Dozens of allegedly neglected dogs and cats were removed from the Tri-Cities animal shelter in Pasco in November by city officials. The investigation is separate from recent money laundering charges filed against the shelter’s financial agent.
jking@tricityherald.com
Kennewick, WA
The Benton Franklin Humane Society is asking for donations to help cover the costs of sick animals removed from the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter.
About 30 cats and four dogs were found sick or malnourished at the shelter following an investigation by police and veterinary staff in Pasco on November 11. The refuge is also home to 200 additional animals.
The confiscation of the animals led to the end of a contract with Neo’s Nation Animal Foundation, which had managed the refuge since the beginning of the year.
Neo’s Nation leaders face a host of legal issues and allegations of financial mismanagement and animal abuse, according to court records and police reports.
Since taking over the shelter, officials from the Benton-Franklin Humane Society have started deep cleaning the buildings and have taken all the animals to vets. Sick animals have been isolated or transferred to other shelters or to local veterinary facilities.
In a recent update on the shelter, Humane Society asked for donations to cover the additional costs of caring for these animals.
“As the situation with the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter continues to develop, the Benton Franklin Humane Society is deeply grateful for the trust placed in us and for the outpouring of interest and support from the community,” said of those responsible in the update.
They said their organization has an independent financial audit done every year. Previous audit reports are available on request and tax returns are available at www.guidestar.com.
In addition to managing the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter and animal control services in Pasco, Richland and Kennewick, the organization continues to operate its own Seventh Avenue shelter in Kennewick.
Donation checks can be mailed to 1312 S. 18th Ave., Pasco, WA 99301 or 1736 E. Seventh Ave. in Kennewick, WA. Or online donations are possible at www.bfhs.com.
Move adoptions
While animal control services remain available at the Pasco Shelter, the company manages all pet adoptions at its Kennewick site.
Make an appointment to see the cats on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or come see the cats from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Sunday.
Appointments should also be scheduled to see available dogs, according to the website. The shelter can be reached by phone at 509-374-4235 or by email at shelter@bfhs.com.
An adoption questionnaire and more information about the animals available can be found on the company’s website www.bfhs.com.
Company officials have asked people to be patient as it will take some time to respond to messages.
“BFHS ‘team of staff, board and volunteers prioritize the health, safety and mental well-being of all animals in our care,” the company said.
“As this urgent and fluid situation continues to unfold, there may be times of delayed or reduced access to service. We ask for your patience as we quickly but carefully create processes that will reduce the impact on animals and the public. “
This story was originally published 3 December 2021 11:04 am.
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