banking214

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-2918-Houston-Animal-News-Examiner~y2009m7d7-BARC-Bureau-Chief-cut-loose As of 3:00 pm today Ray Sim, Bureau Chief of the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care, will no longer be employed at the troubled city pound. Sim, hired just this May, had already been drawing fire from volunteers for spending the majority of his day in his office, or his lack of presence in general, while allegations of dogs being starved at BARC by kennel attendants sparked community outrage. http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2009/07/barc_chief_fired.php BARC Bureau Chief Ray Sim was fired today, spokeswoman Kathy Barton confirmed. She would not give specific reasons, saying only "I think it was just an issue of timing...[it was] not the right time for this guy." http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6518255.html Ray Sim, who took the helm of the city of Houston’s troubled Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care less than two months ago, has been fired, city spokeswoman Kathy Barton said today. She declined to elaborate on why he had been terminated, noting that the city would not discuss “personnel issues.” “It just wasn’t a good fit for us,” she said. “It’s obvious that we have some pretty dynamic needs at BARC, and we’re in a hurry to make some changes. That is not a negative reflection on Ray Sim at all.”

I was out in La Grange over the weekend and decided to stop in Schulenburg on the way home. I was reading an article in the Houston Chronicle last month about Sengelmann Hall that was opening up in downtown. Great food and atmosphere, as well as a wonderful job in rehabbing the buidling. Oh, and great dessert. http://www.sengelmannhall.com/home.html

Walked around City Centre this weekend. Looking really nice. The grass is planted and the fountains are flowing in front of the hotel. I think when this is finished, it is going to be a great addition to the city.

Someone sent this to me yesterday.

The first 3 pertain to BARC. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/6510491.html Heart-breaking Regarding Lisa Falkenberg’s June 25 column on BARC, the city of Houston’s animal shelter (“Finally, a bit of good news out of BARC,” Page B8): The “good news” concerning the fining of two veterinarians is depressing. While it may be a start, it does not began to resolve the problem. I have always admired Houston for its compassion and willingness to help organizations, but BARC (the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Control) is truly a blemish on this city. The city needs to step forward and take the necessary action. It breaks my heart each time I read about the inadequacies of BARC and the injustice administered to the poor animals. Why does the city allow Dr. O (chief veterinarian Eunice Ohashiegbula-Iwunze) to remain? If this were a city official who omitted information on their application, he or she would be gone by now. Who in the city is responsible for this situation? Someone needs to take the appropriate action to turn this around. BARC definitely needs a complete overhaul with new people who are caring and willing to try new options to eliminate the way it currently operates. Thanks to columnist Falkenberg, as well as to Chronicle reporters, for keeping the situation at BARC in the news. Although the stories are usually heartbreaking, the public needs to know. — P.F. Samford, Houston Where’s mayor? Thanks to Lisa Falkenberg for keeping the Houston public aware of the goings-on at BARC. I am ashamed and appalled that a city like Houston is so unconcerned and uncaring about its city shelter and the welfare of the thousands of cats and dogs that are brought in each year to this facility. Mayor Bill White should get more involved in what is going on at BARC, and get some straight answers from the city’s health director, Stephen Williams. Williams has no clue as to what policies are in place at BARC and what is exactly going on out there (Falkenberg column, July 2: “Spoke too soon on BARC, Director has faulty memory”). Has Williams ever been to the facility and witnessed the enormous amount of euthanizations that occur? It is time to fully investigate this department and its personnel, and find out why BARC is in such a sorry state of affairs. Everyone, from the mayor on down, should be on the same page when it comes to the welfare and care of the dogs and cats that have been brought to BARC. So many of these animals have been through some type of abuse, whether from neglect by owners or actual physical abuse. They do not need to go through any more trauma just because they had the bad luck to end up at BARC. These animals deserve a chance to be treated with vaccinations so they can recover and then be placed in loving foster or permanent homes. — Denise D. Bryant, Houston Third World As a taxpayer, I demand accountability from all personnel associated with BARC, and I expect workers to adhere to all policies in the care and treatment of animals. We have a right to know how our tax money is being used. BARC should be a shining star for Houston, but it is run and operates like a Third World organization.

