06/11/2026
📣 Help Us Create a Paper Trail for the FBX40 Dogs: FNSB Assembly Meeting TONIGHT @ 6pm
Below is a summary of events surrounding the FBX40 dogs, concerns regarding Animal Control’s actions and protocols, and recent public statements made by Jake Lull, former owner of FBX40.
At the bottom of this post, you will find information on how to testify by email, in person, online or by telephone before the Assembly. Anyone can testify, even if you are outside of the borough. The case file is also attached below, and photos from the file are shared here for public review.
Our goal is to ensure accountability and establish recourse with Animal Control regarding animal welfare enforcement, so that no future dogs are subjected to the conditions these animals endured under the care of Jake Lull.
This effort was a grassroots initiative and we still need your help. The rescue was organized quickly by everyday people without the resources that shelters and established rescues have. Please donate here or share: https://gofund.me/ffeb9fd1b
WHAT WE KNOW!
Total Count: 50 Dogs and Growing
- 8 adults still needing homes (please scroll to previous posts to see who is available)
- 5 newborn puppies in need of foster care and socialization (their mother will go with them but has already been adopted)
- Another litter on the way
SITE VISITS
- May 4: A site visit was conducted by a borough-contracted veterinarian along with an Animal Control Officer.
- Reports indicated that the dogs were deemed not to be in “imminent danger” at that time, despite having extremely low body condition scores.
- May 6: A site visit was conducted by Dr. Olson for a second professional opinion, and the dogs were assessed to be in a condition warranting removal, with average body condition scores around 1.
- Animal Control personnel reportedly instructed the veterinarian to contact the Alaska State Troopers (AST).
- When AST became involved, they were advised by Animal Control not to intervene.
- Animal Control informed caretakers that if the dogs were not properly cared for, they could face citations, as the dogs had been placed in their care through a verbal agreement with the owner.
- Public statements and information in the case file indicate that the former owner, Jake Lull has expressed interest in returning to dog mushing.
- Social media statements attributed to him indicating he owes approximately $8,000 in rent and was doing the bare minimum necessary to keep the dogs alive during extreme winter conditions.
Questions for the Assembly
- Why were no citations issued?
Given the condition of the dogs, what factors influenced the decision not to issue citations for animal cruelty, neglect, or failure to provide adequate care?
- Why was AST asked not to intervene?
What was the rationale behind Animal Control’s reported instruction to Alaska State Troopers not to take enforcement action at that time?
- What standards are being applied?
What is the borough’s minimum standard for acceptable animal care, and at what point does the borough veterinarian determine that conditions warrant enforcement action or seizure?
- How were the differing veterinary assessments addressed?What explains the difference between the May 4 determination by the borough veterinarian that the dogs were not in imminent danger and the May 6 assessment by a second veterinarian, hired by the caretakers, that warranted their removal? How does the borough evaluate differing veterinary opinions in cases involving potential neglect?
- What safeguards exist to prevent recurrence?
If an individual whose dogs were removed due to severe neglect seeks to acquire or race sled dogs again, what safeguards are in place to protect animals from future harm?
- If no citations or formal findings are issued, how can the public be assured that documented concerns regarding animal welfare will be considered should that individual seek to own or manage dogs in the future?
These questions aim to promote accountability, and public understanding of how animal welfare laws and enforcement standards are applied in cases involving large-scale neglect.
If you believe these questions deserve answers, please consider submitting testimony, attending the Assembly meeting, or speaking by phone.
Every testimony helps create a public record and demonstrates that our community cares about animal welfare, accountability, and prevention of future neglect.
Instructions & links below.
WHAT: FNSB Assembly Meeting | FBX40 (not on agenda)
WHEN: Thursday, June 11 @ 6pm
WHERE: Mona Lisa Drexler Assembly Chambers Juanita Helms Administration Center 907 Terminal Street, Fairbanks, AK
How to Provide Testimony
After reviewing the agenda, you may sign up to testify or submit written comments directly to the Assembly.
In-Person and Telephonic Testimony
Once the agenda has been published, call the Borough Clerk's Office at 907-459-1401 or complete the Sign-Up for Telephonic Testimony form by 4:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting to testify.
- Citizens Comments and Public Hearing testimony is limited to 3 minutes for each person.
- Citizens may also sign-up in person the evening of the meeting.
What to Expect When Testifying Telephonically
- Public testimony will be heard from citizens in the order in which they have signed up.
- The Clerk will call citizens who have signed up to testify at the phone numbers provided when it is their turn to speak.
- Once you are placed into the meeting, the Presiding Officer will ask that you state your name, spell your last name, and provide your neighborhood or place of residence for the record.
- Then your 3 minutes will begin.
Written Testimony
To submit your written comments use the Written Testimony Form or send an email to [email protected].
How to Listen to Public Assembly Meetings
In-Person Attendance
All Assembly meetings are held in the Mona Lisa Drexler Assembly Chambers, located in the Juanita Helms Administration Center (JHAC) at 907 Terminal St, Fairbanks.
Live Website Streaming
- To watch live meetings, citizens may access them through the links below. These links are updated routinely to reflect any upcoming meetings. Please note once the meeting has started a live red button will be available. If you are having issues, try refreshing your web browser.
- KUAC Radio
- All regular Assembly meetings are broadcast on KUAC Radio 89.9 FM live at 7 p.m.
- Agenda Center Link: https://fnsb.portal.civicclerk.com/event/5640/overview
- Sign Up To Testify: https://www.fnsb.gov/FormCenter/Boards-Commissions-Testimony-Forms-12/Borough-Assembly-SignUp-For-Telephonic-T-141?fbclid=IwY2xjawSX89ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIem1QdGQ1RDlMM3Aya29Dc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHu8Bc-Y3ooBNTta8VJONi8Bo0rDtSbrrSLzlPrzTesvIdM22_4HvEY6sc0SD_aem_fH0D293NnKI33UdQ9hWGMg
- Submit Written Comments: [email protected], [email protected]
