Police Conduct After-hours Investigation at Cedar Valley Humane Society
By Josh Hinkle, Anchor/Reporter
By
Josh Hinkle
Story Created:
Mar 26, 2008
Story Updated:
Mar 26, 2008
LINN COUNTY - Marion police are on top of an after-hours investigation into the Cedar Valley Humane Society. The president of the organization's board of directors tells TV9 that officers retrieved the CVHS billing receipts for the past two years.
One officer at the scene Tuesday night told TV9 they purposely planned this late at night, so they could keep the investigation quiet for as long as possible.
But, around 8 p.m., TV9 did capture footage of police carrying several boxes and bags, presumably containing those billing receipts, out of the Humane Society. Officers were also taking several photos of the floor just inside the lobby. Police did tell TV9 they are conducting an investigation into this organization, although they wouldn't give any more details at this time.
The Humane Society helps unwanted pets find homes and has existed in Linn County for more than a century. Since it moved into this building in the 1960s, it has helped more than 100,000 animals. Most of the group’s funding comes from outside donations.
Police say they plan to release more information on Wednesday. Watch TV9 News for more updates on this investigation.
Saturday, Mar 29 at 8:01 PM Anonymous wrote ...
We adopted out dog from the CVHS and he has been a wonderful loving addition to our family. He gets along with all types of animals and absolutely loves children. I will admit that the 3 day waiting period to find out if we would get him was hell, and that we "competed" with 4 other families who wanted him. I feel that you can prove that you will provide a good loving home that they should be placed on a first come first served basis.
Flag for moderationFriday, Mar 28 at 9:10 AM anonynous wrote ...
We too adopted a dog from there... he is very skiddish, everyone there seemed nice, but when I called them to ask a question about our dog's behavior she flat out refused to even so much as refer me to a behavior specialist, then told me that they would be more than happy to take the dog back.... for an organization that "cares" so much, that seems pretty strange.
Flag for moderationFriday, Mar 28 at 5:12 AM anonymous wrote ...
when you work there no board members or voluntees are allowed in the quarintee areas & as employees we where told not kill until board members were gone & board meeting were over but most board meeting were held in the evening hours.We just had to kill animals between that time. If it was a stay dog and looked like a pit bull dog(maybe & maybe not) it never was up for adoption it was put down.Please do not put info. about this until you have seen all sides of what goes on.
Flag for moderationFriday, Mar 28 at 1:51 AM Anonymous wrote ...
Do not kid yourself or anyone else. I know that they do put animals for every poor reasons. How do I know? because I have worked for them
Flag for moderationThursday, Mar 27 at 8:56 PM Anonymous wrote ...
It looks like some of the truth about the CVHS is beginning to come out. It's about time!
Flag for moderationThursday, Mar 27 at 7:29 PM Pat wrote ...
I believe that there isn't enough information yet to pass judgement at this time. We still live in a land where you are supposed to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. The main concern and focus should be on the care and welfare of the animals there. One good thing I hope comes from this is more awareness on the part of the public to be responsible pet owners and breeders and realize what it takes to properly raise and care for an animal before you bring one into your home.
Flag for moderationThursday, Mar 27 at 6:02 PM Joanne wrote ...
Dont kid yourself supporters of CVHS. A search warrant is not issued unless there is overwelming proof that needs to be affirmed. I have investigated them for 2 years after they blamed me for the death of my dog. I have come in contact with 14 former employees. They may do great work but the managment lacks management ability. Some of The directors knew about what was going on. I have emails in regards to my situation. I invite anyone to post thier email addresses and I will send them to you.
Flag for moderationThursday, Mar 27 at 2:58 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I adopted a dog from CVHS and had him for 2 months dealing with him running away and crossing a very busy road. I tried everything from shock collar etc. I called the director and she said to bring him back and assured me he would be adopted! I called to check on him later and she said they put him down because he showed aggression to the staff!!! I was devastated!! Sometimes it isn't the animals fault, it is THE STAFF!!!! Just like the hand and food test.Would u like it if someone took your foo
Flag for moderationThursday, Mar 27 at 2:48 PM CJ wrote ...
It pains me to find the Cedar Valley Humane Society, an organization I have supported and volunteered for nearly five years is coming under fire. Although I am confident nothing will come of the investigation, the negative publicity is taking away from the tremendous work and services the Humane Society provides the community. Before you pass judgement, remember this is only an INVESTIGATION at this point in time.
Flag for moderationThursday, Mar 27 at 12:19 PM Brandon wrote ...
