Prior to a January fire that killed about 600 animals, including dogs, cats, and birds, that were for sale inside a shopping mall, the City of Dallas may have neglected to enforce its own rules, according to new documents.
These documents show that Miguel’s Pet Shop, which didn’t seem to have the required city permits, had dozens of complaints about filthy conditions and animal welfare issues.
Although 579 animals were believed to have died, a Dallas firefighter performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a few lucky puppies.
The La Plaza Latina bazaar on Harry Hines Boulevard is still shuttered more than two months later. The number of dogs, cats, birds, rats and reptiles inside the building at the time of the fire continues to astound animal rights advocates who visit the scene.
“After watching it on TV, my instinct told me,” animal rights activist Shannon Greer said.
Greer was able to obtain city documents that show that since 2017, the City of Dallas has received 50 calls about the bazaar, 311 of which have been for unclean conditions and animal welfare.
Complaints from the City of Dallas since 2017.
| Unsanitary Conditions | 11 |
| Animal Welfare | 19 |
| Sick Injured | 10 |
| Critical | 4 |
| Unknown | 3 |
| Assist DPD | 2 |
The owner, who we have not been able to trace, never obtained any certificate of occupancy permit, according to city records.
The deputy director sent the city council an email stating that two code enforcement visits “… were not worked thoroughly or in full compliance with department protocols.”
According to Jeremy Boss of the Dowdy Ferry Animal Commission, “codes are only as good as the enforcement of the codes.” “A lot of animals lost their lives because the city failed to enforce those codes.”
The boss and other rescue group operators are worried that no attempt has been made to hold those accountable for the fire that claimed so many animals’ lives.
“Why weren’t all the animals that got out alive, why weren’t they turned over to DAS for a future cruelty case?” “God bless the Dog Rescue,” stated Todd Smith.
Documents reveal that Dallas Animal Services did take a few puppies from the pet store after an inspection revealed infractions, but the majority of the other complaints led to city inspectors reporting that they “did not locate the store” or “…the bazaar was closed.”
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“This was 1000% avoidable, none of these animals had to die and they followed their own policies,” Greer stated.
According to those interviewed, defenceless animals in cages suffered needlessly, and they fear it might occur elsewhere.
“Smoke inhalation and fire is a horrific day to die,” Greer stated.
