses:
letters@thedistrictweekly.com
or
dave@thedistrictweekly.com
I need them by 5 pm today….
Thanks,
Dave Wielenga

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Posted By Dave Wielenga on April 18th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
31

lbac is a very caring, loving shelter and don’t let anyone tell you anything different

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Posted By tell the truth and nothing but truth on April 18th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
32

Make sure Quigley STAYS!

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Posted By LBAC is great on April 18th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
33

Quigley earned the horrible reputation she has–by her own actions.

She reported to the Press Telegram in December that she is burned out–that she questioned her career choice (so do many). What is she still doing there?

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Posted By Quigleygate on April 18th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
34

burned out from having to deal with the naar minions no doubt not burned out from working, living and caring for the animals she is in charge of

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Posted By Bull on April 18th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
35

Caring for animals, ha ha ha. That’s a good one, Bull. Wow does your name suit you!

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Posted By Quigleygate on April 18th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
36

i know - i constantly am calling you on it
keep up the fantastic work you do m quigley

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Posted By Bull on April 18th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
37

Tonya….come out come out where every you are…….your career is over…start back on your meds….

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Posted By george on April 18th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
38

me thinks that the michelle followers are scared and panicking lately on this board. boy are they posting real silly things. long beach animals doesn’t need the killer happy female any longer. and the silly believers boy are they in for a surprise when their leader is exposed…. finally.

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Posted By me thinks on April 18th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
39

Hey bro…you seen that too,desparate and crazy because Quiggy and the others are scared they are going to lose that life-time guarranteed employment endless benifits and that bloated pension that they think they are entitled to.They shoot down comments on Press telegram and praise the lord for the glories in the name of their God The great Quiggy monster.

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Posted By jan.hjorth on April 18th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
40

You’re right, me thinks, the Quigladites started out dumb, and they’re just getting dumber. The never have any facts–just a lot of baiting and mindless rallying around Quigley.

Maybe one of them can come up with an excuse why Quigley won’t talk to The District Weekly. Afraid of some tough questions maybe?

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Posted By Quigleygate on April 18th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
41

Correction: They never have …

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Posted By Quigleygate on April 18th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
42

arent commenting on wd’s thread why is that

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Posted By neddites on April 18th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
43

As you can see I was willing to get published!! I am Carey Macy. I have written comments on all three of these district weekly articles and also the article in the press telegram. Check out what I wrote! I am still talking to both organizations to get the story out. I will contact Roger soon to talk to him and show him that the people in this City will not rest until changes are made! From everything I hear he will be very receptive. I will keep you all posted!!

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Posted By Ex Animal Control Officer on April 18th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
44

your name will be in print thats exciting for you i guess rah rah are you part of class action suit to

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Posted By kudos on April 18th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
45

Did you provide TheDistrictWeekly with your photo, Carey? I know how thrilled my youngsters were when their names appeared next to their photos. Congratulations!!

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Posted By WOW on April 19th, 2008 at 8:12 am
46

Carey Macy don’t comment on this issue and add to the insanity of people that have nothing to do but bad mouth everything about LBAC. Just do your present job and encourage people to spay/neuter there pets..Be responsible pet owners.

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Posted By george on April 19th, 2008 at 9:25 am
47

Carey Macy is free to speak his mind, just as the rest of us are.

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Posted By It's a Free Country, George on April 19th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
48

Carey thanks for not forgetting those co-workers you left behind-it was a shame to lose someone like you-you were one of the good guys! The people who write here on this thread nasty things like “pill-popping” and how thrilling it is to be in the paper with a photo, are just trying to change the forum here. You put yourself out there Carey, and you spoke from your heart-no matter what else the nay-sayers think or say-I know you, I worked beside you, and I truly understand what it took for you to leave a job that you so loved doing! I was there too, but I am not giving up yet! More former and current staff will start speaking out-this is so wrong on all levels, and it won’t just go away!

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Posted By Rebecca on April 19th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
49

If she wasn’t thrilled with the job she should have left right after she started.

