About this item
Back in the 1940s, the practice referred to as Opound seizureO became a common practice in taxpayer-funded animal shelters across the country. Whether for cosmetic testing, human or animal drug testing, medical technique and tool testing, or biochemical testing, these once-family pets are subjected to experimentation that often ends in death. While many states fail to keep accurate data, the number of pets that become victims of pound seizure easily reaches the thousands and though most citizens are unaware of the practice, it may very well be happening at their local animal shelter. Pound seizure remains a dirty little secret in American society, but the practice is moving toward extinction with the help of local citizens advocating for change at their shelter, as well as animal rescue and welfare organizations providing assistance and advocacy.
About the Author
Allie Phillips is a former prosecuting attorney who turned her love of animals into a mission to protect them. As the former Vice President of Public Policy and Human-Animal Strategic Initiatives for American Humane Association, she has lobbied for better animal protection laws and created national initiatives to help animals (such as the Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T) Program, formerly the Pets and Women's Shelters (PAWS) Program). As Director of the National Center for Prosecution of Animal Abuse at the National District Attorneys Association, she trains criminal justice professionals about the importance of taking animal cruelty seriously. And at a personal level, she volunteers in shelters and opens her home to care for and re-home homeless cats. Allie is dedicated to being a vocal advocate for the protection of animals and empowering others to join the movement. Check out her website at www.alliephillips.com.
