What's Happening:
For years, residents and locals have reported that stray dogs in the Town of Richmond WI are routinely shot and discarded by the town constable and his substitute, rather than being given a chance for rescue, reunion with their families, or adoption into loving homes.
There is no effort to scan for microchips, post for owners, or provide shelter and care. This practice is not only inhumane, but it also ignores proven, compassionate alternatives.
Why We're Concerned:
Cruelty: Shooting stray dogs is an outdated and brutal practice that causes unnecessary suffering to innocent animals.
Lost Pets: Many strays are beloved pets that could be reunited with their families if given a chance.
Adoptable Animals: Nearly all, if not most, of the stray dogs being shot in Richmond could have been adopted or reunited with their owners if given the opportunity. In 2024, Shawano County Humane Society took in 258 stray animals, they were either returned to their owners or adopted, none euthanized. The majority of stray dogs are simply scared or abandoned, not aggressive.
Proper Handling for Labeled "Aggressive" Dogs: Dogs labeled as "aggressive" deserve professional, humane handling. Many so-called aggressive dogs are simply scared or anxious and can be safely managed and rehabilitated with the right approach. The Shawano County Humane Society and its staff have the expertise to assess, handle, and help these dogs, giving them a real chance at adoption or reunion with their families, instead of being needlessly killed.
Proven Solutions Ignored: The Shawano County Humane Society has offered to handle all stray dogs at no cost to the town, ensuring every dog is scanned for a chip, posted for an owner, and either reunited or adopted. This approach has a 100% live-release rate.
What We Want:
We demand that the Town of Richmond:
Immediately end the practice of shooting stray dogs and remove the current and substitute dog catchers responsible for this inhumane treatment.
Appoint Ken Maples, an experienced and compassionate employee of the Shawano County Humane Society, as the new dog catcher. Ken has the training, resources, and support to ensure every stray is treated humanely and given a fair chance.
Accept the Shawano County Humane Society's offer to handle all stray dogs at no cost to the town.
Ensure every stray dog is given a fair chance to be reunited with their family or adopted into a loving home, as required by Wisconsin law.
Please sign this petition to show your support for humane, legal, and compassionate treatment of stray dogs in Richmond.
Pam Nowak
Executive Director
Shawano County Humane Society
Phone 715-526-2606
1290 Jaycee Court
Shawano, WI 54166
