Baxter Springs PD responds to concerns over animal pound practices

BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. — City officials in Baxter Springs are responding to public concerns about the treatment and euthanasia of animals housed at the city animal pound, saying recent allegations circulating in the community are inaccurate.

In a statement released Monday, the Baxter Springs Police Department said the city’s policy is to make extensive efforts to reunite stray animals with their owners before seeking foster or adoptive homes. Euthanasia is used only as a last resort and is performed under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, according to the department.

The statement comes after allegations that several animals had recently been removed from the pound and euthanized.

Police said the five dogs referenced in those allegations were instead placed in a foster home and matched with new owners.

Officials said a review of animal shelter records found that four animals have been euthanized during the past two years. According to the department, two of those dogs were determined to be dangerous after biting multiple people. The city said efforts to rehome those animals continued for five months before they were euthanized.

Two other dogs were euthanized after eight months of unsuccessful attempts to find adoptive homes. Officials said those animals were examined by a licensed veterinarian and determined to be unsuitable for adoption and unable to be rehabilitated.

The department said all euthanasia decisions were reviewed and approved by a veterinarian and that no animals have been euthanized outside a veterinarian’s care.

“The City of Baxter Springs takes the care of animals very seriously and takes great pride in providing this service to the community,” the statement said.