Sharing custody of dogs post-divorce
News and headlines for April 13 - 19, 2024
In other news: Allowing dogs at work is not just good for dogs and employees, it is good for the bottom line. Employees at Austin Pets Alive have filed a petition to unionize, citing poor working conditions, management indifference and ineptness, and inadequate animal care. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to kill half a million owls. Another week, another pet food recall — this time for chickens and rabbits. A new study finds that not understanding the impact of one’s food choices is the most significant challenge to more widespread embrace of a vegan diet. A Seton Hall University faculty member left animals without care for 17 days, leading to the deaths of nearly 100 mice. New York lawmakers are proposing rules to humanely drive down the population of rats and other rodents. A court ordered a separating couple to share joint custody of a dog.
These are some of the stories making headlines in animal protection:
Studies have found that allowing dogs in the workplace improves performance (including fewer errors), lengthens work hours, reduces absenteeism, and reduces turnover.
According to a new survey, it also means lower staffing costs. Over 40% of “employed pet owners” said they would accept reduced pay if they could bring their dog to work. A pet-friendly workplace is not just good for dogs and employees; it is good for the bottom line.
Employees at Austin Pets Alive have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize. If successful, they would become the largest animal shelter union in the country, according to a press release. The employees cite poor working conditions, management indifference and ineptness, and inadequate animal care.
Under the poor leadership of Ellen Jefferson (and Kristen Hassen until she was forced to resign), Austin Pets Alive embraced regressive policies and regressive pound directors, encouraged shelters to turn away stray animals, and even embraced animal abusers. APA sacrificed No Kill success in Austin and nationally for personal ambition by turning the movement to protect animals into a social club of “rock stars” and “friends” with themselves at the head. Indeed, Austin Pets Alive bears much of the blame for the rise of regressing practices nationally that lead to more strays and more killing.
To learn more about the co-option of Austin Pets Alive, click here.
Given management incompetence, it is no surprise that employees are revolting. But a union won’t benefit animals. Once arbitrary management practices are addressed, unions have to justify their continued existence and the pay they take from employee checks. How? By becoming arbitrary themselves. In many pounds, unions forestall progress, legitimize regressive practices, undermine animal care, and defend neglectful and even abusive staff — the very things they accuse management of. Instead of a union, Austin Pets Alive needs to get back to its roots by cleaning house — from top to bottom.
It’s that time of year again.