RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) — The Milo Foundation, a well-known no-kill animal rescue organization based in Point Richmond, is currently under scrutiny regarding its veterinary care for sick kittens. Despite its significant annual budget for veterinary services, the organization faces allegations of inadequate care for its youngest charges.
The Milo Foundation, which rescues approximately 1,500 animals each year from potential euthanasia, is now contending with accusations that it has failed to provide sufficient medical treatment for some ailing kittens. Critics, including volunteers and former staff, argue that the organization’s response to these medical needs is insufficient.
Tina Spagnoli, a volunteer with the Milo Foundation, recently expressed concerns about the care provided to kittens she was fostering, specifically two kittens named Bravo and Echo. Spagnoli, who has been vocal about her dissatisfaction, claims that Milo Foundation staff and volunteers have raised these issues with Lynne Tingle, the organization’s founder and director.
“It was shocking to me that a rescue would not take the necessary steps to ensure the survival of animals in their care,” Spagnoli stated.
In response to the criticisms, Lynne Tingle gave ABC7 News a tour of the facility and addressed the concerns directly. Tingle, who emphasizes the vulnerability of young kittens, stated that the foundation follows a protocol of starting with on-site treatments and only referring cases to veterinarians if necessary.
“Three-week-old kittens, two-week-old kittens, sick five-week-old kittens – they’re vulnerable,” Tingle noted. “We start them on antibiotics, clean their eyes, and administer medication. We do not immediately take them to the vet unless their condition is life-threatening.”
The Milo Foundation employs registered veterinary technicians and has two veterinarians on record. However, Tingle cites an overwhelmed veterinary system as a contributing factor to delays in care.
“Veterinary offices are overbooked and overworked, which affects our ability to get timely appointments,” Tingle explained. Additionally, she mentioned that while most antibiotics are available on-site, some eye medications are currently back-ordered.
Critics argue that these operational challenges are not an excuse for the alleged lack of appropriate veterinary intervention. Spagnoli, who took her foster kittens to her personal veterinarian, reported that while one kitten improved with proper care, another, named Delta, unfortunately passed away before receiving adequate medical attention.
Tingle acknowledged the passing of Delta but defended the foundation’s protocols. “We strive to provide the best care possible within our means,” Tingle said, adding that some conditions are difficult to diagnose promptly.
The Milo Foundation’s Board of Directors has stated that since January, the organization has rescued 360 cats, with over half being young kittens. Out of these, 300 were successfully adopted, and six have passed away, including one elderly cat. The Board also mentioned that an employee recently took a kitten to an external vet at their own expense, which Tingle says was unnecessary and did not follow the organization’s protocol.
“The employee did not have approval, and we will reimburse her,” Tingle confirmed.
The organization’s annual veterinary budget is approximately $150,000, with additional funds allocated for spay and neuter procedures. Tingle emphasized that the issue is not financial but rather one of timely medical intervention and logistical constraints.
“We are committed to getting animals the care they need as quickly as possible,” Tingle said. “We often receive sick animals, including those found abandoned.”
This is not the first time the Milo Foundation has faced criticism. In 2009, the Marin Humane Society closed the San Rafael location due to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions.
In response to the recent concerns, the Milo Foundation is implementing changes to improve its medical care, including hiring a new Director of Operations and a feline medical caregiver. The Board of Directors has also announced that a designated medical contact will be available daily to handle emergency medical needs.
Dr. Michael Devereux, the medical director at Abbey Hospital, one of Milo’s veterinary partners, defended the foundation’s practices, stating that they do an excellent job of triaging the animals they rescue.
As the Milo Foundation works to address these issues, it remains committed to its mission of providing a safe haven for animals in need.
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