05/14/2026
We want to take a moment to address some concerns that were publicly raised in March regarding Webster County Animal Protection. While we understand that questions and accountability are part of animal welfare work, many of the allegations shared were inaccurate and did not reflect the reality of our operations or the care our animals receive every day.
There are a couple of complaints specifically that I would like to address:
1.) WCAP Pound/Stay Wild is not licensed.
We are a fully licensed and operational pound (AW012678) - the pound license gives us all the abilities of a shelter EXCEPT how we intake animals. We are allowed to intake/adopt out animals that are "at large" and brought in via pound. We are NOT legally able to accept surrenders from the public.
So, what was true in that complaint? We aren't a licensed "animal shelter" - True.
BUT! We don't need to be. As long as we follow all proper intake procedures, our pound license lawfully covers all adoptions.
2.) Our animals were in danger - skinny, hot spots on the skin, etc.
Was there a touch of truth here? You could say. Occasionally, we do have dogs in our care that have hot spots or are skinny... but we don't create that - we're here to fix it.
Up in the photos are two very recent examples - JJ was picked up in October with a full body dermatitis issue, severe ear infection, and a few other issues. She is still in our care, healthy, beautiful, sassy, and available for adoption.
Loki was just picked up only a couple of weeks ago. After posting his intake photo, many of you commented on his body condition. While he still has weight to gain, we are happy to say he's put some pounds on since coming to us!
When the state came out to investigate the complaint, they brought their Veterinarian Administrator Enforcement and the State Compliance director (we hear there's only a few in the state). They reviewed our location, our animals, our facility, and both our non-profit and pound paperwork. We are proud to announce WCAP fully passed our State Inspection (again) and we are proud to continue meeting the standards required to serve our community and the animals depending on us.
We will continue to stand by not discussing active court cases and as we feel that protecting the case, which protects those animals, is more important than battling misinformation.
While I can't say that it didn't affect me to have false information spread about me, my company, or our employees/board members that spend both paid time and personal time working to care for these animals - we are here to stay.
We often say the price of rescue is heart break - turns out heart break can be served in several different ways.
Our team works tirelessly, often under difficult circumstances, to provide safe shelter, medical care, reunification, and second chances for animals in Webster County. We remain committed to transparency, professionalism, and continual improvement.
To everyone who has continued to support us, volunteer, donate, advocate, and stand beside us — thank you. Your encouragement means more than you know, and it allows us to keep focusing on what matters most: the animals.
Please come out Friday night to Soldier Creek Winery where we're going to listen to Jared Benson and Claudia Coltrain, enjoy the weather, sip some vino, have a fun bags game, help learn/spread information on Stay Wild, and continue making a positive impact in our community.