Cedar Valley Humane Society does not put down animals unless the animal is in severely poor health.
Flag for moderationThursday, Mar 27 at 12:08 PM for Anon at 10:31 wrote ...
I agree with you. I am a loving pet owner and understand the need to screen people and insure they'll be good owners. But they are known for doing this. As I said- a huge ridiculous adoption form, lots of stalling - and then they tend to do as they did with you. Decline and the animal gets put down. As much as I would love a pet from there, and would " qualify", I won't put my kids through the process of waiting to see what mood the Humane Society is in that day as to if we will be approved.
Flag for moderationThursday, Mar 27 at 10:31 AM Anonymous wrote ...
My husband and I went in to adopt a dog. We met all the requirments we even brought out our German Shepard to make sure they got along,(they did). Then we were told we had to wait for two days to pick up the dog. We were excited so we bought all the stuff for a new dog. On the day we were to pick up the dog we call ahead and were told that they had changed there minds and we could not have the dog becuase we had children. At the time our childeren were old enough. VERY SAD,the dog was put down.
Flag for moderationThursday, Mar 27 at 9:39 AM ? for Joane wrote ...
When did this parvo incident happened? We went back in 2002 to get a dog and were told then that they ALL had parvo. What's the deal? And yet you have to fill out an adoption form and practically take a lie detecter test to adopt one of their pets. Seems a little hypocritical. They put down animals as well- which is why rescue orgs step in and take as many community pets as possible. A lot of the AC animals end up in foster care and adopted through those organizations.
Flag for moderationThursday, Mar 27 at 5:57 AM Eric wrote ...
I adopted my current dog from CVHS in 2001, and while he has had problems with fear-aggression, he's otherwise a good dog. Not long after I adopted him, CVHS implanted a chip in his shoulder for free. I have volunteered at least once at this facility. Also, I donate to CVHS through payroll deduction so I would like to know just why this non-profit organization is being investigated. Please don't "blame the animals" for something that could have been human error and oversight.
Flag for moderationThursday, Mar 27 at 12:33 AM Paul wrote ...
Some people are mixing up this place with the Cedar Rapids animal control. The Cedar Valley Humane society (CVHS) serves the areas outside Cedar Rapids. If Marion needs a dog catcher, they don't call Cedar Rapids animal control. They call the CVHS. CVHS is located on Mt Vernon road east of highway 13. I think they are great because they don't kill animals that don't get adopted. Cedar Rapids animal control does kill animals that don't get adopted.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 11:59 PM anonymous wrote ...
I bought a dog from the cvhs, who was wonderful, except that he ran away constantly. I ended up spending a few hundred dollars a month to get him back from there until I couldn't afford it any more. At times they would hardly charge me anything, other times they would charge me full price when he wasn't even out of there truck. We were such frequent visitors that they new my and my dog's name, our residents, and our phone. I still think that they do a wonderfull thing for the community.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 11:55 PM Mike wrote ...
We have adopted a dog from the Cedar Valley Humane Society. I was impressed with the staff that assisted us. They truly care about the animals they help. My advise is to get all the facts before jumping to any conclusions about this organization. I am giving them the benefit of a doubt until proven otherwise.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 11:30 PM anonymous wrote ...
the cedar valley hummane society is NOT in the city of cedar rapids. It takes animals from linn co. Animal control takes animals from cedar rapids only.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 10:13 PM Check again wrote ...
My grandfather has gotten all of his dogs at CVHS, and a few months ago he went to get another one after his old Lab died:( He picked out another Lab and told the employees that the dog would spend part of its time inside and part out. The director refused to let the dog be adopted, because she said all dogs adopted from them had to be for indoor living ONLY and she could do what they wanted b/c they were a private organization! Private? Check: http://cityofmarion.org/council/minutes/021507
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 9:30 PM civic minded wrote ...
Perhaps it's because they have suddenly started billing small towns, (and maybe big ones) exhorbitant fees for "pick-ups" dating back 2 years, without any proof of pick-up, or any explanation for why these so called expenses were not billed when the charges were supposedly incurred. We can't get them to assist in stray retrevial for years, & suddenly we get billed a couple thousand dollars dating back to 06 ??? Something seriously wrong there.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 9:11 PM jeff wrote ...
you don't know what is involved with running a place like that inless you have done it. billing info has alot of stuff on it. and it's all there for a reason let the police go threw them and let them see just what the problem is before anyone jumps on them. it may be something small like people aren't getting dogs and cats spade like they are required, or maybe someone has an ax too grind. let the police do there work before judgement is passed.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 8:09 PM Tim wrote ...
