Resident alleges animal-shelter neglect; police lieutenant gives intake and live-release figures and confirms investigation

Clearlake — During public comment April 20, resident Kay Lopez accused the Clear Lake animal shelter of repeated failures, and Police Lieutenant Peterson presented intake and outcome figures for the shelter and said an investigation is underway.

Lopez told the council she visited the shelter on March 21 and other dates and photographed dogs confined in very small kennels standing in feces and urine. “I saw dogs in kennels very small that is not meant to house dogs for a permanent time, and they were walking in poop and urine,” she said, and added that she had stacks of pictures documenting what she described as neglect. Lopez also alleged some animals did not receive timely veterinary care, named a dog called Dennis and said a dog with Giardia was not taken to a vet; she said she provided the photographs to Lieutenant Peterson.

Lieutenant Peterson reported that from Jan. 1 to April 20, 2023 the shelter had 107 incoming dogs; 78 left the shelter during that period (30 went to rescues or other facilities, 33 were returned to owners and 15 were adopted) and the shelter reported zero euthanasias, which Peterson said produced a live-release rate of 100 percent. He said the current census was 62 dogs and staff have reduced use of temporary crates. Peterson said he is investigating and that the council will have a future agenda item with more detail after the investigation concludes.

What was requested: Lopez asked for documentation of veterinary checks and the dates vets saw individual animals; Lieutenant Peterson confirmed Lopez had provided photos to the officer conducting the inquiry.

Next steps: Peterson said the investigation is ongoing and staff will bring findings to the council when available.