The Saline Animal League (SAL) has issued a statement in regards to the actions the city has taken at the Marshall Animal Shelter.

The SAL was served a notice of termination on January 5, 2024, where the city terminated the lease of the animal shelter at 325 North Grant Avenue.

The SAL and the City of Marshall were in negotiations for a mutually beneficial agreement up until January 5, when the SAL was removed from the Marshall Animal Shelter. The city said it was because the shelter was being operated without a license, which was inactivated at the request of the SAL. Uniformed police officers removed staff and volunteers from the premises.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) expressed in an email that this situation was caused by miscommunication between the entities. MDA also says there was not a compliance issue. SAL alleges that the City did not reach out for clarification on the license issue.

SAL says it is exploring all legal options both civilly and administratively for the actions taken by the City of Marshall. SAL attorney Katie Barnett said decision by the city is “shortsighted” and potentially unlawful.

You can view the full statement from the Saline Animal League by clicking here: SAL-Press-Release-Draft-1-9-24-final-1