Public Can Hear Results of Animal Shelter Inquiry

To address residents’ concerns about treatment at the city’s animal shelter, officials have scheduled a public meeting Tuesday to hear comments and present the results of a city investigation, which uncovered no evidence of abuse at the shelter.

The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the Irvine Animal Shelter, Sand Canyon Avenue and Oak Canyon.

City leaders ordered the investigation in July after receiving several letters from residents who claimed they witnessed abuse and neglect of animals being cared for at the Irvine Animal Shelter.

In a letter to the city, a resident wrote about mistreatment after witnessing a technician spray a litter of puppies with a high-pressure hose, splattering the feces in the dog run all over the puppies’ bodies.

Another resident wrote about alleged abuse after shelter staff aborted a pregnant dog’s litter 14 days before its delivery date.

Other complaints included that dogs do not receive regular exercise and that staff members yell at dogs and bang on their cages to get them to stop barking.

“A lot of things are going on that are inhumane,” said Wendy Fears, who served as a volunteer at the shelter for three years. “There are times when medical treatment is needed and the animals don’t get it for days. There is neglect when big 80-pound dogs aren’t taken out of their cages to exercise for weeks at a time.”

A report on the investigation’s findings was released on Sept. 5. The investigation was conducted by Barry McClellan, the city’s director of public works, Richard Evans, the county chief of veterinarian services, and David Hartl, a consultant.

The report stated the investigation revealed no abuse but that some incidents “could be perceived as inhumane treatment in certain environments or situations.”

The report suggested the city improve shelter conditions by hiring a full-time veterinarian, providing 24-hour supervision at the shelter, developing a structured volunteer program and working to strengthen communication between staff and volunteers.

“Our shelter has always been considered the best in the county,” said Mayor Mike Ward. “We’ll do whatever is necessary to keep it that way.”