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Posted By Yes it's a free country on April 19th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
50

Some people are just not cut out to do certain jobs. In this field many workers burn out and are let go. Rotating shifts, long hours, dealing w/ hostile public at times, and seeing many cruel things that people do to animals, take its toll on individuals. Managment did fail you Carey, no offense to you but, you did need to be baby stepped into the job and needed alot of work on many aspects of your duties as an ACO, more so than others who started after you, And you were just thrown out there to sink or swim…and you sank..straight to the bottom mann with no life jacket. You never should have been allowed to continue that job, you never should have passed probation, with all the bad steps that you took while at LBAC, you were still kept on. That’s where management failed. I hope that change is here so we don’t have the Carey Macey’s or Vic’s at LBAC, So we have good trained staff and get a good training schedule for new-hires and weed out the Macey’s before they crack under the stress of this stressful job. Thanks Carey for pointing out the flaws in management. And stressing the dificultiies of this job.

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Posted By ACO's need a raise on April 19th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
51

This shelter needs an overhaul. Dogs are being sprayed with the cleaner they use. Animals go hours before getting tended to, probably because they are understaffed. It is so sad. It seems they are capable of so much more. The standard needs to be higher and maybe the staff and the public would respect the management. Especially if they are the ones convicted others for animal cruelty. Use all that government money and get it right. Use all those law makers and force neutering so the numbers of animals coming into the shelter is lower.
As a governement the possiblity of lowering the animal overpopulation is there. The possiblity of employees and animals at the shelter in acceptable conditions is there. It is up to those in a position of power to make the changes. What are you waiting for? Do you prefer an angry public? Do you prefer thousands of homeless animals? Do you prefer disgruntled employees? Make positive changes. Now is the time.

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Posted By Animal Shelters can improve on April 19th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
52

raise every long beach citizen’s taxes so it can be done right

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Posted By raise taxes on April 19th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
53

There’s plenty of money, to pay city manager’s, Operation Managers, and all the other manager’s, managers, investigators, and of course the nice salary the new Shelter Manager will be making, It will never trickle down to the front line workers. The money’s there for the taking, without having to raise taxes. For example. Recently a higher dog license fee was imposed in Long Beach on non-altered dogs. That extra money was to pay for 2 new Breeding Enforcement Officers, that never got hired its been over a year. Where’s that extra money going?? Maybe to pay for those new suits I suppose. Not for new uniforms for the troops thats for sure.

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Posted By Don't need to raise Taxes on April 20th, 2008 at 1:33 am
54

Hey George, they are watching you. Nice name choice, creative. Why don’t I just e-mail you directly, or have they tapped into those too. Are we sceeeered yet.

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Posted By curb appeal on April 20th, 2008 at 1:43 am
55

thats typically how dollars are allocated in any organization public or private

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Posted By yes on April 20th, 2008 at 6:33 am
56

To ACO’s need a raise-comment #50- you are right that some people are not cut out to be an Animal Control Officer, just as there are some people not cut out to, hire, train and monitor (manage) new and current employees! Carey and others got poor training, inconsistant answers to questions, demeaning comments directed towards them and on top of that had to deal with the daily emergency situations in the field. Some of you like to say, well just “Quit”! See those people are the ones who truly don’t get it. You can’t just quit, if you believe what you are doing is worth it! You can’t just quit after months of training and getting ready to put on the uniform and serve the public. I can only speak only for myself when I say, I am not a wanna be cop, fireman or an angry Officer. I want to share one of my calls with you, please hear me out…. I went to a home in West Long Beach, when I drove up, I could see that the house was run down and in need of repairs. In my hand were papers that stated that an elderly man owned two old dogs that needed Vet care and several of our officers had been by and made contact with this man. They had given him weeks to take care of the issues, and I was following up on them. The man met me at the door and he was wearing a USS-hat and I asked if he was a Navy Vet and he said yes, he told me he lived alone and had only his dogs to keep him company, he went on and on and I could tell he was passionate about them being his only “family’.The papers I had said he owned two dogs, both 15 plus years. When I asked to see them, he told me sadly, one of them died two days ago and he and a neighbor had disposed of the body at sea! I asked to see the other dog and he opened the door wider and I saw her. It was sooo sad. She could only raise her head, but was shaking as she sniffed my hand. She was lying in a pudde of urine and I could smell that unmistakeable smell of infection that comes from years of dealing with animals. Her eyes, so cloudy from her years,but she did wag her tail as I talked to her and ran my hands over her body. I was very sad, I have owned many dogs in my life time, and I could identifi with this pet owners cherished “child”. He said he didn’t have much money, his pension barely kept him above water, but he promised me as he did the other officers, that he would take care of it “tomorrow”. It broke my heart as I told him that his dog was in very bad shape and suffering and needed a vet right now. His eyes filled up up with tears as he realized what I was going to have to do. He would not sign the papers and started saying he was going to kill himself, he had nothing left if I took his dog. I knew in my heart that I wanted to give him his “tomorrow”, but I just couldn’t sleep that night seeing that old sweet dog,and her sad eyes. I called the Police and they talked to this man, they tried to help him understand that this was for his dog and if he truly loved her he would let her go.I left that house with a very heavy heart, and I cried all the way to the vet. The vet took the dog and examined and made her comfortable. The dog was no longer able to stand,didn’t want to eat, the vet decided to wait on more day, to give the dog owner a chance to calm himself and make the right decision for his dog. I got a call from the dogowner the next day and he said tearfully that he loved his dog so very much and he just couldn’t see thru his own pain that she was suffering. He agreed to meet me and sign the papers to have her euthanized. Before I went back to his house the next day, I went back to the vet and took a picture of his dog. The staff at the pet hospital helped me arrange her so we could get a good picture of her. The man was sitting outside and waiting for me when I pulled up. He shook my hand and asked how his dog was. i told him what the vet said and recommended euthansia. He signed the papers, thanked me and as I got up to leave, I handed him a picture of his dog. He cried as he took it from me and told me that, he appreciated my help and understanding. he said he wasn’t going to harm himself and asked my to stop by sometime again if I was in the neighborhood. Now Im not telling you all this fora pat on the back or nasty comments about animal control officers, but I am telling you this because there was so many other ways to handle this situation, I chose the spirit of the law, as opposed to the Letter of the law. Until you are in it, you just can’t understand how ACO’s feel, what we do is important and necessary to speak for those who can’t-just”quit” isn’t an option for someone like me who really does love her job- Rebecca Johnson ACO II

