Unleashed Pet Rescue to sell building in Mission

MISSION, Kan. (WDAF) – Unleashed Pet Rescue confirmed to WDAF-TV Wednesday it plans to sell its animal shelter property just southeast of Metcalf Avenue and Johnson Drive.

WDAF-TV reached out to Unleashed Founder and CEO Danielle Reno for comment. We received a statement from her through her attorney Court Kennedy of Gates Shields Ferguson Swall Hammond P.A.

“The unlawful conduct, including two failed attempts to abuse legal process to shut the shelter down based on false allegations, has caused irreparable damage to Unleashed’s reputation, business relationships, and donor revenue. As a result, Unleashed is no longer able to afford owning and operating the building,” Reno said.

In December, the Kansas Department of Agriculture filed an injunction to get Unleashed to close , claiming the animal shelter does not hold a valid license .

The shelter’s been under scrutiny for repeated violations . Kennedy called the state’s allegations false. Wednesday, April 3, Unleashed filed a counter suit against both the state and metro residents who’ve spoken out against Reno. Unleashed is seeking more than $25 million in damages.

The statement WDAF-TV received Wednesday says the nonprofit plans to continue operating the shelter as long as it owns the building.

The shelter’s business hours are still posted on the front window. WDAF-TV spent the afternoon on Broadmoor Street across from the animal shelter. We did see one person go into the building.

“There are less than ten animals currently in the building, and they are all being well cared for as always, while Unleashed works to find them homes,” Reno’s statement said.

There’s no word whether anyone’s interested in buying the property. The real estate agent listed for it, Jill Hays, would not speak to WDAF-TV on camera, nor would the Kansas Department of Agriculture. WDAF-TV also reached out to Kansas Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach’s office. We have not heard back.

Reno’s statement said her shelter’s saved more than 50,000 animals and employed hundreds of people over the last decade. Wednesday, there were no future court dates set for the civil lawsuit or the counterclaim Unleashed filed.

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