Wake Up
Dear Editor: I must say, as I grow more into my senior years, I have never seen an attack on our democracy like what our new president and mega billionaires are doing. We all ought to be concerned and make our voices heard.
This is, or was, a democracy with rules of law, not a kingdom or dictatorial or despotic society, which seems to be the new direction our leader is taking us. Wake up, everybody. Drop a letter to your elected officials in Washington, tell them to get a backbone, or whatever words you like. By the way, 90 million people eligible to vote did not vote.
Jeff Budd, Sitka
Animal Shelter
Dear Editor: A version of this letter was sent to the Assembly today.
We, the undersigned veterinarians – all licensed in the State of Alaska and residing/have homes in the City of Sitka – write to you with deep concern regarding the recent incident in which six animals were euthanized by gunshot. We understand that City Administrator John Leach in his report dated 02/09/2025 stated these actions adhered to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. However, we respectfully disagree with that conclusion and believe the guidelines were not properly followed.
The AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals (2020) specify that the use of firearms is acceptable only under very limited circumstances – generally in emergencies or field conditions where no other humane option is feasible. Within a shelter setting, where trained personnel, chemical euthanasia, and veterinary resources are typically available, gunshot is not recommended nor considered a best practice. The guidelines specifically state, “Gunshot should not be used for routine euthanasia of animals in animal control situations, such as municipal pounds or shelters.”
The Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters (2022) states that “While necessary in rare occasions in the field, gunshot is unacceptable as a routine method for euthanasia of dogs, cats, or other small companion animals.” As veterinarians dedicated to animal health and welfare, we can confirm that the methods detailed in the recent investigative report do not align with what the AVMA deems appropriate for companion animals in a controlled environment.
Moreover, none of us were contacted for consultation or assistance prior to this decision. Had local veterinary expertise been consulted, a more humane outcome could have been achieved, and this distressing event might have been avoided.
We hold deep respect for the role of police in public safety. However, expecting law enforcement officers to be solely responsible for euthanizing animals – especially in non-emergency situations – places them in a difficult position for which they are not specifically trained. This poses risks to animal welfare, erodes public trust, and can undermine the professional standards of care that our community should expect.
We respectfully request that the Assembly:
–Review and revise existing policies and procedures governing euthanasia at the Sitka Animal Shelter to align with AVMA guidelines and current industry best practices.
–Require consultation with a licensed veterinarian for all shelter-related euthanasia decisions, except in clearly defined emergency situations.
–Provide adequate funding and resources to ensure the shelter can employ suitably trained personnel, maintain proper facilities, and institute professional oversight of animal care.
–Clearly define the roles of law enforcement and animal control to prevent scenarios where untrained individuals must make complex medical or animal welfare decisions.
–Update Sitka Municipal Code to reflect the changes listed above, as appropriate.
Our intention is not to assign blame, but rather to safeguard our community’s animals by upholding higher standards of care. With appropriate resources, professional guidance, and clear protocols, we believe Sitka can and should avoid incidents like this in the future.
We remain willing to assist in the development of improved protocols and to offer further guidance as needed.
Sincerely,
Toccoa Wolf, DVM
Nicole Caraway, DVM
Arleigh Reynolds, DVM, DACVIM
Cheryl Rosa, DVM, PhD
Burgess Bauder, MS, DVM
Victoria Vosburg, DVM
Melissa Froh, DVM
Town Hall
Dear Editor: Thank you for reporting on Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Town Hall phone-in event. I tried calling but couldn’t get in and there was no way to listen to it.
I read with interest her responses to the recent brutal firings of federal employees. Her actions are appropriate and I hope they will result in the reinstatement, or hiring, of these dedicated employees, though I doubt this will happen anytime soon. And will those employees still be available or willing to be a federal employee?
I have continued to use 5calls.org to voice my opinion to our Congressional delegation. It’s encouraging that this senator, at least on this issue, is on the same page.
Mim McConnell, Sitka