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Posted By Rebecca on April 20th, 2008 at 8:42 am
57

either quit or don’t quit but if you don’t quit you have no room to complain

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Posted By quit or don't quit on April 20th, 2008 at 9:55 am
58

She (officr J) has every room to complain. Ask her what would have happened if rather than make those decisions herself, if she had taken the situation to Quigley or Peltier. They would of puffed up and told the officer to charge the man with animal cruelty and go cuff him or something. Or better yet, they would have thrown their “special” unit stonewashed jeans on and gone themselves, and called the media. This is what makes them feel good, and important. Pushing people around.

For the rest of the staff, the option the officer took was the right way to handle it and please continue to make such decisions. Sow now tell me the officers have no room to complain. Complain they will until the strong-armed ego-ridden decision making “supervisors” are removed and replaced with the type of people like officer Johnson. This is the type of service the public wants and expects. That old man will BE you one day. Maybe you don’t own any animals and never crossed that path.

Promote officer Johnson!! why are you dinking around with these poor examples and letting them supervise. The people want people, not Hitler robots. They have built their walls of hatred for humans by pretending to stand for animals, they only stand for themselves. The typical “cop” reject wanna’be’s. Now you are being asked, nicely, to sit down. I suggest this current list of supervisors listen while there is still an option, you may not have one soon.

officer Johnson, you go girl! The people will support you and have heard you, thanks for sharing. Now that supervision knows what you did, you will probably get written up like Carey for not going to them first. Heaven forbid someone make a decision without using Quigley’s overheated mind. These are good people and officers, leave them alone and go back to PetCo or PetSmart or your homes, wherever you pushed people around before LBAC…..PUSH BACK…..

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Posted By curb appeal on April 20th, 2008 at 10:57 am
59

have you joined the class action suit

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Posted By to officer johnson on April 20th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
60

see mikey kirby story at ned’s where wonderdog posts naar stuff. apbt is looking your help and stop by the main forum speak out for intellectual conversation

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Posted By how to help save animals on April 20th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
61

#58 the stonewashed jeans “special unit” got me. HaHa! There is no special unit. It is a unit of one “Q” and it’s special like the “short bus” special. Please people “Q” and her flunkies need to go. Let’s get’r done!

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Posted By The "Q" Virus on April 20th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
62

go gittum cowboy

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Posted By Lets geter done on April 20th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
63

I stayed in the job because I loved the animals and I loved most of my fellow coworkers who treated the animals and people with respect. Rebecca is exactly right in everything she said! That is why I was proud to call her a fellow Animal Control Officer and still proud to call her a friend!

