The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County announced it will strengthen safeguards for when shelter dogs attend off-site events after a pit bull mix under the nonprofit’s care attacked and killed a family’s toy poodle earlier this month at the Tacoma City Marathon.
Following the incident on May 3, the Humane Society paused bringing shelter dogs to off-site events and started a review of its protocols. On Wednesday, the agency said in a statement that it was taking additional steps for off-site events: increasing the number of personnel to ensure a consistent buddy system, expanding training opportunities for volunteers who handle dogs, and providing more handling tools, supplies and resources for staff and volunteers.
To ensure the Humane Society’s off-site event processes align with industry best practices, the agency said it reached out to animal shelter and welfare experts to conduct a third-party review…