High Kill

The title of this project is “High Kill”. Miami Dade Animal Services (MDAS, for short), is the local county shelter, and the location of this project. These photos were taken while I volunteered at MDAS. I spent many days and hours there, and the staff allowed me great access. Unlike most shelters, MDAS cannot turn away any animal surrendered to it, found as a stray, or confiscated by police. This "open admission" policy places the shelter in a challenging position. Unsurprisingly, the shelter can be overpopulated quickly and without warning. As a result, MDAS is a “kill shelter,” meaning that dogs are euthanized there, often for space, and sometimes in large numbers.

Shooting in such intense, sad, and tight conditions was challenging. Dogs were often starved for human attention and affection and would become very excited when I entered their kennel. I would have to wait for up to 30-45 minutes before the dogs for them to calmed down, allowing enough for me to photograph them. MDAS staff were accommodating, but wary of my intentions with my photography. Overall, they were largely cooperative.

Ultimately, my intent was to show the people of the community what results when the supply of dogs outstrips the demand. The economics of pet ownership are played out on a sad stage in county shelters across the US, with Miami being one of the most tragic. No breed is more affected by this than pit bulls. Given the county's ban on pit bulls, none of them may be adopted by Miami-Dade residents, leaving most of them to be euthanized.

It is my hope that this work will cause people to rescue a dog instead of buying one.

Cuándo

September 20, 2019

Dónde

Leica Store Miami, 372 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables

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