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Veterinarian ‘no longer employed’ at Community Animal Services of Pueblo

Posted at 4:08 PM, Mar 19, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-19 19:44:59-04

PUEBLO – News5 has learned Dr. Joel Brubaker, the veterinarian for Community Animal Services of Pueblo, is no longer employed by the facility.

A statement from Community Animal Services of Pueblo says, “Because of an active investigation, there will be no further comment.”

An investigation is underway into Community Animal Services of Pueblo as of last week when the Pueblo Police Department assisted in the execution of a search warrant by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

Pueblo County Commissioners say their main concern is the health and welfare of animals currently under the shelter’s control.

Shelters have to be licensed through the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act, or PACFA, to stay open. Hollis Glenn, director of that division, tells News5 the new shelter has been through several routine inspections since taking over on January 1, 2019, and that this active investigation is a “top priority” for PACFA investigators. There’s no word on what prompted Friday’s action, or if the shelter’s license is at risk of being revoked.

The shelter remains open, and Pueblo County Commissioners say they will continue to cooperate with state and local officials on the issue but cannot comment on the ongoing investigation.

PAWS for Life just took over management of the city’s animal shelter in early January after approval from the city council and county board of commissioners. The group’s board says they are working with investigators.

There is an active investigation. We have just been notified and are having an emergency board meeting to address it. We take the well-being of our animals very seriously and will fully comply with the investigation and are actively working on correcting concerns. – Ruth McDonald, PAWS for Life Board President

As part of the Pueblo Animal Ordinance, the new management must maintain a 90 percent live release rate while under contract with the city. Despite concerns about a detailed plan on how to operate the shelter, Pueblo County commissioners unanimously approved of the management change.

The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region ran the shelter for 16 years but came under fire in the community as many wanted it to become a no-kill shelter.

RELATED:

Pueblo’s new animal control shelter staying busy (Jan 4, 2019)

PAWS for Life beginstransition to operate city-county shelter, enforcement (Dec 7, 2018)

Pueblo County Commissioners vote 3-0 in favor of PAWS contract foranimal shelter (Dec 6, 2018)

PAWS For Life to take over Pueblo’s animal shelter, city council approves (Dec 3, 2018)