Patty Jacobson protests in front of the Boulder City Police Department in Boulder City Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015. Protesters want charges to be brought against the city’s former animal shelter supervisor for killing too many animals.
Published Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 | 12:55 p.m.
Updated Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 | 3:25 p.m.
Boulder City says it's now pursuing criminal charges against its former animal control supervisor following allegations that she improperly euthanized nearly 100 animals in one year.
The city said in a statement Thursday that it was seeking to file felony and gross misdemeanor charges against Mary Jo Frazier to the Clark County District Attorney's office and would submit city misdemeanors to the city prosecutor.
A spokeswoman for District Attorney Steven Wolfson said he spoke with Boulder City Police Chief Bill Conger Thursday morning to discuss allegations that Frazier may have improperly euthanized 91 animals last year, as first reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. No charges have been filed yet.
The city's current animal control supervisor Ann Inabnitt said Frazier left the agency in April but declined to comment on the investigation.
The city's statement indicates Frazier was relieved of her duties within hours of officials learning about "inexcusable" events. She was forced to resign two days later but officials back then decided against pressing charges.
But the case recently came under scrutiny and the city said it has decided as of Thursday to take action because of "public involvement."
About 70 people gathered at the Boulder City police department around noon to protest against the city. Organized by the Nevada Political Action For Animals, the animal rights advocacy group's president Stacia Newman said they were tipped off about the case a month ago that Frazier left the department after she was accused of violating city code when putting down cats and dogs.
The city code requires animals to be held for at least five days and examined by a veterinarian before being euthanized.
State Senator Mark Manendo said he went to the rally. He said he called for the police chief to address the crowd and answer questions but Conger declined to do so. Manendo said: "Was she terminated? Did she just resign? Is she just going to go into the next place?"
Boulder City's mayor, city manager, city attorney and police chief didn't immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment. Frazier also couldn't immediately be reached.
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