Fort Worth Animal Care & Control (FWACC) is failing its animals and its community, and it’s time for a change. FWACC has one of the highest kill rates in the country. Dogs that could be saved ,many adoptable puppies, bonded pairs, and dog-friendly pets are being euthanized.

Why? Because the system is broken and inhumane. A year ago, FWACC management, led by Christopher McAllister and Brian Daugherty of Code Compliance, removed the “Last Call” list—a tool that helped volunteers know which dogs were scheduled for euthanasia that day. Instead, now there’s a list of on average 100 dogs set to be killed every week. That’s 100 dogs that rescuers and networkers have to sift through, guessing which ones are about to die.Since this change, hundreds of dogs have lost their lives unnecessarily, as they are now added to a large list of 100 dogs set to be euthanized, whereas the list used to contain 5-12 dogs.

THIS IS A GUESSING GAME WITH LIVES. And it’s destroying the ability to save these dogs. The system is inhumane and mentally exhausting. Volunteers are forced to try and figure out who will be killed, instead of focusing on those who are at risk right now. Because of this, too many dogs are overlooked and lost in the shuffle. They don’t get the attention they deserve, they aren’t shared or adopted in time, and they die needlessly.

And it gets worse. There’s no phone line or email or quick access to help these dogs in pre-euthanasia, when every second counts. Volunteers and rescues can’t even get answers when they are desperately trying to save lives. It’s impossible to get through to anyone at FWACC for urgent situations, and that’s inexcusable.

The last call list is imperative to saving lives, it often leads to a stronger emotional reaction from rescues, volunteers, and the public, prompting them to act quickly to save a life. The ‘Last Call’ list taps into this very psychology, driving action and increasing the chances of a dog being saved in their final hours. However, without clear, transparent lists, this urgency becomes chaotic.

Brian Daugherty promised on record that he would allow out-of-state adoptions to save lives, but he lied. No out-of-state adoptions are happening, and dogs are continuing to die because of this broken promise. He lied and said FW’s protocols are the same as Dallas. NOT ONE IS.

The system is not just flawed, it’s cruel, it’s incompetent, and it’s costing innocent lives. We cannot stand by any longer while FWACC continues to let this happen.

We demand that FWACC management step down, and that new leadership with empathy and a real commitment to saving lives take their place. The time for change is now. These dogs deserve better, and our community deserves better.

(Do not donate for this petition, not needed)

What We Are Demanding

• Reinstate the “Last Call” list in addition to the Urgent list. Provide a 4-5 day notice for dogs who will be euthanized that week. If extensions are granted, that’s great, but be transparent and upfront about who is actually at risk of dying.
• Provide volunteers with a private phone number and email for urgent pre-euthanasia dogs so they can get real-time updates and take swift action.
• Require all staff to undergo behavioral assessment training to ensure proper handling and understanding of dogs’ needs. Implement a program that allows licensed behavioral trainers to volunteer at the shelter and assist with dog testing and behavioral assessments.
• Honor the commitment to allow out-of-state adoptions that was previously promised on record with Star Telegram
• Please join us for a permitted protest/rally/March at the Council Public Comment Session at Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 5pm at New City Hall. We will march to Old City Hall.
  
  These are simple, low-cost, and reasonable requests that will save thousands of lives. Dallas already has all of these in place—there’s no excuse for Fort Worth to do any less.

Dallas Animal Services Proves There’s a Better Way:

• DAS rarely euthanizes for space and actively works to keep dogs alive. In contrast, FWACC euthanizes dogs even when space is available, and when rescues and networkers have already reached out to commit to saving them.
• DAS has a dedicated rescue liaison team with a phone line and email to ensure dogs are properly networked and have the best chance for adoption. FWACC has no equivalent program, leaving rescuers and volunteers without proper support.
• DAS utilizes large-scale foster initiatives and temporary housing to prevent unnecessary euthanasia. FWACC has failed to implement similar strategies, leading to more dogs being killed when alternatives exist.
• DAS allows out-of-state adoptions, offering more opportunities for dogs to be saved. FWACC has repeatedly failed to honor its commitment to this practice, leaving more dogs at risk.
• DAS gives volunteers 5 days in advance for pre-euthanasia lists, providing ample time to find a home or rescue for dogs. In contrast, FWACC gives volunteers no warning for pre-euth dogs.
• Christopher McAllister and Brian Daugherty resign for their failure to implement compassionate, transparent practices at FWACC, resulting in unnecessary deaths;
• Mayor Mattie Parker for her ongoing failure to step in and hold shelter leadership accountable, allowing this crisis to continue and putting animals at risk.

FWACC’s Shelter System is Failing. We Demand Reform NOW.

This is not just a shelter issue, it’s a city-wide failure. FWACC is taxpayer-funded, and we, the undersigned, refuse to continue funding inhumane, outdated, and ineffective shelter management practices. Once the shelter has shifted their inhumane protocols and lack of, we can work on local legislation.

Sign this petition to demand transparency, humane treatment, and real reform at Fort Worth Animal Care &Control. WE demand leadership step down and be replaced with competent and responsible management. Please do it for the dogs. There’s 130+ on the euthanasia list in Fort Worth right now and there’s no way we can possibly save that many we need to implement new policies and build a partnership base with other shelters and rescues NOW. THIS IS A SILENT-REAL CRISIS‼️