Amarillo Animal Control Video, Investigation & Statement

Amarillo Animal Control is under investigation by the Amarillo Police Department due to allegations involving the operation and standards practiced in euthanasia.  A video showing an employee performing the process in a way that does not meet standards set by the Texas Code.  Not that there's anything "standard" in the act of euthanasia, I find it pretty cruel myself.

Also, dog "owners", if you can't take on an animal as a pet and give it the proper treatment, just don't!  Driving through nice neighborhoods and dropping a dog off thinking it's going to find a good home is not a proper solution!  The solution is to not have a pet at all, I wag my finger at people that do this, shame on you!  You take a puppy in and give it a name, then when you realize there is actual work involved in raising a dog, you just abandon it.  Real nice, good job, hope you sleep well at night...

Sorry, just ugh!  I hate that, my wife and I actually argue and compromise about our pets, especially with having a child now.  We don't give up on our pets, we took them in and it's our responsibility to see them through their lives.

One of our pets is a rescue, a pain in the butt sometimes, but he's our pain in the butt.  His life is way better now, after my wife found him in an empty apartment, left by the previous tenants, starved to a skeleton and afraid of every human being out there.  That ain't right!  It's called the "human element", it's supposed to be good not evil.

Got way off track there, sorry, anyways Pro News 7 did a full article on the story and has the video posted on YouTube.  I couldn't bring myself to watch it, but I'll give you a link.

Connect Amarillo

"Dr. Sarah Viera of Hope Veterinary Clinic saw the video and told Pronews 7 which humane standards were not met when the dog in the video was euthanized in a loading dock before being dragged to a truck.

Pronews 7 spoke with Amarillo Police Department, who confirmed that there is an active investigation into the Animal Control department.

The video shows an Amarillo Animal Control employee euthanizing an animal in such a way that did not meet "humane euthanasia standards put out by the American Veterinary Association or the Texas Administrative Code," according to Dr. Viera."

WARNING - The following link contains sensitive material that some viewers may find disturbing, watch at your own risk!

The City of Amarillo has released an official statement on the investigation that goes as follows...

"Amarillo, TX – The Amarillo Police Department is investigating allegations involving the operations of the Amarillo Animal Control Department. The allegations are serious and City administration supports a full and complete investigation.

Immediate steps were taken early in the investigation to ensure both the integrity of the investigation and to continue providing the essential public safety duties required of Animal Control operations. This includes measures to ensure the proper care and handling of animals. Two employees are on administrative leave pending the outcome of the police investigation.

Upon the conclusion of the police investigation, the City will conduct an internal review for possible non-criminal violations of policy.

If anyone has information regarding this investigation, please contact Lt. Stan Rickwartz at the Amarillo Police Department at 378-9403."