Lesley Garrett

Photographer

    After a video capturing the reality of the euthanasia room at the McCracken County Humane Society was released, local law enforcement immediately took action. The evidence thus far suggests that euthanasia specialist, Beau Anderson of McCracken County Humane Society, has put down at least 8,000 animals without any sedation. Anderson is currently facing nine counts of state statute violation. 

    Despite many who kept the reality quiet, one person decided to speak up. Employee Jeremiah Robertson was suspicious of the methods that had been used to put down animals in the back room. In an undercover manner with the camera on his phone, he managed to record the unnerving howls and growls and a grotesque scene of animals lying in their own blood. The evidence Robertson gathered was then delivered to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department.

    As to be expected, the ethics of those in charge of the shelter are currently under question. The McCracken County Humane Society Director, Shirley Grimes, announced on Sunday, November 20, that she would be resigning from the board. The county attorneys are currently reviewing the entire case, and Sheriff John Hayden had no comments about any arrests or charges that may occur when interviewed by local news station WPSD.

    While investigations and accusations are underway, actions to establish a new animal shelter are being taken. For now, a temporary shelter has been set up at the McCracken County Road Department on County Park Road. The large white building was previously used as storage space for the Sheriff’s Department. Right now, renovations are being made and the decision on whether this will be the official location is still up in the air. The old Humane Society is still open for adoptions, seeing as there are still 22 dogs and 15 cats in need of homes. However, they are not currently accepting any new animals.