City, BPD investigating animal cruelty at shelter

The city of Breckenridge and Breckenridge Police Department are currently investigating a complaint of animal cruelty at the Breckenridge Animal Shelter, located at 601 N. Dubois. The investigation stems from a formal complaint sent to the city by the Stephens County Humane Society (SCHS) in early January.

According to the complaint, which was sent to the city Wednesday, Jan. 6, SCHS went to the shelter Monday, Jan. 4 to pick up two dogs which were being placed for adoption by the organization. Both dogs were emaciated and a local veterinarian who works with the organization stated the dogs were not being fed properly. The complaint also stated that more dogs were found to be in the same condition later that day.

“Later in the day Kevin Roach, Stephens County Sheriff, reported to us that 5 of the 6 dogs we were helping the county with were in the same condition. The 6th dog is missing from the shelter and has not yet been accounted for,” the complaint stated. “Those dogs were seen by our veterinarian on January 6, 2022. These dogs are also emaciated and starving to death. One of the puppies had to be hospitalized due to its condition.”

According to SCHS, one of the dogs found at the shelter died due to its condition. The remaining seven dogs are currently in the organization’s care and are slowly putting on weight.

The animal shelter is run by the city of Breckenridge. SCHS is not affiliated with the shelter, and only has access to the facility when picking up animals the organization plans to place for adoption or to place with rescues.

City Manager Erika McComis said that due to the ongoing investigation, she was unable to provide any details regarding the incident.

“While it’s under investigation, I can’t give anything out,” McComis said.

Requests to speak to Breckenridge Police Chief Bacel Cantrell were unanswered, as of Monday.