On Thursday, November 11, at 9:15 am, the Pasco Police Department served a search warrant at the Tri-City Animal Shelter located at 1312 18th Ave. in Pasco. During the service of the search warrant, out of around 260 animals on-site, four dogs and 30 cats were seized and placed in immediate veterinary care. During the search, it was determined to put a portion of the shelter complex under the supervision and responsibility of the Benton-Franklin Humane Society (BFHS). Immediately after police clearance, volunteers and staff from the BFHS began facility cleaning and assuming care of the remaining animals.
Based partly on the conditions encountered, City of Pasco Administrative staff terminated the operating contract with the director and manager of Neo's Nation Animal Foundation and personally served said notice on November 11. Operations and management of the shelter were immediately transitioned to BFHS. Current staff for regional animal control, shelter care, and volunteer animal care were retained under the supervision of BFHS to ensure that service to the community and the animals would not be significantly interrupted. BFHS will determine long-term employment for shelter staff based upon their organizational mission and need for the facility's continued operation.
Before the action was taken yesterday, an investigation commenced after City staff received information regarding shelter conditions and organizational operations with Neo's Nation. On October 26, city staff conducted an unannounced inspection of the shelter facility based on that information received. City staff is not trained nor certified in veterinary care or shelter management, so conditions were such that staff ensured that credentialed professionals accompanied law enforcement on the search warrant.
The City of Pasco, our partner communities, and the Tri-City Animal Control Authority would like to express appreciation for the community members who work and volunteer to serve the animals before, during, and continuing through this challenging time. Special thanks to the Benton-Franklin Humane Society for stepping in to continue operations for the animals and community.
Finally, thanks to the Tri-Cities community for its patience and understanding during this transition to provide the best care possible for the animals.
The City of Pasco strives to continue improving the quality of community life in Pasco.