Progress Reported On Animal Shelter

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Category: News

Created on Thursday, 19 December 2024 15:05

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By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
    City Attorney Rachel Jones told the Assembly Tuesday she had talked with city staff and Friends of the Sitka Animal Shelter earlier that day to work through “some of the more controversial issues on animal disposition.”
    “We haven’t reached an agreement on all of those issues but we’re getting really close,” said Jones, who clarified today that her role in the talks was as a facilitator, not city attorney.
    “Disposition” relates to adopting animals out, and euthanasia.
    Jones, who’s been city attorney since October 7, spoke in the Reports section of the agenda about her work the past four months to settle the controversy that arose when the volunteers were no longer allowed into the shelter to care for the animals about six months ago.
    “Folks have been working hard, and I really commend them for maintaining a respectful demeanor and really working together to put together an interim program that will work, and getting some of the big picture ideas on the table as well,” Jones said.
    She, Police Chief Robert Baty, City Administrator John Leach, Assembly member Thor Christianson and FOSAS board members are continuing to work on a memorandum of understanding to outline operations of the shelter, the role of volunteers, and FOSAS.
    “The team wants the public to know the shelter is open for the temporary housing needs of animals,” Jones said. “But that if you’re looking to re-home an animal, and it’s not an emergency, to contact FOSAS first, and they’re happy to help with finding that animal a home without it having to go through the shelter process.
    City staff later added the contact information for FOSAS is sitkaanimalfriends@gmail.com or facebook.com/sitkaanimalfriends
    Jones told the Assembly that the shelter is available when there’s a need to house an animal, and volunteers and Sitka Police will work together “on an as-needed basis” to care for the animals.
    “Once the MOU goes into effect, those regularly scheduled volunteer times will resume through the scheduling software that’s been researched,” Jones said. “Finally, the group wants to thank the community for the generous donations, especially of food. The shelters is packed full of food for the animals.”
    The volunteers had a cleanup day in November and worked hard to get the shelter organized. “The group will reach out with donation needs as they arise,” Jones said.
    FOSAF president Kristina Tirman told the Sentinel today that the group appreciates the city’s time and willingness to engage in challenging conversations about the shelter.
    “While we’ve reached consensus on several items, some difficult topics remain, such as the standards of care and euthanasia,” Tirman said. “In both cases, veterinary input is key.”
    She said the group’s position on “shelter medicine best practices to support both animal and public health” was based on advice and recommendations of Dr. Arleigh Reynolds, a veterinarian and PhD scientist, and local veterinarians Dr. Toccoa Wolf and Dr. Nicole Caraway. Tirman said the group is especially grateful for their contributions.
    She said the longer term goal of FOSAS is to see shelter planning that incorporates public input and leads to meaningful updates to the city code. “We’re excited to hear from the community and collaborate on creating a shelter that reflects both veterinary recommendations and public priorities,” she said, via text message.