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Posted By Carey Macy on April 20th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
64

if disgruntled employees loved the animals and their fellow coworkers as much as they profess why didnt they whistleblow at the first sign of what they are disgruntled about. whistleblowers are protected by law last i heard.

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Posted By if on April 20th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
65

Because one would like to think that things will improve or someone of greater authority will step in and finally do something. How can someone who professes to love the animals and fellow coworkers not help but believe in humans, and that there is still some hope that and good in people. That it will push through somehow. But, as we all know, didn’t happen. So here we are, no longer believe authority will step in, though they are pretending to. And certainly no longer believe that there is good in “you”> Protected by law, always were, that is not the point, try and touch one of us now, ha. We tried to tell, this is now the only way you will listen. Oh…more to come…

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Posted By bcuz on April 20th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
66

evidence at noahs ark needs your prayer and if possible your donations for baby milk please help http://www.noahs-ark.org/

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Posted By help noahs ark evidence on April 20th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
67

money always talks doesnt it just remember the tax dollars you may receive will harm the animals that yall profess to love but thats okay isnt it have fun animal lovers

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Posted By oooh try to touch one of us now on April 20th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
68

I was trying to work through “the chain of command” and the Union when I was there. But management just kept suppressing everything! That is why I am so active in doing something now that I am no longer working there. I am not bound by the “chain of command” that let me down.

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Posted By Carey Macy on April 21st, 2008 at 7:21 am
69

Just for info regarding some posts on the other LBAC related articles. Friends of Long Beach Animals is a great organization! They promote respecting animals, proper pet care and control, and spaying and neutering. There are too many people out there who have pets that do not understand the amount of responsibility it takes. Also, too many people just let their animals get pregnant then do not know what to do with the litter. Too many people do not control their animals. These animals end up causing nuisances to the public as either an animal that is dangerous, is constantly loose, is relieving itself on other people’s property, is constantly barking, etc. They could also be a nuisance or threat to their owners if not treated as a living being with physical and psychological needs. There are also laws in every city regarding animals. In essence, animals are like having children because the owner has to take care of all the animals needs. The biggest difference is that each breed needs something different. People need to research and understand what they are getting into. That is where organizations like LBAC and Friends of Long Beach Animals educate as many people they can on how to keep their animal from ending up in a shelter.

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Posted By Carey Macy on April 21st, 2008 at 7:41 am
70

Did the District do an actual “investigation” into the animal shelter incident, or did it simply post Christine Culhno’s report?

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Posted By Just wondering on April 21st, 2008 at 8:19 am
71

The District Weekly is heading the an actual investigation. The employees are telling it all here. If you look back, the District Weekly did not post the actual report, it was posted by someone who wanted the whole story out, not just bit’s and pieces here and there.

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Posted By To Just wondering on April 21st, 2008 at 8:32 am
72

Hey “Great Partnership”, LBAC is city run and you would think with all the adults in the city council and management of the shelter that they could improve themselves. SPCALA is not their babysitter. The city council of LB should be making sure that ALL of their departments are running well. That is THEIR job, not the SPCA’s. The SPCA does the best they can and LBAC should be doing theirs as well. Just like any of us can not change another person unless they want to be changed, same goes here.

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Posted By Monica on April 21st, 2008 at 3:47 pm
73

a bunch of disgruntled employees go heather go you’ll end up like naar supporters

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Posted By looks like on April 21st, 2008 at 7:55 pm
74

Heather is too smart for that.

Toot Toot

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Posted By LOOKS LIKE on April 21st, 2008 at 8:08 pm
75

toot toot makes you sound, well, nevermind just keep up whatever it is your doin

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Posted By looks like on April 21st, 2008 at 8:11 pm
76

heathers running the show, is she inside lbac doin an investigation like the investigator is doin a investigation of lbac or is she just getting one letter or having dave to it and thats the investigation,,,how many investigators are their,,,hows the class action coming along,,,is everyone expectiong money

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Posted By so on April 21st, 2008 at 8:30 pm
77

For poster 76: The smart money says Heather could kick your ass, figuratively speaking of course. She certainly could in a spelling or grammar competition.

“So”, are you smarter than a pre-schooler?

There really is help for OCD.

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Posted By For Poster 76 on April 21st, 2008 at 8:49 pm
78

Heather Reger has opened this issue up for so many to comment on. Obviously there is controversy. Obviously the District has uncovered a huge problem. You go Heather! As for the Class action, thanks for the idea.

