If you are able to look back into the Flyer’s archives, I recall articles about how poorly the shelter was run even in the 1990s. Perhaps if this goes on for very long, you could review those old articles and come up with a timeline showing just exactly HOW LONG Memphis animals have not been getting humane treatment there. It is totally ridiculous. Animal cruelty is a felony in TN, isn’t it? Ernest should be in jail, or at least have charges pending…and he should also be UNEMPLOYED at this very minute.

It is totally inexcusable for the animals at the shelter to be starving. I can’t think of a reason that would make it right for that to be going on, and I’m pretty sure that others in this community feel the same way. I know sometimes there are too many and some have to be put down, I’m realistic. But WHILE they are in the shelter, and at the time of their death, they should be being treated humanely.

Thanks for reading my comments.

This story has finally uncovered what many of us already knew. The Memphis Animal Shelter has been neglecting and abusing animals for years. If you have ever done any animal rescue and had to call them for anything to report an animal in need of help you would know right away they simply don't care. Sure there is some lip service and nothing gets done. I reported two starving dogs tied to a chain linked fence a few years ago and followed through later to see what they found out. The reported the animals were in good condition and said they spoke with the dogs owners to see to it they had shelter. The owner threw some kennels in the back yard (doors closed!) and that was apparently acceptable. I guess the two dogs were suppose to open the doors to their shelter kennels themselves. It was the opinion of the Memphis Shelter the dogs were fine. This is a disgraceful mess and we should all be embarassed that this community cannot seem to organize itself enough to make certain our children, our animals and our citizens are safe. This is so horrific that it is my opinion that those involved with the care of the animals at the shelter should suffer severe consequences. Earnest should be in jail along with the idiots who couldn't figure out the animals needed food and water. Throw the book at them!

The conditions at this shelter came to me today, Nov. 5, 2009. I appreciate the comment of Marjorie5 and want to say calmly even though my heart is sickened and fueled with anger, but most especially sadness...shame on all of those at this shelter. This situation don't happen overnight. Obviously many have been turning a blind eye to the goings on at this shelter for a long time. Shame on all of you who purposely chose to inflict pain on these animals. Maybe you haven't lived long enough to know that what goes around, comes around. And when it come around to you, so be it. Can't help but to ask...are you people at the shelter immoral or just plain stupid. Either way, there is no excuse. You just come across as trash...human trash. Shame on all and any who turned a blind eye. To DA, Bill Gibbons...may you do the right thing now. To Mayor AC Wharton...ditto. You aren't looking good all the way to Pittsburgh, PA

To Ernest Alexander,There is a special place in hell for people such as you and the people involved in "murdering" those dogs. You will have to answer sooner or later for your actions as we all do.It figures, that the your appointment to your position,was directly associated with the "head idiot" Herrenton. (who,by the way is jailbound himself).
The taxpayer and citizens of Memphis pay your salary, for what I do not know,but do not need idiots like you who undoubtly are not qualified to run a vegetable stand much less an animal shelter.I was very pleased to see the Feds bust you and hope all involved are punished.Maybe starvation would be an appropriate punishment. I will be closely watching you,Herrenton and all the other "idiots"who have somehow aqquired these posts of authority. You are a disgrace and a bigger disgrace to your race.
Frank Brazil (moved out of Memphis)

AC fired Ernest Alexander this morning (11/6).

This probably dates back to the time Mayor Herenton wanted to sell the valuable land the shelter occupies, only to find out it was willed to the city with an iron-clad stipulation that it could never be sold or used for any purpose other than an animal shelter. (This shelter was once a state-of-the-art facility, which replaced a dank dungeon-type facility in downtown Memphis.) This is one more blot on this once-great city's reputation.

these people should be treated the same way as they treated these poor defenceless animals. what is wrong with people????? What did those poor animals do to deserve that kind of treatment. A slap on the wrist should NOT be the punishment for these epople - they should hang em all... How could anyone treat an animal that way.