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ROOSEVELT — The city of Roosevelt has closed its animal shelter to the public and placed some staff on administrative leave while investigating allegations of misuse of public money or public property.
In a lengthy Facebook post Saturday morning, the city said the shelter will continue to care for animals during the closure but will not open the shelter for adoptions at this time.
"Because concerns were brought to light of possible misuse of public money or public property, the Roosevelt City Attorney (Grant Charles) has determined that the City is obligated to fully investigate any possible violations," the post says. It continues saying all staff "who may have been involved" have been placed on administrative leave.
"Investigation into any possible code violations will be conducted by an outside agency. Roosevelt City officials will not be involved to avoid any possible conflict of interest," the post says.
Roosevelt city officials said they have made arrangements for possible emergency care of the animals that may be needed during the closure. The Facebook post says the city "will continue to make improvements" to the shelter while it is closed. "City officials have already approved an increase in budgeted staff hours for shelter employees and worked with shelter management to improve lines of communication for addressing any future concerns that may arise," the post says.
It also addresses "allegations" that the shelter was euthanizing animals at a high rate. The post says only three cats have been put down in 2020, all three being considered "injured beyond the possibility of recovery by veterinary professionals."
"In the history of Roosevelt City’s management of the shelter, no animal has ever been euthanized for reasons unrelated to illness or injury" and that will continue to be the case, city officials say.
"It is the goal of Roosevelt City officials to ensure that the Roosevelt Animal Shelter is operating efficiently, meeting the needs of its staff, and providing the best possible care to all animals within its custody. The current investigation will help the City meet those goals and result in overall improvement at the Roosevelt Animal Shelter," the post says.
Roosevelt residents in need of animal services can continue to call dispatch at 435-722-4558.
