The City of Marshall has removed the Saline Animal League (SAL) from the Marshall Animal Shelter effective January 5, 2024.

Marshall Police reportedly informed members of the Saline Animal League they were to leave the premises on Friday, January 5. The Members of SAL were not given a reason.

According to the City of Marshall, the Marshall Animal Shelter has been and is currently being operated without a license in place from Missouri’s Department of Agriculture, (a class A misdemeanor 2 CSR 30-9.020) by the contract operator Saline Animal League.

A release from the city states “The Marshall Animal Shelter’s license was terminated as a result of communications by Saline Animal League representatives with Missouri’s Department of Agriculture on or about October 6, 2023. These communications were made without notice of any kind to the City of Marshall.”

The release also says the city removed the SAL from the animal shelter in order to reestablish its good standing and licensure with the Department of Agriculture. The city has resumed operational oversight of the Marshall Animal Shelter.

Members of the SAL say given only a few minutes to pack up and vacate the animal shelter before police began changing locks. Photos courtesy of SAL member Jill Mitchell.