Officials with the Kansas Humane Society are calling for changes in a state law that has prevented them from placing sick animals with contagious or infectious diseases into shelters or rescue organizations.
The Humane Society said one of its partners was cited by the Kansas Department of Agriculture for taking custody of several Parvo positive animals. This is under a law stating that no animal with any infectious or contagious disease can be treated or transferred outside the shelter of origin, unless the animal is taken directly to a veterinarian and then transferred directly back to the shelter.
The Humane Society said this means that strays and other animals cannot be placed with rescue partners or foster homes, even under the oversight of a veterinarian. It also means that sick animals can no longer be moved from the Wichita Animal Shelter into any placement that is not a veterinary clinic. The Humane Society said this means that many animals who are sick upon arrival at the shelter, or who become sick while in care, will not survive because the costs of providing medical treatment for high volume animal shelters will exceed the resources available.
The Humane Society said it has received clarification from the Department of Agriculture on the new law, and they’re working to make sure they are operating within the law. They said they are still unable to place sick animals with rescue groups or shelters, until changes are made in the process and it’s certain that rescue and shelter providers are able to follow the new requirements.
Humane Society officials met Wednesday with the Kansas Pet Advisory Board in Topeka to talk about their concerns over the law.
