05/16/2026
Public notification regarding the beginning of the non standard adoption process for long-time TCAS resident, Riggs.
This post is intended to notify the public that Riggs is entering the rescue notification and placement process following a behavioral assessment. At the conclusion of this public notice period, his information will be sent to rescue and shelter partners for potential placement consideration.
Riggs arrived at Tri-Cities Animal Services on 6/24/25 after Animal Control responded to reports of an aggressive dog at large. Since entering our care, Riggs has displayed ongoing behavioral concerns that have required staff to implement safety precautions to prevent injury.
Over his stay, Riggs has exhibited behaviors including jumping, spinning, growling, charging kennel barriers, and crashing into the sides of his kennel. He also has a documented bite history and has demonstrated behaviors that present a significant safety risk within the shelter environment. At this time, Riggs is receiving 300mg of Trazodone twice daily in an effort to reduce stress and help manage his behavior while in our care.
Recently, Riggs was evaluated by an independent behavioral consultant. Following that assessment, it was determined that Riggs is rescue-pull only and is not considered a candidate for public adoption due to the severity of his behavioral concerns and the risk of serious injury to staff, volunteers, or members of the public. The consultant further determined that his behaviors are currently considered unmanageable within a municipal shelter setting.
At the same time, we recognize that dogs are not defined solely by incident reports or behavioral assessments. Riggs is a dog many staff and volunteers have spent significant time with and advocated for throughout his stay. Cases like his are emotionally difficult because the people caring for these animals often see more than just the behaviors documented on paper.
While Riggs has become familiar with certain handlers over time, his overall behavioral patterns, unpredictability, and bite history remain significant safety concerns. Decisions regarding placement must ultimately be based on the full picture, including risk to staff, volunteers, the public, and Riggsâ overall welfare and quality of life.
In addition to his behavioral challenges, Riggs has also presented significant medical handling concerns. During veterinary procedures, including his neuter surgery, Riggs demonstrated an unusually high resistance to anesthetic medications, requiring approximately 3â4 times the expected dosage for a dog of his size in order to safely complete necessary care. This creates additional safety and welfare concerns for both Riggs and veterinary staff moving forward.
At the conclusion of this 72-hour public notification period, an email will be sent to our rescue and shelter partners initiating the 10-day rescue response period. His behavioral history, incident documentation, and case information are available publicly on our website under the Policies & Procedures section as part of our commitment to transparency.
Click here to view the file:
[https://www.tricitiesanimalservices.com/items]
Riggs is not available for adoption and may only be transferred to an approved rescue or shelter partner with the experience and resources necessary to manage dogs with significant behavioral needs. If you know of a rescue organization that may be able to assist, we encourage you to tag them in this post. Rescue organizations may direct questions to [email protected]
If no appropriate placement is secured during the response window, Riggsâ case will continue through the review process, including veterinary review, administrative review to ensure all protocol has been followed, and a final evaluation outcome which includes the possibility of behavioral euthanasia.
Cases like this weigh heavily on everyone involved. As a municipal shelter, we have a responsibility not only to the animals in our care, but also to public safety, staff and volunteer welfare, and the humane management of a constantly changing shelter population. We are not a long-term behavioral rehabilitation facility, and every decision made in cases like Riggsâ is guided by professional assessment, safety considerations, and ethical responsibility.
Thank you for your understanding, compassion, and continued support of the animals in our care.
â Tri-Cities Animal Services
