Small animals transferred between shelters used as reptile food

[Catherine]

San Diego Humane Society transferred 323 small animals to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. The understanding was that they would be adopted as pets. The Arizona shelter transferred the animals to Colten Jones a man who owns Fertile Turtle, a company that sells reptile food.

They are now investigating to find out who arranged the transfer of the animals. The police are also investigating it as a case of fraud.
Both Humane Societies are outraged and horrified by what has happened. There is a possibility of a former employee being involved.


https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/21/us/hu...ucson.html

This is horrifying. These animals were pets who deserved to find forever homes.
Instead they were betrayed and probably had frightening deaths. It makes me feel sick just thinking about it.

It is clear that more care must be taken when animals are being transferred. Maybe a staff from the shelter sending the animals needs to go with them and ensure that they are safely housed before signing them over. Certainly the Arizona Shelter needed to make sure the animals were received by the right people. I think they failed the most in their responsibility. Someone needs to be held accountable for this.