A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Marshall and the Saline Animal League (SAL) has been terminated.

The city entered into a non-binding agreement with the SAL in March 2020. The SAL would be responsible for the daily operations at the Marshall Animal Shelter. That agreement was for one year with the option to renew and amend as needed after that time. The agreement also included the option to terminate with 60 days’ notice from either party, after the first year.

The decision was made to terminate the MOU on October 4, 2023, after much discussion and consideration and with the input of the Marshall City Council, Mayor Vince Lutterbie, City Administrator JD Kehrman, and the Marshall Police Department. This decision allows the City of Marshall to regain oversight and operation of the Marshall Animal Shelter, which is a branch of the Marshall Police Department.

The City of Marshall says the shelter will continue to prioritize finding adoptable animals their forever homes. They also say they will work with other groups we are prepared to conduct adoptions at the Marshall Animal Shelter. To achieve this, The City expects to expand the Animal Control Division with the hiring of an additional full time staff member and to reinstate the Animal Control Officer as the shelter supervisor with an office on site.

The City says it has every intention of working with the Saline Animal League and other groups toward the goal of adopting out as many animals as possible.

Anyone with any questions should contact the city at 660-886-2226.