Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter Shares Update On Kip Tyner’s Pets

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The animals belonging to late Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner are being placed with rescue organizations and other caregivers after coming into the care of the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter (TMAS) following his death earlier this month.

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The shelter provided an update Wednesday on Tyner’s dog, Bing Bang, and more than a dozen cats, saying many of the animals require specialized care because of behavioral, medical or socialization needs.

As Patch previously reported, the longtime District 5 councilman who was serving as City Council president died Sept. 18 at age 70. He was known for his love of animals and the shelter said it had received numerous questions from residents concerned about what would happen to his pets.

Bing Bang has been transferred to a local rescue organization, with shelter officials saying the dog was accustomed to living in his own home. Despite shelter staff caring for and walking him, Bing Bang needed someone capable of understanding his behavior and accommodating his particular needs.

“We knew a trusted rescue could do that,” the shelter said.

Thirteen of Tyner’s cats are also being transferred to Uno’s Home for Wayward Cats and Dogs, a sanctuary that cares for animals with special behavioral and medical needs.

The shelter said four cats were initially made available for adoption, with one of those already finding a home.

Shelter officials said a traditional adoptive home would not be appropriate for most of the remaining animals because of their needs.

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TMAS also said four cats that are not currently available for general adoption would be better suited for a sanctuary, farm or similar environment.

“We are grateful to the rescue partners helping give Kip’s animals a path forward,” the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter said. “Thank you to everyone who has asked about them and kept them in your thoughts. Caring for these animals is one way we can honor Kip and his compassion for them.”

The shelter said those interested in helping can adopt one of the animals currently available, donate to Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter or Uno’s Home for Wayward Cats and Dogs, or contact the shelter if they have an appropriate setting for one of the remaining cats.

Those interested in providing a suitable home for one of the animals can contact the shelter at tmas@metroanimalshelter.org.

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