Victoria County commissioners on Monday approved acceptance of a Department of State Health Services grant for spay and neuter services and authorized filing for an ASPCA Rescue Effect Campaign grant to support animal‑services operations.

County staff said the DSHS zoonosis control grant will provide $9,707 for spay and neuter surgeries; staff noted the contract is state funds that require no local match. The court also authorized application and acceptance contingent upon legal review for a $20,000 ASPCA Rescue Effect Campaign grant to cover make‑ready costs for adoptable animals, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccinations, testing, marketing and volunteer/foster recruitment.

"This is gonna give animal services an opportunity to... enhance all of those things," a county staff member said, adding the department has been active in pursuing multiple grants. Commissioners approved both items and passed them by voice vote.

The grants are intended to reduce shelter populations, underwrite adoption promotions and expand veterinary services available through animal services during the grant terms.