Animal shelter cited for unacceptable conditions

Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary near Jackson is closed after formal complaints about the care of cats and dogs at the no-kill shelter.

A petition filed Oct. 22 in circuit court in Cape Girardeau County states during 2013 and 2014, inadequate veterinary care, housing and health practices were provided at the shelter for animals, mainly cats, which is in violation of the state's Animal Care Facilities Act.

The petition was filed by Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster on behalf of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, which regulates the care of animals in shelters. The state's rules require that caretakers maintain individual health records on animals older than eight weeks.

The complaint states shelter director Alice Wybert did not keep records for several cats that were sick during an inspection by animal welfare officials. The cats later died.

Animal welfare officials, according to the complaint, directed the shelter to consult with a veterinarian about the cats' health. No records could be produced showing the animals that died, along with other visibly sick animals, received veterinary care, according to the complaint.

The shelter also allegedly kept too many animals in its enclosures and did not keep the facility clean enough to meet the state's requirements.

A temporary restraining order on the facility approved by Judge William Syler on Thursday prohibits the shelter from accepting or adopting out any animals for 30 days.

Wybert could not be reached for comment Friday by the Southeast Missourian.

Pertinent address: 359 Cree Lane, Jackson, MO