More BARC news: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metrop...rg/6507536.html The bit of good news I reported last week from the city of Houston

The OIG is the Office of Inspector General. MISSION STATEMENT Mayor's Executive Order 1-39 authorizes the Office of Inspector General (OIG) as the central authority to investigate allegations made against city of Houston employees. Investigations are based on applicable criminal laws and administrative policy and procedures. http://www.houstontx.gov/oig/index.html Complaints: 713-247-4815 Hotline: 713-437-6100 Email: inspectorgeneral@cityofhouston.net

FYI - If you suspect abuse is going in inside BARC, please contact the OIG with the HPD.

Today, more about BARC from Craig Mailsow at the Houston Press. When it comes to the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care, Stephen Williams is a man who does not like to dwell on the past. As the director of Houston's Department of Health and Human Services, he said in an interview Monday that while he was aware of years of criticism of BARC, the thing to really focus on are the recent and ongoing improvements. Chief among these is the new policy of vaccinating animals in the field, before they are even brought to the shelter. Williams said this will go a long way to combat the spread of distemper, among other diseases. But the ultimate goal is to increase foster homes. http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/20...so_intervie.php

This is a good article from Examiner.com that was published yesterday. And now, the last ride Houston

This is the letter that has been sent to over 70 people more than once. Our family recently decided to adopt two wonderful dogs from BARC (Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care). This was our first experience adopting or "rescuing" a dog. With so many abused and neglected dogs needing a home, this was the only option. In the short period of time they graced our home, Bear and Hondo were loved and cared for. From the moment Bear (adopted in March 2008) arrived, he was sick. He died April 17, 2008. During his time in the facility, an outbreak of distemper occurred. We were not informed of this when we adopted him. Our second dog, Hondo, had been in BARC for 3 days without being given the necessary shots. We simply could not let him stay anohter day. We adopted him in April as well. He died this past Saturday. We did everything possible. Routine trips to the vet, VERGI for treatments, and finally, Animal Emergency Clinic. The disease was simply too relentless and unforgiving. What we found out is that distemper and other deadly viruses are prevalent in BARC animals. Local rescue organizations and veterinarians constantly see dogs that come out of BARC with distemper or kennel cough. In some cases canine parvovirus is seen as well. All it takes is one sick dog to spread these highly contagious diseases. The best way to prevent this tragedy is through responsible pet ownership. If the original owners of our dogs had taken the time or been thoughtful enough to have them treated, this would never have occured. The City of Houston should be ashamed and embarrassed. In the November 22, 2005 report titled, Report of the Mayor's Animal Protection Task Force, the following is stated "The problem of BARC's poor reputation." Since the report was published, positive steps have taken place at BARC. I understand the budget for BARC is limited and the allocation of funds are lacking, however something must be done to improve current standards. The policies in place are failing the city and many families like ours. We will not let their deaths be in vain. Their deaths and our great sense of loss is a story that needs to told and heard by others. Words will never convey our true sense of loss and despair. They truly brought joy and happiness to our lives and we are going to miss them greatly. Chris M. Dodson

My letters are much different that my tone posted here. Pam Holm is my councilmember.

I only sent one letter to Senator Cornyn. I got a phone call and a letter. Says plenty about our council members. I have called, emailed and written my council member numerous times. Never a response. Pretty sad they statement if you ask me.

I have. All of them 3 times over the past year. The mayors office as well. BARC is not a big deal according to our elected officials.

