Mayor Brenda Gunter asked for a rapid formation of the Animal Services Taskforce and production of recommendations on 12-3-24. She set a 45 day turnaround expectation.
City Manager Daniel Valenzuela offered an update in today's public comment. He is close to naming the nine people to serve on the taskforce and listed a number of goals for the group.
- reduce the free roaming dog population
- reduce citizen dog bites
- increase spay/neuter rates
- manage shelter capacity
- encourage responsible pet ownership
- create and enforce policies and ordinances
- foster collaboration with animal rescue groups
That list sounds like the daily job of Animal Services. What happened over the last seven years that caused these problems to grow exponentially and put many citizens at risk?
Shelter Chief Morgan Chegwidden began her role in June 2017 and may soon rise to Director of Neighborhood and Family Services, given Bob Salas' announced retirement.
It would be an odd note in the middle of the taskforce if one accountable person got to avoid examination by virtue of promotion.
