BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Caring for a pet is a commitment. Sometimes these animals have to be turned into a pound. Other times, the animal is thrown to the side of the road to fend for itself.

Animal rescues in Bismarck and Mandan scrambled late last week to find space for at-risk dogs and cats, like these two kittens, and Jethro, the friendly three-year-old Catahoula mastiff, who still had one day to claim before being euthanized. due to impound policies reaching their limit.

Whitney Tennyson, founder of Pawsitive Advancement, an animal rescue service, said that while they take the responsibility of caring for these animals very seriously, they are also always full and struggling. Tennyson said this is not an animal problem, but a human problem.

“Indifferent pet owners, if you don’t take care of them, examine them and repair them, maybe you just don’t need a pet at the moment. What is important is that this is not an animal problem, it is a human problem. People don’t spay or neuter or care for their animals or view it as a lifelong commitment. Some breeds are too breaded. We have backyard breeders trying to make a quick buck,” Tennyson said.

Mandan Animal Control and Bismarck have a partnership since Mandan does not have a pound. Mandan has a five-day hold policy, which is required by law, and then an additional two days to attempt to recover the animal. After the detention period, custody and euthanasia decisions must be made by the Mandan Police Department.

Mandan Police Chief Jason Ziegler said they never want to make the difficult decision to put down an at-risk animal, but the $20 per day fee that would be imposed on the taxpayer is something the chief Ziegler cannot accept.

Mandan PD only culled two pets in 2023, although the annual report does not provide reasons.

Sergeant Tim Bleth, traffic and animal control supervisor in Bismarck, echoes Chief Ziegler’s sentiment.

“We have to manage a business aspect, and when we have to manage business, we have to make very difficult choices for the animals. No one ever wants to put an animal down, but at some point we have to,” said Sergeant Tim Bleth of the Bismarck Police Department.

Bismarck’s hold policy for animals impounded in 30 days.

Bismarck Animal Control has a program in which a potential adopter can take home a pet for up to three days to determine if adoption is right for them.

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