Prior to the City of San Angelo's adoption of Pets Alive strategies the city Animal Shelter accepted stray animals and unwanted pets from citizens. The shelter reduced pet intake via a number of initiatives until closing off dog intake completely in November 2022.
The City Shelter took in nearly 1,000 fewer pets over the last four months of 2022 than it did in 2017. That's over a 50% drop.
Over the last four months the city leadership wrote citations to shelter pet adopters who have not spayed/neutered their pet as required by city ordinance. Staff have not yet presented data on that effort.
The City's adoption/veterinary service partner Concho Valley PAWS stopped its low cost spay/neuter vouchers for the last two months (December and January). It's website states a new program will be announced in February.
Citizens are familiar with the city's doing less in areas when concerns are raised (public health, animal services, public information).
City leaders and elected officials will soon approach residents for funding for an update to the Coliseum complex. I expect that to come front and center over the Livestock Show and Rodeo. The plans will delineate facilities to house hundreds, if not thousands, of animals for several weeks in February each year.
Residents facing pet concerns may not be so charitable when that vote opportunity arrives.
Update 2-7-23: Rodeo renovations ran into a snag at Tom Green County Commissioner's Court. City Councilman Larry Miller said he believes Animal Control will have an update at the next Council meeting. It is scheduled for 2-21-23 at 8:30 am.
Update 2-12-23: Shelter intake for January was 193 animals. Animal Shelter Advisory Committee will consider the proposed No Naked Dogs QR code tag program at an estimated budget of $6,025.
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