Policy may change after image of dog that died in cage at Parlier Animal Control Kennel goes viral

PARLIER, Calif. (KFSN) -- Animal activists are calling for change after a dog at the Parlier Animal Control Kennel was left in a small cage over the weekend with not enough food or water.

An independent rescue volunteer posted a picture on Facebook of the dog, outraged over the conditions at the Parlier Animal Control Kennel. Sunday she came to pick up a dog that she tried to get Friday. She found the animal dead in a small cage, after a hot weekend.

The police chief-- in charge of animal control-- responded Wednesday

"There was some miscommunication, because our officer believed that the dog was taken earlier and that's why the dog sat here for almost three days with not enough food, not enough water, and that's why the tragedy occurred," said Chief José Flores, Parlier Police.

The kennel is closed on the weekends, but he said normally, someone comes out at least once for cleaning and feeding. This time around, that didn't happen, and activists are calling for change.

"My hope is that they'll open their doors. My hope is that they'll welcome in help, that they'll welcome in volunteers. That they'll see the need to provide adequate supervision over the weekends, especially in this heat," said Joyce Brandon, Animal Compassion Team.

"You need to have someone there to be sure that the animals are cared for. Not that they need to be there 24/7, obviously not, but they need to have someone check in everyday at least," said Linda Guthrie, Animal Rescue of Fresno.

Chief Flores has already decided to change part of the policy preventing people from coming during off hours. Which he said can create confusion like it did this weekend.

"Someone from animal control must hand deliver to either the owner or a rescuer. That way there's no assumptions made that someone came to pick them up."

The rescue volunteer who posted the Facebook picture had a long meeting with the chief Wednesday.

We're told they'll make a joint presentation about a new relationship between animal control and the rescue community at tonight's city council meeting.

That's scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.