34 sick pets are rescued from shelter
By Terry Murry on Monday, November 15th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PASCO — Four dogs and 30 cats were seized and place in immediate veterinary care after the Pasco Police Department served a search warrant Thursday at the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter located at 1312 18th Ave. The investigation began after city staff received information regarding the shelter’s conditions and organizational operation with Neo’s Nation Animal Foundation.
Before last week’s action was taken, city staff conducted an unannounced inspection of the shelter facility on October 26 based on information received. Staff ensured that credentialed professionals accompanied law enforcement on the search warrant.
Based partly on the conditions encountered, the city terminated the operating contract with the director and manager of the shelter. On Thursday, operation and management of the shelter was immediately transition to the Benton-Franklin Humane Society. Immediately after police left the shelter volunteers and staff from BFHS began cleaning the facility and assuming care of the remaining animals.
Current staff for regional animal control, shelter care, and volunteer animal care were retained under the supervision of BFHS to ensure that service to the community and the animals would not be significantly interrupted. BFHS will determine long-term employment for shelter staff based upon their organizational mission and need for the facility’s continued operation.
