After a 5-month long investigation, the Uintah County Attorney’s Office has released its findings from the investigation into operations of the Roosevelt City Animal Shelter. The 4-page report’s conclusion stated: “Although the activities of Ms. Stevenson and Furever Buddys Rescue do not appear to violate Utah Code concerning the misuse of public funds, it is apparent that the lax oversight of the Shelter by Roosevelt City has created the current problems. The Shelter and Rescue have been able to blur the lines of independence to the point where they act as one and the same. The concerns and questions asked by the public about the animal shelter are merited. It is our recommendation that Roosevelt City put into place policies and procedures that will allow the Shelter to operate without its dependency on Furever Buddies Rescue,” concluded the report. The City issued a press release in response to the findings, stating that “Roosevelt City acknowledges responsibility for the insufficient management of the shelter and the failure to ensure clear separation between the shelter and any and all pet rescues.” The City outlined a list of ten action items that have been or will be taken to address the identified problems and mitigate future risk. Among these actions include the appointment of Scott Finlayson as the new Roosevelt City Manager that took place in the fall, the appointment of a new Chief of Police anticipated next month, placing the shelter under new management, and implementing extensive budget review procedures as well as a complete overhaul of policies and operating procedures. To view the full press release, visit the Roosevelt City Facebook page. The official findings report from the Uintah County Attorney’s Office is also included there in its entirety.
