Caswell Kennel Investigation Findings

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough today released the full, independent investigative report conducted by Richard Payne and an internal investigator regarding the handling of the Caswell Animal Control Case #C0009369376. 

The report examined the Borough’s response to complaints concerning animal welfare at a licensed kennel in early 2026 and identifies areas for improvement in training, policy implementation, and operational practices. The Borough is making the report publicly available in its entirety to ensure transparency and accountability to residents. 

The report concludes that the issues observed in this case were not entirely isolated and provides recommendations. Specifically, the investigation identified: 

• Gaps in supervisory oversight and case review 
• Inconsistent application and interpretation of policies 
• Insufficient training requirements and completion standards 
• Lack of formal complaint intake, triage, and response protocols 
• Deficiencies in documentation, communication, and follow-through on reported concerns 

The report further notes that these issues contributed to an ineffective response to credible public concerns regarding animal welfare in the Caswell case. 

“This report is difficult, but it is necessary,” said Borough Manager Mike Brown. “Our responsibility is to the public we serve, and that means acknowledging where systems fell short and taking action to fix them.” 

The Borough recognizes the seriousness of the findings and the community impact resulting from this case and has already initiated the following actions based on the report’s findings and recommendations: 

• Personnel actions have been taken, including separation and disciplinary measures, in alignment with Borough policies and practices 
• Implementation of enhanced supervisory review requirements for complex cases 
• Strengthening documentation standards and case accountability procedures 
• Review of current policies to align with adopted Standard Operating Procedures 

In addition to immediate actions, the administration is advancing a series of structural improvements to address the issues identified in the report: 

1. Standardized Complaint Intake and Response 
   • Establishment of a complaint intake system that includes telephone, online, and anonymous reporting 
   • Development of clear triage categories and response-time expectations 
2. Training Standards 
   • Completion of required training modules within defined timeframes, with active participation in updated and expanded programs 
   • Development of a comprehensive training and field evaluation program for Animal Control Officers 
   • Expanded use of veterinary expertise to support field staff training 
3. Policy, Procedures, and Oversight 
   • Implementation of routine supervisory case reviews prior to closure, along with the establishment of clear performance and compliance standards across the division
   • Formal adoption and consistent enforcement of written policies governing investigations, evidence collection, and enforcement actions, with elimination of informal practices not supported by Borough code or policy 
4. Public Transparency and Reporting. The Board for Advisory Review of Kennel Standards (BARKS), recently created by the Borough Assembly, will, as an advisory body, focus on animal control policies and kennel regulation, particularly in response to the Caswell case. BARKS will conduct a review of kennel standards, animal control policies and enforcement practices, and provide actionable recommendations to improve how the Borough protects animal welfare and responds to public concerns. 

 “The Borough is committed to rebuilding public trust. This is about making sure we have the right systems, the right oversight, and the right safeguards in place so something like this does not happen again,” said Brown. 

The full report is available at https://matsu.gov/animal-control-investigation-report-june-15-2026

Media Contact:
Stefan Hinman, Matanuska-Susitna Borough 
Phone: (907) 861-8520 
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