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Posted By So-DW is investigating on April 21st, 2008 at 9:16 pm
79

class action has been throwen out to rescuers for awhile,,,it looks as if disgrunteled employees were joining in,,,one huge lawsuit so taxpayer dollars taken away from animals,,,larryhparker should do it for you

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Posted By not my idea on April 21st, 2008 at 9:44 pm
80

Don’t class the employees with NA, not the same issues. It’s just that the employees have the proof that NA wants, does not mean they are included and it is one “big” team. I would rather all this neds lingo, whatever it is, would just stop and they go back to their world and let us do our thing. Lets see, tax dollars taken away, like the money used to pay off Moore, to pay Roger, the investigator, the extra employees from downtown. At least some aspect of the shelter is getting cleaned. If you would just leave it could all go away…save the animals money…quit now. You go away…we go away…(and come back) You must think there is a good chance for a case or you wouldn’t worry about a lawsuit taking tax dollars. I guess the city could just settle, but we don’t want money, we want you gone (priceless)….I’m keeping my eye on that prize.

PSS Quit with the Larry H Parker, he is a personal injury lawyer.

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Posted By jumpin in on NA on April 21st, 2008 at 9:59 pm
81

Taxpayers have been getting robbed for a long time. A lot of animals die because the shelter is not holding them like they should. Maybe your pet will get out and be euthanized for some sorry reason. Oh, I guess it might be cheaper for the taxpayers if the shelter staff would just keep quiet and keep killing. Peoples pets will die, but that is O.K. Your right, we should just drop this right now. Thanks for enlightening me. Call it off everybody!! The smart “not my idea” person who cannot even spell has the answer.

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Posted By to not my idea on April 21st, 2008 at 10:00 pm
82

to lump na supporters with lbac employees and ex employes,,,someone else did that,,,im not worried about lb tax payer dollars,,,it gets spread across all lb citizins,,,i’d rather the dollars be spent on lb animals

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Posted By not my idea on April 21st, 2008 at 10:07 pm
83

Tax money might be spent now, but it is for the animals in the long run. A whole bunch of tax dollars are going to be spent on new employees. The shelter needs Officers, Kennel Workers, Vet techs, Veterinarian and clerks. The animals are finally going to be taken care of the way they should. That is worth the tax dollars. My idea.

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Posted By My idea on April 21st, 2008 at 10:23 pm
84

Then go to the shelter and donate directly. You probably don’t even live in Long Beach and therefore won’t have to worry about those taxes. Many of the employees moved out of Long Beach along time ago, city is going down hill fast.

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Posted By donate on April 21st, 2008 at 10:24 pm
85

lb is a wonderfull place to live,,,5th largest city in ca,,,be proud of what we are

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Posted By lb on April 21st, 2008 at 10:28 pm
86

so being large makes it a good city? Have you seen the crime rate. Sure, it’s pretty at night, but nothing is the same since Beverly left. She would have these heads rolling right now if she was around.

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Posted By donate on April 21st, 2008 at 10:32 pm
87

I live in LB and have donated alot of unpaid time to the City of Long Beach to care for the animals. Many of the employees moved out of LB a long time ago because they cannot afford to live in Long Beach. Donate to the shelter directly and I guarantee it will not go to the LBAC animals. Donate items to the shelter and they all go to the SPCA. Just keep your money until the shelter functions properly. Donate to FOLA, they fund spay and neuter.

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Posted By Donated enough on April 21st, 2008 at 10:33 pm
88

put up the wall,,,send illegals back,,,ca crime will go down

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Posted By bwahahaha on April 21st, 2008 at 10:36 pm
89

SPCA and LBAC is Lily White. Of course you have your tokens, but they hire the crackers. There still is crime at the shelter.

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Posted By Sorry on April 21st, 2008 at 10:42 pm
90

#60-how to help save animals

Hello,

Thank you very much for helping spread the word about little Kirby. He is such a sweetie pie and deserves a fighting chance at life!

We are also working on pulling another Staffie puppy. Her name is Hope and she is COVERED in mange.

Donations are also very much appreciated for her mange treatment.-
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/pet/651449...

We are also keeping an eye on another Staffie pup, and a 3 yr old Staffie.

Meanwhile, we currently have 3 dogs and 1 cat up for adoption!

Thanks again for the help,

~LEASH Animal Rescue~

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Posted By LEASH Animal Rescue on April 22nd, 2008 at 1:18 am
91

Get out your shovels. It’s deep in here.

