Animal Services Proclamation

There had been several reports of a WV Resolution regarding the Animal Shelter. It was discussed in Council study meeting and ultimately the City Council decided to go with an alternate proclamation of goals and objectives that I had submitted. Although I don't like having a shelter with a gas chamber, it is an outdated method that the vast majority of the country is moving away from, the best way to phase it out is to work towards becoming a no kill shelter. Below is a copy of that proclamation that will be read next week during the regular City Council meeting:


WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH

CRUSHTON VERSION

A CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION REGARDING THE GOALS & OBJECTIVES OF THE ANIMAL SERVICES DIVISION OF WEST VALLEY CITY.

WHEREAS, West Valley City recognizes the importance of animals and animal stewardship in thriving communities and nations; and

WHEREAS, the Animal Services Division of the Community Preservation Department (“Animal Services”) strives to increase pet licensing, microchip identification, pet care and responsibility, education, and other programs that result in increased numbers of lost animals being returned to their owners; and

WHEREAS, Animal Services strives to decrease the euthanasia of animals except when necessary due to age, illness, injury or behavior; and

WHEREAS, Animal Services employees seek to practice safe and humane euthanasia procedures based upon guidelines set forth by the American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA); and

WHEREAS, the West Valley City Council recognizes the hard work, compassion, and customer service displayed by the dedicated employees of the Animal Services Division as they continually seek new and innovative ways to serve the needs of the animal community; and

WHEREAS, an essential component in obtaining and sustaining these objectives is cooperation, coordination, and communication with rescue groups and other interested parties to solicit, advertise and promote, volunteer or host events, programs, and other efforts to increase adoption of eligible animals.

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of West Valley City, Utah does hereby call upon groups and individuals that are supportive of these stated goals to broaden their work and collaboration with West Valley City Animal Services to promote responsible animal ownership, increase adoptions, and decrease euthanasia.

FURTHERMORE, through these stated efforts the City Council proclaims a desire to attain a “No Kill Shelter” classification for the West Valley City Animal Shelter.

High Profile Police Investigation

I have received several inquires regarding the murder-suicide incident in Washington state and the involvement of the West Valley City Police. There are few words to describe these tragic and shocking events. West Valley City police will continue to be diligent and cooperative within their respective roles and efforts of this case. Below is the official city response:



Response to the Devastating Circumstances at the Joshua Powell Residence

The West Valley City Police Department has been in contact with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, State of Washington and is aware of the devastating explosion and subsequent fire at the residence of Joshua Powell in the City of Graham. It is our understanding that Joshua Powell and his two sons, Braden and Charles, perished as a result of this horrific incident. The West Valley City Police Department is deeply saddened by this tragic event and extends their deepest condolences to all those impacted by this loss.

Joshua Powell was a person of interest in the disappearance of his wife, Susan Cox Powell, in December of 2009 from West Valley City, Utah. Susan was also the mother of their two children,Braden and Charles. Because Joshua Powell was a person of interest in the disappearance of his wife, a team of investigators from the West Valley City Police Department has been sent to the State of Washington. The team of investigators will meet with Washington authorities to determine if their investigation will aid the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Susan Cox Powell.

The West Valley City Police Department will continue its investigation into the disappearance of Susan Cox Powell, who is still missing. Due to the fact that the investigation remains active, the normal and customary protocols of confidentiality will remain in effect. As such, no additional details into the investigation of Susan’s disappearance can be released at this time. The West Valley City Police Department will release pertinent information into this investigation at the appropriate time and under the proper circumstances.