Kennel Fights

The Consequences of Co-Kenneling: Urgent Changes Needed to Prevent Kennel Fights* at OCAS

*The code assigned to kennel fights in the records is K-33

WARNING: shows pictures of a dog fatally injured during kennel fight

After enduring the hardships that brought them to OCAS, the last thing that vulnerable animals should face is the fear of attack.  They deserve safety and compassion above all.  Unfortunately, this is often unavailable to them, as Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) has a severe problem with kennel fights. A closer look into OCAS’ practices reveals a disturbing pattern of inaction and passivity towards the serious problem of violence between sheltered dogs.

The Root of the Issue

Overcrowding is one of the most direct causes of violence between shelter dogs.  According to a report by (Ray, 2023), severe overcrowding has become a persistent issue at OCAS. OCAS’s immediate solution is to double up dogs in kennels, or what’s popularly referred to as “co-kenneling.” This makeshift solution has led to numerous dog fights, risking the safety of the animals and the staff. More alarmingly, it’s become a direct route to euthanizing OCAS residents.

A Cry for Change

There are several crucial steps that OCAS must take to remedy these problems:

  • Use of Dividers: Before resorting to co-housing, dividers can significantly mitigate the risks of putting two dogs in close quarters.
  • Installation of Cameras: Cameras can be crucial in identifying aggressors during dog fights, helping staff make informed decisions, and preventing repeated incidents.
  • Increased Staffing: There’s an urgent need for more staff to be present during feeding times, especially the second feeding. Preventing dog fights requires vigilance; having at least two staff members can make a considerable difference.
  • Infrastructure Revamp: The existing kennels need to be improved. Proposals suggest an expansion to accommodate 500 kennels and 250 cat condos. The University of Florida Veterinary Medicine’s 2010 study states that the current facilities fail to meet the animals’ behavioral and physical needs when housed for over 48 hours.

Facts That Can’t Be Ignored

Every month, OCAS becomes a temporary home to hundreds of animals. Yet, the space is alarmingly insufficient, with only X dog kennels and Y cat condos. Overcrowding doesn’t just risk physical harm; it creates a stressful and resource-limited environment, elevating the chances of fights between dogs. Under such duress, even the gentlest dogs can act out, tragically placing them on a “last call” list — a bleak pathway leading towards euthanasia, a fate not truly reflective of their innate nature.

A senior dog, Art, embodies the heartbreaking consequences of the ongoing crisis at OCAS. On the night of August 11-12, 2022, Art suffered a savage attack by one or both of his younger kennel mates while they emerged unscathed. Staff discovered Art’s battered and blood-soaked body during the morning feeding on August 12. Rushed to the medical clinic, he was in visible distress, struggling with each step and collapsing at least once. The medical examination revealed his coat saturated with blood, pronounced swelling on his lower head, chin, and neck, multiple puncture wounds, and exacerbated injuries, including a previously treated hind mass. Handling him revealed his pain and sensitivity. Broken, Art couldn’t even stand. The only mercy left was to end his suffering. OCAS staff ignored medical recommendations stating that Art should be housed individually. If they had followed this advice, they might have prevented Art’s tragic end.

Countermeasures 

Sadly, Art’s story isn’t unique. Our archives are filled with records of kennel fights dating as far back as 2018. And a familiar pattern emerges — dogs exhibiting signs of aggression upon first meeting but then forcibly kept together. The prevailing protocol at OCAS seems to be a wait-and-watch approach, with separation only occurring after three dogfights. This reactive approach is dangerous, as evidenced by the tragic end Art met. A proactive stance like introducing dividers or deploying cameras to identify and separate aggressive dogs swiftly would drastically reduce such heartbreaking incidents.

Second Feeding Staff

Second feeds are needed because the dogs commonly lose an alarmly amount of weight after coming to OCAS.

Infrastructure Revamp

Renowned researchers and institutions have weighed in on this matter. The University of Florida Veterinary Medicine, in 2010, sounded the alarm on the unsuitability of the current kennels for extended housing. ”Space is best configured for an individual dog’s welfare as 8 ft by 8 ft2 rather than the traditional long and narrow 4 ft wide by 16 ft long runs typically encountered in older designs.” (Miller & Zawistowski, 2017). The ongoing discussion of a new shelter by the Board of Commissioners presents a golden opportunity to incorporate these recommendations (Learn more).

In essence, the narrative needs to change. Animals at OCAS need refuge, not a battlefield. It’s time for OCAS to address the co-kenneling problem head-on. The safety and well-being of the animals and the staff should be paramount. These animals deserve a sanctuary, and OCAS has the moral duty to provide it.

* Additional information on kennel fights:

2018 cases

2019 cases

2020 cases

2021 cases

2022 cases

2023 cases


References

Miller, L., & Zawistowski, S. (2017, September 7). 7: Housing, husbandry, and behavior of dogs in animal shelters. Veterian Key. Retrieved September 3, 2023, from https://veteriankey.com/7-housing-husbandry-and-behavior-of-dogs-in-animal-shelters/ 

Ray, K. (2023, June 29). Co-kenneling leads to dog fights, attacks at Orange County Animal Services. WFTV. Retrieved September 3, 2023, from https://www.wftv.com/news/local/co-kenneling-leads-dog-fights-attacks-orange-county-animal-services/C3UDS3Q3EBF7TF56PT2R2YCMVM/

University of Florida Veterinary Medicine. (2010, July 15). Orange County Animal Services Shelter Health Assessment Services Consultation Report. Google Drive. Retrieved September 2, 2023, from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WPVrvjh7IUzJKcajs2o5CxhdO39kSXTE/view?usp=sharing