Local animal-rescue volunteers ask Waxahachie council to support spay/neuter, vouchers and food pantry

Speakers representing the Pet Coalition of Ellis County and local rescue groups urged the Waxahachie City Council and public to support interim measures to address animal overpopulation and pet-owner affordability while a long-term shelter solution is developed.

Nicole Vanderheide introduced members of the coalition and said, "A well planned quality animal shelter is absolutely vital for the community" and framed affordable vaccinations, microchips and spay/neuter services as public-health and public-safety measures. Carolyn Taylor, executive director of Flying Bee Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, said she was "here to ask for a reimbursement of the cost that I spend on spaying and neutering the animals in the city of Waxahachie," and described a specific event: she said she has seven animals from the city scheduled for spay/neuter at an upcoming clinic and estimated the cost at roughly $700 total for those seven surgeries.

Shannon Smock, co-chair of the coalition's preventative medical care work, described a March 31 clinic in Ennis that will spay and neuter dozens of animals and a mobile vaccine and microchip clinic planned for May 31 at the Expo Center. The coalition said it is distributing vouchers for low-cost vaccinations and planning a free microchipping event April 26 in Waxahachie.

Jona Wallace outlined a developing pet food pantry, saying the coalition has taken possession of about 7,000 pounds of pet food and distributed about 5,000 pounds so far; the group reported 36 requests for help and 55 email requests for food from Waxahachie residents. Wallace thanked the city for temporary storage assistance at the city animal shelter and said the pantry aims to run monthly drive-through distributions in partnership with county rescue partners.

Why it matters: Coalition leaders described measurable demand for spay/neuter subsidies, vaccinations and food assistance following the departure of another regional provider. They asked the city to consider temporary reimbursement policies or other bridge funding until a permanent, city-run shelter and services are available.

What council heard and next steps: Speakers detailed immediate events and asked for help with reimbursement and storage; council did not take an immediate funding vote during the meeting. Staff and councilors acknowledged the events and noted existing plans to develop shelter capacity; any reimbursement or short-term funding would require a future agenda item and appropriation.

Ending: The coalition invited volunteers and donors to upcoming events and thanked the city for logistical support.