Dog euthanized when owner can’t pay fees fast enough

Jeraldine Archuleta via Nevada Appeal / AP

This April 4, 2010, photo provided by Jeraldine Archuleta shows her dog Rollie. Staff members at Carson City Animal Services are undergoing an “intensive” training on customer service and ethics this week after Rollie was put down because its owner couldn’t immediately pay a $100 fee. Animal Services director Marena Works said the shelter is tightening its policies after the incident.

Associated Press

Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013 | 12:15 a.m.

Officials with Carson City Animal Services say they shouldn't have euthanized a small dog whose owner couldn't pay a $100 fee within three days.

The shelter is closed for adoptions Tuesday through Thursday for what City Manager Larry Werner called "intensive" training on customer service and ethics.

Jeraldine Archuleta wrote a letter to the Nevada Appeal about her dog, which was picked up by animal control on July 25. She says she tried to retrieve it from the shelter the next day, but was told she needed to pay fees within a 72-hour window, and was later issued a citation for abandoning it.

Animal Services director Marena Works says the shelter was within its legal rights, but should have given Archuleta more time before euthanizing the dog.