East Bethel to seek alternatives after Humane Society says it will stop impound services

East Bethel — The Bridal Humane Society has informed multiple municipalities it will no longer provide impound services, and East Bethel city staff told the council on Sept. 22 they will seek alternatives and confirm contract details.

City staff said the Humane Society’s letter stated it will "continue to accept strays found by members of the public, offer appointments for owned animals and provide low cost veterinary care for the community and partner with law enforcement to handle animal cruelty cases at no charge to the municipality," but that it will stop offering impound services. Staff said East Bethel’s current contract with the Humane Society runs through Dec. 31, 2025.

Councilors and staff discussed options including asking the public to deliver strays directly to the Humane Society, contracting with other providers (several nearby cities are using an individual in Isanti or the City of Anoka’s facility), or issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to solicit service providers. "We should get a request for proposals, see what else is out there, and... make an informed decision," one councilor said.

Councilors raised service‑cost and liability concerns. Staff said the city receives monthly invoices from the Humane Society for impounds and related services and that recovering costs from owners is sometimes difficult. Staff also recounted a liability example from another city: an officer delayed restraining a loose dog, a child was bitten, and the city settled a claim handled through the League of Minnesota Cities for about $80,000, illustrating potential exposure if the city provides active animal-control services.

Staff reported there are several potential alternative providers in the region — examples cited included a private operator in Isanti and the City of Anoka’s multi‑jurisdictional facility — and that service costs can vary depending on travel and holding/quarantine fees. Staff estimated, based on law enforcement memory, the city handles only a few impounds per month ("a couple of months" equivalent to roughly 24 per year), but emphasized that figure is an estimate and not a firm count.

The council asked staff to verify the Humane Society letter language, pull the existing contract and invoice history, and issue an RFP to evaluate other service options. No formal contract award or policy change was voted at the work session.