KXXV-TV News Channel 25 - Central Texas News and Weather for Waco, Temple, Killeen | Controversy Surrounds Killeen Animal Shelter's Policies

Controversy Surrounds Killeen Animal Shelter's Policies

by Haley Baker

KILLEEN- Controversy over the Killeen Animal Shelter continued Wednesday.  Residents expressed their concerns to the Animal Advisory Board about the lack of veterinarian care at the facility.

News Channel 25 first told you about that controversy Monday.    Paul Phipps contacted us outraged that dogs with severe mange were up for adoption.  He said they were in the shelter suffering and not getting any veterinarian care.

"That really concerns me.  They are sitting there and allowing them to suffer.   I don't believe that's the city of Killeen's intention, but it's currently happening," said local animal rescuer Paul Phipps.

Debra Ullrich with Forgotten Friends Rescue out of Austin even came to address the Animal Advisory Board.  She said she's seen dogs and cats in severe pain that weren't even getting basic medical care. 

"We need to get to the bottom of why these animals aren't being treated.   Is it a problem of the animal control officer's judgment, or the city or a combination?   But it needs to stop," said Ullrich.

It's something that Councilman Larry Cole says the board is taking very seriously.  "I can assure you, talking to the city council we don't want this to continue.  We didn't realize it was as bad as it is.  But I also think we need to give the clinic a chance to rebut," said Councilman Cole. 

The board meets again February 20^th and will be discussing the matter.