By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the Salina Animal Shelter, after state inspections and community concerns.
According to the Salina Police Department, the agency started investigating the shelter last week, but have now stated it has been handed over to the Saline County Attorney's Office.
A media release will be published according to County Attorney John Reynolds.
Moreover, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is conducting their own investigation into the shelter. According to the Commissioner Doug Rempp, the DEA recently made a visit to the shelter.
No other information was provided.
Concerned citizens
Currently, the animal shelter does not have a good reputation amongst the citizens of Salina.
Sue Nickel and Michelle Timson are two of many concerned citizens who have asked for various emails and records regarding the shelter.
Timson stated she has asked the City about procedures and policies on suspending employees during open investigations. She has yet to receive that information.
"I requested the city employees policy and procedures on suspending employees during open investigations on March 18 through the Open Records Act, and have yet to receive the file," Timson said.
Complaints have been filed to Attorney General Kris Kobach's office, about the City possibly violating the Kansas Open Records Acts (KORA), due to redactions of emails, records and misleading information.
Nickel stated she has contacted the City for information regarding the euthanization of three puppies with Parvovirus on December 2025.
"I welcome a thorough and independent investigation into the events of December 16, 2025. I am confident that if the facts are examined objectively based on the shelter’s own records, internal communications, and the documented timeline—the conclusion will reveal what actually occurred the day these three puppies were inhumanely euthanized," Nickel said.
However, she stated she received information that listed "no documentation of sedation" and the "administration of the euthanization."
"The shelter’s written protocol specifies IV injection of Fatal Plus as the approved method. There is no record confirming that protocol was followed."
During Monday's study session at the commission meeting, City Manager Jacob Wood admitted the procedures done on the puppies should have been conducted "differently."
"There were some concerns about how we performed that euthanasia. We probably should have done it differently and probably sedated them. We recognized that it was not done appropriately. We certainly would have done it differently, had we do it today. This is all part of learning from your past mistakes," Wood said.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) required animal shelter staff to halt all euthanasia procedures and have veterinarian conduct them.
Salina Post will continue to follow this developing story and provide the media release once known.