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Posted By Earth Day is here on April 22nd, 2008 at 5:23 am
92

can someone here pls tell me who to contact regarding class action lawsuit?I’m ready to sign up.

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Posted By anonms on April 22nd, 2008 at 9:17 am
93

Larry H Parker for your class action lawsuit. Ready to go for all you top notch people.

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Posted By Hello on April 22nd, 2008 at 9:31 am
94

I think this is a very serious matter regarding the mal creada at LBAC, I don’t need my email stuffed with troll messages (78 ) many of them were the illiterates still in control at LBAC -,team Quigley trying one last breath before the tsunami that is the public forces them out.
Idiot! i do not need Larry Parker Schmuck for a class action lawsuit, you regard the terrible things going on as a joke that will just pass you by when the city paper shreds the evidence, and you go about your merry way with your record breaking killing sprees.. I can not wait for the next big wave to hit the public when they find out that some of these employees are embessling shelter money to finance luxury vacations, expensive booze,hummer vehicles and spa treatments for themselves,perhaps an expense account for Quiggles at Neiman Marcus.

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Posted By anonms on April 22nd, 2008 at 10:08 am
95

Thank you, anonms. There are most certainly very serious issues at LBAC and I agree with you completely that these troll messages do nothing but clutter up inboxes and comments sections. I commend all of you who work at LBAC for taking action to correct the problems and for stepping forth to let the community know what is going on. Nothing will get fixed at LBAC until everyone shares their knowledge and works for solutions. A complete and frank accounting of all questionable activities is the first step in mending the organization. A whitewash is almost always so transparent that no one is convinced except the spin doctors themselves. I hope this doesn’t happen now, or else nothing will change. If the investigation is handled properly, in time LBAC will emerge as a better shelter, all to the benefit of the animals, the employees and the citizens of Long Beach. Again my thanks to those of you who have shown the integrity to shine a light on the problems.

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Posted By To The Ones Who Care at LBAC on April 22nd, 2008 at 10:29 am
96

Then try 888-4topgun for your class action suit

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Posted By Hello on April 22nd, 2008 at 6:26 pm
97

You need to get over this class action thing. Check with Noah’s Ark, they may need your referrals.

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Posted By class action pusher on April 22nd, 2008 at 8:07 pm
98

Myles L Berman defence attorney for your class action lawsuit

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Posted By Hello on April 22nd, 2008 at 8:52 pm
99

Go see The Hammer in theaters now

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Posted By Hello on April 22nd, 2008 at 8:56 pm
100

West said there would be a review of the management system at Animal Control, including an examination of the reason behind six vacancies of animal handlers.

“I’m not sure why we’re short,” he said.

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Posted By Cha-ching on April 22nd, 2008 at 9:12 pm
101

You must be talking about the SPCA’s cash donations

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Posted By Oh Yeah on April 22nd, 2008 at 9:25 pm
102

No class action or other law suits, just terminations.

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Posted By Oh Yeah on April 22nd, 2008 at 10:19 pm
103

terminations of a bunch of whiners and cry baby’s

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Posted By Yeah on April 22nd, 2008 at 10:24 pm
104

Killing animals illegally.

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Posted By Oh Yeah on April 22nd, 2008 at 10:32 pm
105

and your here posting

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Posted By Yeah on April 22nd, 2008 at 10:33 pm
106

Guilty! So is LB.

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Posted By Oh Yeah on April 22nd, 2008 at 10:38 pm
107

toot toot toot-I hear it coming

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Posted By Takes 1 to Know on April 22nd, 2008 at 11:14 pm
108

“I’m not sure why we’re short,” he said. (West)

I can tell you Mr. West….QUIGLEY!
Now can you get off your rear and do something about it. Thank you.

Sincerely,

A dedicated, hard working city employee who would just like to go to work and enjoy the job without the constant threats and intimidation and retalitory measures being taken againt me when I don’t please the Queen.

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Posted By Guess Who? on April 24th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
109

Nothing worth looking at there.

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Posted By And on April 24th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
110

Tell spoiled to posted it here and then we will decide.

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Posted By And on April 24th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
111

maybe there is a poor signal in the mens restroom…princess of the Law

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Posted By troll on April 24th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
112

Would someone who works for the City of Long Beach or even better, Long Beach Animal Control please explain the system of ranks. I checked the job descriptions for animal control employees, and I did not see any military-style ranks: corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, etc. All I could find were descriptions for Animal Control Officer 1 - 111. If Lt. Quigley does not officially hold the rank of lieutenant, why is she allowed to call herself Lt. Quigley? Shouldn’t she be addressed as Officer Quigley?

