Shelter worker warns against reducing kennels to prevent rise in dog euthanasia

Concerns over animal welfare took center stage at the Kerr County Commissioners Court Special Session on June 2, 2025, as a passionate shelter worker highlighted the urgent need for adequate kennel space and safety measures.

The speaker, who dedicates six hours daily to working with dogs at the shelter, warned that reducing the number of kennels to 17 or 18 could lead to a significant increase in euthanasia rates. Currently, the shelter has around 26 open kennels, but the influx of strays and abandoned dogs means that space is constantly at a premium. "We can get 12, 13 dogs in one day, and we can have 8 or 9 sitting there," the worker stated, emphasizing the dire consequences of overcrowding.

The shelter worker also raised alarms about the lack of a secure Sally Port for safely transferring animals. "Unless we have a system that is enclosed, we're going to lose dogs," they cautioned, noting that the risk of escape is heightened without proper safety measures. The absence of an enclosed system could endanger both the animals and the community, especially with quarantine dogs that may pose a risk if they escape.

The speaker's heartfelt plea underscored the critical situation at the shelter, urging the commissioners to consider the implications of their decisions on animal safety and welfare. As the meeting concluded, the community was left to ponder the potential impact of these discussions on the future of animal care in Kerr County.