Charges unlikely in city probe of shelter

Criminal animal cruelty charges can't be pursued at the Lied Animal Shelter because investigators couldn't substantiate the allegations in a blistering Humane Society report, according to a statement issued Monday by the city of Las Vegas.

The Humane Society of the United States, citing confidentiality, did not provide investigators with sources and documentation to back up its report, according to the statement.

"Without that information, city investigators were unable to substantiate many of the criminal allegations," the city release said.

That wasn't the point, said Humane Society national president Wayne Pacelle.

"It's not a game of, 'Gotcha!'" he said, noting that his organization was invited to the shelter. "The leaders of the Lied Animal Shelter knew there were problems and they wanted to improve.

"We were pleased to see they were as transparent as they were, and we've been very pleased that so many recommendations for corrective action have been followed."

Officials from the Humane Society visited the shelter in February at the request of the Lied Animal Foundation, which runs the shelter. The shelter was temporarily closed because of outbreaks of serious diseases and eventually 1,000 animals had to be put down.

A May report on that visit detailed an ugly situation -- animals left sick and dying in their cages, starving dogs in overcrowded runs, incoming pets housed with diseased animals, a lack of needed vaccinations.

Overcrowding at the shelter "arose not by accident or out of ignorance, but as a result of a systematic policy that prohibited the euthanasia of surplus healthy and, in numerous cases, sick animals," the report stated.

Christine Robinson, the shelter's new executive director, took over in April. She was not available for comment Monday night.

The shelter has taken numerous steps to correct mismanagement at the shelter, and Humane Society officials said in July they were pleased with the shelter's progress.

The city's investigation wasn't intended to lead to criminal charges, Mayor Oscar Goodman said in August in announcing the inquiry -- but he also said those responsible for the ghastly state of affairs of the shelter should bear some responsibility.

"Allegedly the intentions were good, but that doesn't count anymore," Goodman said at the time.

But good intentions ended up being good enough, according to the city's statement Monday.

Investigators couldn't document criminal intent or negligence. "To the contrary," the statement reads, "evidence suggests the intentions of shelter workers were good" -- but they were overwhelmed by dealing with 55,000 animals a year, many already sick or malnourished.

City officials did not respond to requests for comment Monday evening.

The investigation did uphold allegations relating to "contractual compliance" at the shelter, which receives money from Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Clark County to shelter animals.

Those mostly consisted of unsanitary conditions caused by overcrowding.

The state veterinary board, which oversees veterinarian practices and medical care, was also sent information from the Humane Society's report in areas in which the board has jurisdiction.

This outcome lets shelter overseers off with a pass, said Gina Greisen, director of Nevada Voters for Animals.

"I'm pretty shocked right now," she said after being told of the city's conclusions. "I think the citizens are getting the shaft because, for whatever reason, an investigation can't take place."

Contact reporter Alan Choate at achoate@reviewjournal.com or (702) 229-6435.