An internal investigation reveals that Sitka Police Department euthanized six shelter animals last September due to a breakdown in shelter operations. The investigation highlights a lack of transparency and trust between the city, police, volunteers, and the public.
The Sitka Police Department euthanized four cats and two dogs last September following a breakdown of shelter operations that left police supervising the facility without an animal control officer or volunteers. These details were revealed in an internal investigation emailed to the Sitka Assembly last weekend.
The city's operation of its animal shelter has been under scrutiny since July, after the volunteer group, Friends of Sitka Animal Shelter (FOSAS), pulled out due to what police have called “security concerns,” a claim the volunteer group denies. A month later, the city's animal control officer went missing for two days while searching for her dog on Katlian Bay Road. Police then assumed animal care responsibilities at the shelter. The city's investigation confirmed rumors that all six of the euthanized animals were killed by gunshot. The euthanasia was carried out by Lt. John Achee under the direction of Police Chief Robert Baty, who was also present. While the administrator found that the euthanasia was legal under Sitka General Code and carried out by trained personnel, the investigation noted that the “lack of transparency, consultation, and clear policies regarding shelter operations contributed to significant public concern and eroded trust” between the city, police, shelter volunteers, and the public. The release of the investigation comes as the city is continuing to negotiate a contract with animal shelter volunteers that would allow them back in the building. A draft contract is currently under review by FOSAS and will be presented at the February 25 assembly meeting. In the report, Leach makes several recommendations, including establishing formal policies and communication structures between volunteers, police, and the city, restoring volunteer access, and evaluating whether the city can ultimately transition shelter management to the volunteer group under a lease agreement.
ANIMAL SHELTER EUTHANASIA SITKA POLICE VOLUNTEERS ANIMAL CONTROL
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