The St. Tammany Parish Council voted to approve an increased millage for parish animal services on July 10, passing the ordinance 11–2 with one member absent.

Residents and shelter supporters urged the council to approve the increase to help the shelter handle higher numbers of stray and neglected animals. “These individuals are some of the hardest working people in our parish,” said Bridget Bennett, who addressed the council in support of the shelter and described staff working overtime to care for animals. Jamie Segura also spoke in favor, urging the council to allow animal control to increase fees for services and recovery fees to help cover medical costs.

At the public hearing, one resident said Slidell city residents pay the millage but do not directly use the parish shelter’s services and urged the council to resolve that discrepancy before raising the millage. Animal‑services staff described operational realities: they said 28 dogs involved in a recent fighting‑dog case were euthanized for behavior reasons and because they were deemed not rehabilitatable; staff noted the shelter still aims for a 90%+ live‑release rate and that euthanasia can occur for behavior or medical reasons.

The ordinance to raise animal‑services millage was moved by Councilmember Katrina Tanner and seconded by Councilmember Larry Rolling. The council voted 11 yays, 2 nays and 1 absent to adopt the ordinance. Council and administration members said the additional funds will support mandatory spay/neuter programs, medical care, and staffing needs.

The council will implement the new millage per the ordinance schedule and asked administration and animal‑services leadership to provide follow‑up reports on program expenditures and metrics such as live‑release rates and shelter capacity.