Humane Society President Proudly Sports His ‘Team Ellen’ T-Shirt

Most of us are still struggling to make sense of Iggygate, in which a team of rescue-shelter special forces abducted a snoozing Brussels Griffon mix once owned by Ellen DeGeneres. (A helpful reader sent in the accompanying photo illustration.) Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, blogged about the doggie’s rights violation today:

Mutts & Moms was too rigid, even though I am sure they are very fine and dedicated people. They were a slave to form and forgot the real-world circumstances.

They lost their chance to have Ellen serve as an advocate for them and for animal adoption, instead turning a potentially positive event into a distressing experience for all involved, including Iggy.

The episode won’t help the reputation of animal rescue organisations. And that is a shame. One adoption mishandled should not define their work.

Pacelle’s concern that the controversy might dissuade potential pet owners from rescuing sheltered animals is a legitimate one, as no parent in their right mind ever wants to have to have to explain to their kids that because a contract wasn’t followed to the letter, Mr. Muffins is probably strapped to a table at a Gitmo-like doggie rendition facility for a waterbowl-boarding session he won’t soon forget.

• Rescue Ruckus Shouldn’t Scare Away Adopters [hsus.typepad.com]