We, the undersigned residents of the Town of Thompson, Sullivan County, and concerned members of the public, formally demand immediate accountability regarding the conduct and operations of the Town of Thompson Dog Control Office.

Background

On or about November 24th 2025, two healthy, well-behaved male dogs were rescued from Cold Spring Road in the Monticello / Forestburg area after being repeatedly observed loose over an extended period. The dogs were familiar to multiple neighbors and were believed to originate from a nearby residence that appeared to be recently abandoned by the occupants.

Despite numerous attempts to contact the occupants of the suspected residence - including repeated visits at different times of the day, inquiries with neighbors, and a welfare check conducted by the Sullivan County Sheriffs Department - no owner was located. The property in questions showed signs of neglect including open doors and windows and multiple animals roaming freely from the residence.

The rescuers of the dogs temporarily housed and cared for the dogs for several days while attempting to act responsibly and lawfully by contacting local authorities.

Surrender to Municipal Custody

After initial refusal, the dogs were ultimately surrendered to the Town of Thompson Dog Control Officer for the stated purpose of locating the owners or placing the dogs into safe, adoptive homes.

Subsequently, the rescuers were informed that the dogs were euthanized after allegedly contracting parvovirus while in municipal custody.

At no time prior to surrender were the rescuers informed of:

• Any known or suspected parvovirus outbreak
• Any heightened disease risk at the holding facility
• Any inability to safely quarantine or protect incoming animals

The surrender occurred in good faith, with the expectation that municipal animal control would act in a manner consistent with public health standards and human animal care.

Community-Wide Concerns

Since this incident became public, numerous residents, rescue volunteers, and animal control professionals have come forward reporting similar experiences over the years, raising serious concerns that this may represent a pattern of conduct, not an isolated incident.

These accounts have included allegations of:

• Failure to properly respond to animal welfare calls
• Lack of transparency regarding animal outcomes
• Questionable disease-control and quarantine practices
• Dismissive or inconsistent communication with residents
• Unwarranted euthanasia of non threatening, healthy animals

Public Health and Animal Welfare Implications 

Parvovirus is a highly contagious and preventable disease. Failure to disclose known risks, follow proper biosecurity protocols, or ensure safe quarantine practices poses a danger not only to animals in custody, but to the broader community and other pets.

Residents who attempt to do the right thing by rescuing and surrendering animals should not unknowingly place those animals at heightened risk, nor should they be left without transparency or accountability after the fact.

Our Demands

We respectfully but firmly demand that the Town of Thompson:

1) Initiate an independent, third-party investigation into the conduct, practices, and oversight of the Town of Thompson Dog Control Office. 

2) Immediately review and publicly disclose intake, medical, quarantine, and euthanasia records for animals taken into municipal custody during the relevant time period.

3) Conduct and disclose results of kennel inspections and disease-control assessments.

4) Implement clear, written policies requiring full disclosure of known disease risks to residents prior to animal surrender.

5) Place the Dog Control Officer on administrative leave or restricted duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

6) Terminate the Dog Control Officer if the investigation substantiates negligence, misconduct, failure to follow disease-control protocols, or violations of animal welfare or public health standards.

7) Implement structural reforms to ensure humane treatment, transparency, and accountability going forward.

Statement of Purpose

This petition is not motivated by personal hostility, rumor, or emotion. It is motivated by public safety, animal welfare, transparency, and accountability in local government.

Residents deserve confidence that animals surrendered in good faith will be treated humanely, safely, and ethically - and that failures in public service will be addressed, not ignored.

By signing this petition, we call upon the Town of Thompson to act immediately, investigate thoroughly, and take appropriate corrective action, including removal from duty if warranted, to restore public trust and protect both animals and the community.