McPherson Police Chief Mikel T. Golden confirmed Wednesday that at least one group of puppies from Salina was taken to McPherson after Salina Animal Services reportedly declined to accept them.

Golden spoke with Salina311 following statements made during a Salina City Commission meeting that McPherson was being asked to take animals from Salina. Golden serves as chief of the McPherson Police Department, which oversees the McPherson Animal Shelter.

When asked whether those statements were accurate, Golden said he knew of a group of puppies that had been brought from Salina because Salina Animal Services would not accept them.

Golden said McPherson will assist animals when it has the ability to do so, but officials do not want accepting animals from Salina to become a regular practice.

“If we can help the animals, we will, but we don’t want to make this a recurring event,” Golden told Salina311.

Golden also emphasized that his concerns were not directed at Salina Police Chief C.J. Wise or the Salina Police Department. Wise is the current chief of the Salina Police Department.

Golden said he has “nothing but respect” for Wise and the department. However, he said problems at one community’s animal shelter can place additional pressure on shelters throughout the surrounding region.

“When an animal shelter can’t perform, it affects all the surrounding animal shelters,” Golden said.

Golden’s statements confirm that at least one group of animals originating in Salina was taken to McPherson after Salina Animal Services reportedly declined to accept them. His comments also indicate that McPherson officials are willing to help animals when possible but do not want the arrangement to become routine.