Dog dies from starvation; urban animal rescue urges city to punish those responsible

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. - All hope was lost for an adult boxer in the 2900 block of Jackson Avenue in Kansas City.

On Jan. 22, Chain of Hope crews found the dog dead in its kennel.

Director Kate Quigley explained the sad death, "That dog is dead because somebody starved him to death."

She said the urban animal rescue received a call from the dog’s owner two days before.

“Left a message saying it looked like something was eating his dog from the inside out."

Quigley reports that the group received hundreds of calls a day, thousands a month. So, by the time rescue team got to the home, two days later, the dog was dead.

“When the girls went over to check on the dog, they found him dead in the dog house and he was totally emaciated," Quigley said.

41 Action News attempted to get the man’s side of the story Friday. However, he was not at home.

We learned from Kansas City, Missouri Animal Control that he has been ticketed for animal neglect.

Neighborhood and Community Services Director David Park wrote, “The occupant of the property where the deceased dog was found is being charged with animal neglect. We certainly expect pet owners to be responsible and provide adequate levels of care for their pets.”

Quigley responded, “I think the timing of them serving a summons today [Friday] when you called them up about this case is very interesting, way too long."

Park argued the delay was due to confusion over who to ticket because the dog's owner lives up the street. In the end, animal control decided to let a judge decide.

“This is so horrific that somebody has got to have consequences for it," Quigley said.

She said she’s been pushing the city for weeks for an outcome so this boxer did not die in vain.

However, like so many times before, Quigley feels like animal control let her down.

Tensions between Chain of Hope and the city have risen in recent months. Most recently, the rescue was given notice to vacate the Kansas City house where it runs its shelter. Chain of Hope is in the process of finding a new location.