Latest local news, weather, high school sports in the Rio Grande Valley

It's been a rocky relationship since October between the City of Port Isabel and the Laguna Madre Humane Society, according to City Manager Ed Meza.

He said that's when the contract agreement between the two expired and the city asked to get more involved in the running of the shelter.

But he said apparently the LMHS wasn't too fond of the city’s willingness to get involved.

"It's by state law that the city oversees - like an ordinance - they have to check if they're doing everything that's supposed to be done right."

Meza said things haven’t been going right at the no-kill shelter.

He said the city has received written complaints from several people who have volunteered, worked or visited the shelter about overcrowding, mistreatment and even substance abuse at the shelter grounds by employees.

But he said there’s even a more serious allegation.

"They hired an illegal non-certified veterinarian from Mexico, which is against state law,” Meza said. “And because we found out they were doing that and he was arrested, they're trying to cover-up that story."

But LMHS Board Spokesperson Maggie Denney discredits allegations of animal mistreatment and overcrowding in kennels.

She said because of legal issues she can't discuss personnel matters but, adds that at no time has the vet in question harmed any animals at the shelter.

"Because of the investigation, there are new procedures in place that are there to make sure no future problems arise,” Denney said. “I want to stress that at no time were any of the animals ever in danger they were never harmed."

Denney said the LMHS wants to work out some sort of understanding with the City of Port Isabel to continue as partners.

However, Meza said, at this point an agreement is not in sight and the city is thinking of taking legal action to have the current board overseeing the shelter pushed out.