Statement on Tacoma City Marathon Incident
UPDATE: TACOMA CITY MARATHON INCIDENT
Dear Tacoma Humane Community,
Our hearts continue to ache for the family who lost their beloved dog, as well as for everyone affected by last week’s tragic incident at the Tacoma City Marathon. We are actively reviewing all our event and safety protocols.
We have immediately paused dogs attending off-site community events for the next month while we complete our internal review and implement any needed operational changes that protect both animals and our community.
Our organization cares for thousands of animals every year, including animals with significant medical, behavioral, and emergency needs. This work is difficult, but the often unseen care and compassion our staff and volunteers bring every day make a meaningful difference for animals and the people who love them.
We joined Tacoma Humane because we believe deeply in the bond between people and animals. We remain committed to our mission and to the staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters who continue showing up for animals and our community, even in the hardest moments.
Thank you for continuing to care about this work, this organization, and the animals and people we serve.
Sincerely,
The Leadership Team
Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County
UPDATE: TACOMA CITY MARATHON INCIDENT
Dear Tacoma Humane Community,
We hear the calls for accountability following the tragedy at the Tacoma City Marathon earlier this month, and we do not take them lightly.
In addition to pausing shelter dog attendance to off-site events while we complete our comprehensive review and evaluate our processes, we are also strengthening the safeguards and infrastructure already in place by:
- Increasing the number of personnel attending each event to ensure a consistent buddy system
- Expanding training opportunities for volunteers interested in handling dogs at off-site events
- Providing additional handling tools, supplies, and resources for staff and volunteers attending off-site events with animals
We have also reached out to animal shelter and welfare experts to conduct a third-party review of our off-site event processes to ensure they align with industry best practices.
We know our community wants answers and action. These immediate actions reflect our continuing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the animals in our care, staff, volunteers, and every member of the community we serve.
We will continue providing updates on changes as they are implemented.
As we review and improve processes, we remain committed to our mission of serving pets and people across Pierce County with compassion, accountability, and care. We will continue helping animals find loving homes and supporting the people who love them.
Thank you for your partnership and shared commitment to this critical work.
Sincerely,
The Leadership Team
Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County
