JJ,
I got a very nice, detailed response from Ms. Irene Baltrusaitis, Communications Director with the city of Independence.
I don't know how to post the letter here for all to read but the upshot was: the city was not involved with the tranfer of Shuma to the private citizen (and ultimately, Ms. Nevills)therefore, it is a civil matter. They (the city) have no legal interest to pursue.
I guess the pressure has to be from the public sector.
Dog Dilemma Resolved
http://kctv.com/Global/category.asp?C=70755