Salina311 Interview: Dr. Melissa Juby, DVM Addresses Salina Animal Shelter Puppy Euthanasia Incident

Salina311 spoke Friday with Dr. Melissa Juby, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), as public concerns continue following an incident involving the euthanasia of three puppies that entered the Salina Animal Shelter with parvovirus (parvo).

Since the incident, residents have raised concerns at Animal Shelter Advisory Board meetings and Salina City Commission meetings, prompting continued questions about euthanasia procedures, veterinary oversight, and shelter policy.

Dr. Juby said the euthanasia standard operating procedure currently used at the shelter is based on an established national reference and clarified she did not author the underlying manual.

“The standard operating procedure for humane euthanasia I created is based off the HSUS's Euthanasia Reference Manual - just want to clarify I didn't author this guidebook.”

She also outlined the preferred methods of euthanasia and explained when intracardiac euthanasia is considered acceptable.

“Intravenous or intraperitoneal are the preferred methods of euthansia. Intracardiac is an approved method, but only in unconscious animals.”

Dr. Juby said that after she learned what was reported to her about the incident, she emailed Parks & Rec Director Jeff Hammond, City of Salina Operations Superintendent for Parks and Recreation Andrea Murphy, and Salina Animal Services Manager Monique Hawley within about one hour to express frustration and concerns regarding the reported use of a heart-stick procedure to euthanize the three puppies, which she said was not an approved method under the circumstances described and was reportedly done without sedation.

She also said she issued a direction that, for the time being, no Salina Animal Shelter staff may administer euthanasia, and that euthanasia procedures must be performed by Dr. Juby or another licensed veterinarian while the matter is being addressed.

Salina311 previously contacted Andrea Murphy on Feb. 10 seeking comment and clarification related to allegations about euthanasia methods and sedation. Salina311 did not receive a response.

Salina311 also received concerns alleging Dr. Juby had lost her license to practice veterinary medicine. Those allegations are false. Dr. Juby provided verification that her licensing is current, and Banfield Pet Hospital also confirmed her credentials remain active and up to date.

The Salina City Commission is scheduled to enter an executive session on Monday evening to discuss the Salina Animal Shelter with the City’s legal team. Executive sessions are closed to the public, and the agenda does not specify what legal matter will be discussed.

Salina311 has received documents gathered through open records requests and has attached them below for the public to review regarding this specific incident.