If these pictures disturb you, Ray Sim is the person to contact at BARC. Please keep in mind that he might not ever call or write you back. He is very ineffective in his job and following up with the public. BARC 3200 Carr Street Houston, Texas 77026 Attn: Ray Sim Phone: 713-229-7300

PLEASE read this at petshouston.com. Dogs are starving at the hands of our city. It is up to all of us to see this come to an end. Please help. http://www.chron.com/channel/petshouston/c...tId=personaDest

More problems at BARC: Citing a vastly "flawed" system, BARC Senior Community Liaison Kim Grieff has tendered her resignation. In a June 18 e-mail to Health and Human Services Director Stephen Williams, Assistant Director Michael Terraso and Bureau Chief Ray Sim, Grieff wrote that, "After working over 60 hours per week every week at the facility, and many more outside with little or no support staff, I believe this position was set up for failure. Creating a management position to implement several new programs...simultaneously without a support system, then being berated in meetings regarding the lack of achievements is not only counter-productive, but unprofessional." http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/20..._kim_grieff.php The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners has fined BARC Chief Veterinarian Eunice Ohashiegbula and former BARC vet David Rundell for violating U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and Texas Veterinary Licensing Act requirements. http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/20...rd_discipli.php The Bureau of Animal Regulation and Control vaccinated only eight percent of animals on entry between July 2008 and January 2009, according to a BARC supplement asking for additional funding from the city. http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/20...eport_vacci.php All of these great artilces are by Craig Malisow of the Houston Press. Our city owes him a huge thanks for all of his work.

That is the Hunt building.

She is straight. Currently married to a sex offender.

Awesome home.

I think when done in an artistic way it can add character in certain cases. I personally think Bansky is a genius.

I was at VERGI this past week and a family was standing next to me. Their dog had parvo and it did not look good. I believe their dog also came from BARC. It can really break your heart to see a family is such pain and distress. All they wanted was to adopt a dog that might not other wise had a chance.

Craig is doing a fantastic job covering BARC. I know he is working on a story right now that should raise many eyebrows.

It seems like the problems at BARC are persistent and endemic. I hope that a new administration will bring about change at BARC. Below are just a few of the people I have emailed: To: leslie.denton-roach@cityofhouston.net; michelle.mitchell@cityofhouston.net; districti@cityofhouston.net; districtg@cityofhouston.net; districtf@cityofhouston.net; districte@cityofhouston.net; districtd@cityofhouston.net; districtc@cityofhouston.net; districtb@cityofhouston.net; districta@cityofhouston.net; atlarge5@cityofhouston.net; atlarge4@cityofhouston.net; atlarge3@cityofhouston.net; atlarge2@cityofhouston.net; atlarge1@cityofhouston.net; cecilia.ortiz@cityofhouston.net; citysecretary@cityofhouston.net; controllers@cityofhouston.net; mayor@cityofhouston.net; webadmin@cityofhouston.net; kathy.barton@cityofhouston.net; webadmin@cityofhouston.net; dfehling@khou.com; lfrillici@khou.com; czubowski@khou.com; lmcguire@khou.com; bwoodard@khou.com; andy.cerota@abc.com; deborah.wrigley@abc.com; gene.apodaca@abc.com; miya.shay@abc.com; wayne.dolcefino@abc.com; rkorsgard@click2houston.com; czavala@click2houston.com; sdean@click2houston.com; mbenton@click2houston.com; wallace@fox 26.com; chris.stipes@foxtv.com; kristine.galvan@foxtv.com; ned.hibberd@foxtv.com; carey@fox26.com; Outlook@chron.com; viewpoints@chron.com; lisa.falkenberg@chron.com; ken.hoffman@chron.com; lisa.gray@chron.com; mike.snyder@chron.com; carolyn.feibel@chron.com; bradley.olson@chron.com; joey.guerra@chron.com; melissa.bech@chron.com; askthevet@houstonpettalk.com Cc: oprah@oprah.com; nicole.sica@hotmail.com; ehutchins@tvma.org; action_alerts@thln.org; caguilar@hcnonline.com; chris.vogel@houstonpress.com; craig.malisow@houstonpress.com; twododsons@msn.com; jedodson_99@yahoo.com; events@hspca.org; gondo_42@yahoo.com; HCNonline@HCNonline.com; investigations8@hspca.org; info@friendsofbarc.org; info@houstonanimalrights.com; MemorialEditor@HCNonline.com; newsletter@cornyn.senate.gov; petloverescue@aol.com; volmgr@hspca.org