A group of local Webster County residents have recently penned a letter to the Webster County Supervisors, asking for increased oversight and transparency of county animal control issues.
According to the letter presented to the Supervisors, community members had raised concerns with officials from the City of Fort Dodge, Webster County, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture regarding their concerns. The group feels those efforts have not yet resulted in meaningful change.
The letter states that Webster County Animal Protection was notified February 18th, 2026 about a dog that community members believed was being starved and neglected, and that no effective action was taken to remove or protect the dog. The dog was later found deceased and frozen outside by neighbors.
The letter also outlines an incident where a Border Collie was adopted out by Stay Wild in December of 2025. After adoption, the puppy had an intestinal bleed and was taken to the emergency vet at Iowa State University. The puppy was ultimately hospitalized, and the vet had commented the dog sustained the ‘worst case (of worms) she had seen’ in her 24 year career.
The letter asks the Board to: 1. Conduct a formal review of Stay Wild, Webster County Pound, and Webster County Animal Protection and its role in animal protection within Webster County. 2. Review licensing, oversight, and compliance with Iowa animal welfare laws. 3. Implement stronger oversight and transparency measures to ensure animals in Webster County are properly protected.
The correspondence from the group goes on to say “Animals in our community rely entirely on humans to advocate for them. When concerns are repeatedly raised and no action is taken, the system meant to protect them is failing. We believe Webster County residents deserve transparency, accountability, and a system that prioritizes the welfare of animals above all else.”
At the January 27th Board of Supervisors meeting, a 3-year renewal/extension of the animal control contract with Webster County Animal Protection was placed on the agenda, but was not moved in its entirety. Supervisor Thode moved to only approve the renewal/extension for a period of 3 months to allow the Sheriff’s Department and Fort Dodge Police Department time to work on some terms of the contract. The original contact was entered into on January 18th, 2022.
According to the information shared with Fort Dodge Watch, the letter was shared with all five Webster County Supervisors.
