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Volunteers urge Pasco council to spare two shelter dogs; staff says one rescue confirmed
Summary
Volunteers and rescue groups pleaded with Pasco leaders to delay euthanasia for two dogs, Rusty and Stanley, saying rescues have confirmed placements and paid deposits. City staff said one dog has a confirmed transfer and there was no euthanasia scheduled at the time of the meeting.
A packed Pasco City Council workshop on Monday turned into an urgent appeal for two dogs facing nonstandard adoption timelines at the Tri-City Animal Shelter.
Volunteers, trainers and rescue leaders told the council they had confirmed plans and paid deposits to take the animals for professional training and rehabilitation. "Grace makes room for Rusty and Stanley," said Jessica Bolard, founder of S'mores Rescue, describing an arranged July 13 intake at a professional board-and-train facility and asking the city to allow short extensions so the placement could proceed.
Speakers including shelter volunteers said the dogs have been at the shelter for more than a year and argued that temporary exceptions would increase chances for successful placement. Trainer William Lambert urged the council to allow the animals to remain in the shelter with volunteer support for “just some time” so professional training can begin.
City staff told the council they were constrained by the interlocal agreement that governs Tri-City Animal Services (TCAST), which gives the shelter’s management committee authority to set policy. Staff also relayed material in the animals’ files, saying the dogs have bite histories that inform safety decisions. Council members and the city manager pressed staff to explore every option short of immediate euthanasia.
Late in the meeting staff said a rescue had committed to take Stanley the following day and that there was no euthanasia scheduled for either dog at that time. Council members pressed for longer-term policy changes to the shelter’s nonstandard-adoption and dangerous-dog procedures so future cases with rescue commitments can be handled more flexibly.
Next steps: staff and the city attorney advised that unilateral changes to TCAST policy are limited by the interlocal agreement, but the city can advocate for change through its board seat, revise local ordinances, or pursue procedural adjustments. The council asked staff to follow up with the shelter, document the timeline, and report back on options for short-term exceptions and longer-term reforms.
