Animal Crisis Taskforce Update

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.

Update 1-17-25:  Concho Valley Homepage ran a story on the "new Animal Services Advisory Committee" which met yesterday.  The piece seemed to confuse the ASAC with Daniel's new Animal Taskforce.  CVH interviewed Animal Shelter Director Morgan Chegwidden who has traditionally not involved the ASAC in anything strategic, keeping in the "meet Texas state law" box.  A citizen could easily be confused as to which group is doing what after watching the news story.  A major clue for anyone watching the actual meeting was that members had to pull monthly shelter numbers from the consent agenda to discuss them.  Another clue is Morgan never mentioned Daniel's taskforce, who is on it, the taskforce's aim and how it differs from the ASAC.  Chegwidden also failed to give an update on shelter facility renovations, a project Council approved financing almost two years ago.

Update 5-2-25:  The special Animal Services Taskforce will present their analysis and findings to City Council at their next meeting to be held on May 6, 2025.