Internal review underway after San Jose shelter dog’s death

(KRON) — The City of San Jose Animal Care Center confirmed on Wednesday that an “internal review is currently underway” after the death of a dog in its care has local animal advocates demanding answers.

The SJ Animal Care Center says the dog, named Lola, was “emaciated, lethargic and having difficulty walking” when she was brought to the shelter by a community member on Monday. Lola immediately received evaluation and treatment from the shelter’s medical team before being taken to their partners at MedVet at 10 p.m., while still alive, officials said.

“The City will seek the opinion of an outside expert to help determine cause of death. If any wrongdoing is found, there will be accountability. San Jose Animal Care & Services (ACS) considers animal care its highest priority, along with the quality of life of the animals under our care,” said the animal care center in a statement on Wednesday.

Animal advocacy group Sustain Our Shelters alleges that the tragedy was not an accident but instead caused by “a systematic failure.”

“In giving animals what we hope is a chance of life, we take on a great risk for an even greater reward,” added the SJ Animal Care Center. “We do our best to help all the sick and injured animals in the cities we serve.”

We’ll have more on this story as it develops.