An investigation conducted by the North Platte Police Department has concluded that city officials were not guilty of any wrongdoing when they had a bison shot at Cody Park.

At a news conference Monday, Mayor Dwight Livingston said an investigation into the incident was requested by city administrators as soon as they became aware of the situation.

According to Livingston, a 1,675 pound bull bison had broken out of the secure enclosure designed for the herd.  Livingston said the bull and a calf were then able to roam the open area of the animal enclosure, which created a safety concern for other animals in the area, as well as for park personnel.

Livingston said Parks Director Lyle Minshull contacted Jason Trimble, who specializes in maintaining and raising a bison herd, a week prior to when the bull was dispatched.

Trimble advised that the city lacked the necessary equipment required to pick up and transport the bull alive.  He also stated that the cities facilities were inadequate to house the bull in it’s current location, and said attempting to move the bull would pose a safety risk to personnel.

At this time, the City decided to sell the bull to be harvested.

On January 28, 2014, at around 7:15 a.m., city officials along with Trimble met at Cody Park to remove a bison.

Livingston said the bull was dispatched with a shot from a 30.06 rifle to the head and taken to Paxton for processing.

Trimble wrote the city a check for $3,100 to purchase the bison.

Livingston said that while there is a city ordinance that prohibits the discharge of firearms within city limits, it does not apply to the carrying out of authorized business of this nature.

The Parks Department is researching and developing a written policy and procedure for the handling and care of park animals.

Officials said this is the first bison in the herd that has been removed since they were purchased in 2009.