Reform Tri County Animal Shelter is a group of concerned citizens working together to promote positive change at TCAS in Hughesville, Maryland.




Mission Statement

Reform Tri County Animal Shelter was created with the following goals in mind.

1. A full evaluation of all Tri County Animal Shelter policies, procedures, actions, resources, and community need assessment to be conducted by Animal Rescue Corps. An investigation by the Chief of Animal Control who is already in charge of the shelter is not objective and not a fair examination of shelter procedures and policies.

2. Significant increase in the live release rate, which currently stands at 56.6%*, with the goal of becoming a No Kill shelter within two years. A No Kill shelter is defined as a shelter in which no adoptable animal, including those which are treatable or rehabilitatable, is killed. No Kill shelters strive to achieve a 90% or higher live release rate. *This percentage was updated to reflect 2013 shelter data provided by Craig Dichter, Animal Control Supervisor for Calvert County, on 9/16/14. The previously listed live release rate of 48%, estimated by Shelter Manager, Kim Stephens, was incorrect.

3. Transparency of shelter statistics, policies, and personnel training certifications.

4. A documented training protocol for all staff and volunteers to be reviewed and approved by CAPA for Maryland and/or the Maryland Dog Federation.

5. Behavior evaluations of every dog to be given by trained and certified professionals whose credentials will be made public. The immediate and complete dissolution of the pass/fail temperament test to be replaced by credible behavior evaluations of all animals with the emphasis on placement rather than life or death determination.

6. Dissolution of the Bully Breed adoption policy, which discriminates against dogs based on breed. Immediate adoption of breed neutral policy where all animals are viewed equally as individuals to be safely placed into homes primarily through the shelter and secondarily through rescue.

7. An updated website with a domain name separate from the Charles County government website. This website should be solely for the animal shelter and should include large, clear, appealing photographs of the animals and written descriptions of every animal, both stray animals and those up for adoption.

8. A Facebook page featuring stray and adoptable animals so that rescues and the public may network on their behalf. The page should also be used to promote events, call on the community for fosters and volunteers, and educate the public on responsible pet ownership.

9. Innovative adoption initiatives. This should include offsite adoption events, participation in national programs such as Empty the Shelter Day and Maddie's Fund, and outreach and marketing so that the public is aware of animals available at the shelter.

10. A shelter enrichment program that all animals are allowed to participate in regardless of breed. The enrichment program should be documented in writing so that staff and volunteers can implement it effectively. Enrichment should include time to socialize with people, play groups with other animals when appropriate, walks and outside time for the dogs, the use of toys and activities to combat boredom, and basic obedience training.

11. A veterinarian on staff.

12. Vaccinations, appropriate grooming, and medical care for every animal upon intake.

13. A low cost spay and neuter program for the public.

14. A Trap Neuter Return program for feral cats.

15. A foster program for animals that are young, ill, or in need of rehabilitation.

16. Air conditioning and adequate heat for the entire building, especially in areas where animals reside.

17. Programs to educate the public about responsible pet ownership. Pet retention and community resource tools.

18. Owner support after pets are adopted and before pets are surrendered.

19. Policies whereby rescue organizations may freely voice shelter concerns without fear of losing privileges or being otherwise penalized. A written rescue partner policy ensuring mutually respectful and ongoing communication between all stakeholders.

Reform Tri County Animal Shelter understands that for many of these changes to be successful, support from the community in the way of volunteers, foster families, and funds will be necessary. It is our hope that the TCAS management team and the local policy makers will recognize the need for drastic changes to be made at our shelter. Once the need for change has been acknowledged and steps have been taken to correct the poor policies and management strategies currently in place, Reform TCAS will mobilize to assist in any way we can.

If the current shelter management team is unable or unwilling to implement changes, Reform Tri County Animal Shelter will seek a change of the management team as well.