Why does it matter if the Marion Police were there? I hope there is an update soon.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 7:57 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I would guess this probably has something to do with misappropriation of funds. Is there an honest bookkeeper anywhere? It seems like there is a lot of theft taking place in businesses. If I owned my own business, I would be the bookkeeper.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 7:52 PM Anonymous wrote ...
While I can understand KCRG wanting to run with it's "exclusive" story, it is unfortunate that the station has put ratings ahead of concern for the animals. The Cedar Valley Humane Society performs an extrordinary service and has many satisfied supporters. To place the organization under a dark cloud before it has been determined whether the investigation has any merit does a disservice both to the CVHS and to the general public. Not quite what I'd expect from an organization as classy as KCRG.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 7:46 PM Anonymous wrote ...
please don't jump to conculcions this is a vey good thing these people do for all the pets
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 5:27 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Why are the Marion police involved? It's located in Cedar Rapids.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 5:11 PM A reader wrote ...
I was told once that an animal is in better care at Animal Control because they are govt. funded. The Humane Society relies on donations. Logic says less money coming in, less that the shelter can do to keep animals housed longer. People think Animal Control are the "bad guys" but this is not what I hear in the pet lovers community. They have to answer to the local government and their books HAVE to be clean. I guess my advice would be - let Animal Control receive donation and close this place.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 3:05 PM joanne wrote ...
They gave me a dog with parvo then blamed it on me. They will get what they deserve.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 10:11 AM Barbara wrote ...
This organization has been such an asset to this community. I hope that this does not effect the public's generous contributions that keeps this place sheltering and feeding our abandoned animals hoping to find new homes. They run on donations and volunteers mostly so I pray this turns out in a way that doesn't jeopardize that.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 9:46 AM Anonymous wrote ...
CVHS provides a great service to the animals and to our community. Let's see how this plays out. Potentially it could just be someone who is vindictive and trying to cause trouble.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 8:13 AM Obvious wrote ...
First off- it's in Marions district, which is why Marion cops are there. Second- Are you seriously asking if people who bought a dog are going to be under investigation? Apparently some things done there were not on the up and up. Causing them to have to go through the documents. 3rd- Of course even the best meant organizations may have a black sheep among them. It doesn't take away from the affectiveness of finding animals homes.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 8:09 AM Rachel wrote ...
I love the Cedar Valley Humane Society, and I hope there is nothing going on that could jeopardize their business. Everyone I have ever spoken to or come in contact with at their facility have been genuine people.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 7:59 AM Mary wrote ...
How does this effect the WAterloo area Cedar VAlley Humane Society? Does it have any effect at all. That is the only place I will adopt a pet from. We have had nothing but good luck in adopting form the Cedar VAlley Humane Society.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 7:52 AM Dan wrote ...
Marion police are just doing their job. They could be investigating a Marion case that requires them to go into Cedar Rapids city limits for evidence. This is quite normal
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 7:49 AM Sandy wrote ...
Taking notes shouldn't take jabs at another facility for the benefit of animals--besides the C.R. police department wasn't in charge, Marion was. It's about the animals, not politics and insults.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 7:43 AM Anonymous wrote ...
Only time will tell. Just because they're being investigated doesn't mean they've done anything wrong. And if they did, it could be just one or a few people responsible not the whole shelter. Cedar Valley is a GREAT place, its where we adopted our cat. He was well cared for and they truly cared about making sure he had a good home to go to.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 7:27 AM Kory wrote ...
My wife and I adopted the most amazing dog from Cedar Valley and have nothing but good comments about them! Hopefully this all turns out okay, they are a great service for the community! Also why is the Marion Police doing it not the CR Police. They are a great Service.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 4:09 AM Taking Notes wrote ...
Well, the CR Police Department is probably just taking notes on how things should be done at a shelter.
Flag for moderationWednesday, Mar 26 at 12:54 AM Anonny Mouse wrote ...
What kind of information is found on "billing receipts"? Will everybody who has adopted a pet or made a donation in the last 2 years now find themselves under police scrutiny? Or is this an investigation into employee embezzlement of funds, and supporters have nothing to fear?
Flag for moderationTuesday, Mar 25 at 11:14 PM Stephanie wrote ...
They are an amazing organization that fills an important need in our community! I'm confident that nothing negative will result from this investigation.
Flag for moderationTuesday, Mar 25 at 10:37 PM Anonymous wrote ...
We adopted the most amazing dog from Cedar Valley and have nothing but good comments about them! Hopefully this all turns out okay, they are a great service for the community!
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