MIAMI – WPLG went looking for answers after video was uncovered of stray dogs being shunned by Miami-Dade Animal Services.
"I just found a dog on U.S. 1," a man said in the video.
"We don't have space, so you have to come tomorrow. We don't have the capacity," a Miami-Dade Animal Services employee said in the video.
WPLG's Jacey Birch sat down with shelter manager Kathleen Labrada and showed her the video.
"For strays the doors are always open. We have no option in taking in strays," said Labrada. "Based on that video, that's a miscommunication. We were absolutely open for stray intake. In fact, we took in 66 animals on Saturday, so we were open. That is a miscommunication from staff regarding a stray animal."
A mistake that happened again, even when it was clear the dog being surrendered was a stray.
They receive close to 20,000 dogs a year, and that overpopulation leads to putting pets down.
"If you euthanize for space, how could the shelter ever be at over-capacity?" asked Birch.
"The goal is to never euthanize for space," said Labrada.
"But you do euthanize for space?" asked Birch.
"The shelter will euthanize for space as needed, but we take many actions to prevent that from ever happening," said Labrada.
Like not accepting animals?
"In February, we saved 88 percent of the dogs and 82 percent of the cats, so obviously we're doing something right," said Labrada.
"Isn't it because you're not accepting the animals anymore?" asked Birch.
"No, not at all. We're open for intake seven days a week," said Labrada.