This misrepresentation of title would not be allowed in police departments: a patrol officer would not be allowed to call himself/herself, Detective, Captain or other ranks that would be incorrect and misleading.

Is Quigley’s title officially Lt.?

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Posted By Take the Lt. out of Quigley on April 25th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
113

I think they made a mistake. Instead on Lt. they should put Dr. It is a simple typo.

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Posted By answer on April 25th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
114

ummm, no not dr. but maybe executioner? animals of course………..

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Posted By me thinks on April 25th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
115

Well then, how about settling on Dr. Death

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Posted By Take the Lt. out of Quigley on April 25th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
116

I want to see the chain of command. It needs a few revisions.

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Posted By answer on April 25th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
117

Quiggles, got her so called wanna be titles from a stint as a marine flunky—she flunked the marines,as well as a police training flunky. Quiggles should not be carrying any title. By the way I have seen Miss Quigley actually do one of those Military salutes and boot-steps to herself while she was walking to her office. Is this proper for a city gov. worker to be this disturbed and out of touch? Saluting to oneself?

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Posted By jan.hjorth on April 25th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
118

Thank you jan.hjorth. That’s just downright creepy about Quigley goose-stepping and saluting herself.

Do you know if she flunked out on a psych evaluation?

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Posted By Take the Lt. out of Quigley on April 25th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
119

How bout, L’ ms.hitler to replace the title of Lt?

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Posted By jan.hjorth on April 25th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
120

I like it!

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Posted By Take the Lt. out of Quigley on April 25th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
121

when LB Animal Control was getting ready to merge/move in to the village with Spce-LA, they thought it would be a good idea to unofficially take on the rank-and-file titles like the Spca-LA Humane Officers ie. Sgt, Lt, Capt. The official rank of LB Aco’s are as such:

ACO I - Newer officers that either don’t have a year on with dept or are waiting for a vacancy of an ACO II position.

ACO II - (not a Corp. or SGT but wears 2 stripes) One who takes a step increase by taking a test. Must get above a 70% to promote. (W. Moore had let several officers through this process the past few years, even though they did not score high enough)

ACO III - (not a LT, wears a Lt bar) is officially called Senior Animal Control Officer

Manager - went from bureau manager that used to need a degree (past mgr had masters in Psyc) After 911, budget restraints and the retirement of previous manager, Health Dept changed AC from a brueau to a division. Michael Johnson took on the tougher requirements of the position so they could then hire Wesley Moore without a degree and lower his pay to much more than previous manager. His official title then became - Animal Services Officer

What will they do now….they shoud go back to a manager and hire someone that truely qualifies. Eventhough Quigley wants it, 1) she is not as ready or as qualified as she thinks, though more than Moore ever was. 2) the employee outrage will untimately get to be to much for the city. 3) If she does take it, it is an unprotected postion like Wesley and they can let her go at any time, no union protection. So she would eventually get run out by the public and the Health Dept anyway. Maybe we should let her take it and get out of the scope of the union.

There is no one even remotely qualified for that position nor the Senior ACO positions if they are all vacated. I think this is why they keep Quigley for now…Only bone headed or macho guys that only think they are qualified.

There are a few good ACO II field officers that would better suit to promote than the two they currently have pretending they are Sgts. Get Estrada and Johnson and Johnston in there. The public likes them much more and they are not ego driven and smarter than the other two. And they all really, truely love and take their time to care for each and every animal they come in contact with. You can actually hear them at times talking baby talk to the animals….very cute. Not to macho to do that.

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Posted By 1 who knows on April 25th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
122

So are Lt.’s exempt from being suspended without pay for a “botched” euthanasia incident?

Do as I say not as I do.

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Posted By Don't know on April 25th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
123

Great post, 1 who knows. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge.

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Posted By to 1 who knows on April 25th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
124

In theory the law should be applied equally and impartially to everyone, regardless of their employer, job title or anything else. The reality is a far cry from tidy legal theories. Officer Quigley has been protected by the very powerful force of the Long Beach city government. God only knows why. Her acts are criminal and she should be charged accordingly. But don’t hold your breath waiting for that to happen.

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Posted By For 122 on April 25th, 2008 at 7:53 pm

&n

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