IACS cuts ties with animal rescue amid allegations of neglect and abuse

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INDIANAPOLIS Indianapolis Animal Care Service is cutting ties with a Michigan City-based animal rescue amid allegations that the rescue abused animals in its care.

The Michigan City Police Department has opened a criminal investigation into Fur Ever Family Animal Rescue, 207 Earl Road in Michigan City, after receiving information from several concerned citizens and animal groups regarding the treatment of rescue dogs.

Extensive evidence has been collected so far and no rescue dogs remain at the business,” the police department said in a statement to WRTV. The business is currently closed. The investigation is still ongoing. course but once completed, the findings will be sent to the LaPorte County District Attorney’s Office.

No criminal charges have been filed against Fur Ever Family Animal Rescues operator John Naughton, records show.

The rescue lists on its Facebook page that it is a 501c3 non-profit organization, but WRTV found no organizational or financial information for the rescue using Guidestar, a website that collates information on non-profit organizations.

Indianapolis Animal Care Services began using Fur Ever Family Animal Rescue in September 2022.

A spokesperson for IACS said a total of 17 dogs were sent by Indianapolis Animal Care Services to Fur Ever Family Animal Rescue.

In a Jan. 17 email to staff and volunteers, IACS Deputy Director Katie Trennepohl said she had received stories about dogs not being properly cared for during the rescue.

First, we have confirmed that all dogs originating from IACS are no longer in the custody of Fur Ever Families, read the email. They are now cared for by other rescuers who have stepped in to help.

Because the rescue is located outside of Indianapolis, IACS has no enforcement authority to get involved, Trennepohl said.

Due to the allegations of neglect and abuse, IACS will no longer work with Fur Every Family Animal Rescue, Trennepohl said. IACS staff and volunteers work hard day and night to care for and find the perfect placement for every animal that comes through our doors. This situation has been deeply troubling for everyone involved, I want to assure you that we are having conversations about what we can do differently in the future to protect the animals removed from IACS.

WRTV Investigates called, emailed, and messaged Fur Ever Family Animal Rescue on Facebook, and we were unable to reach anyone for a response.

In a January 18 Facebook post, the rescue said WE ARE CLOSED.

Michigan City Police are asking anyone with information to contact Det. Washluske at (219) 874-3221 ext. 1081 or email [email protected].

Michigan City Animal Control and Michigan City Code Enforcement teams are participating in this investigation.

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