St. Louis County executive details tornado response, reopens animal shelter and announces 'fear-free' training

St. Louis County Executive provided the council an update on the county's response to last week's tornado and the status of the county animal shelter at the May 20 St. Louis County Council meeting.

The executive told the council that county Transportation and Public Works and Parks crews were deployed immediately after the storm to work alongside municipal partners in Clayton, Richmond Heights and University City to clear roads and restore emergency access. "Time matters in a disaster, and their swift response helped to protect lives," the executive said.

The update said two county parks — Jefferson Barracks and Tilles — sustained significant damage but have reopened while cleanup continues. The executive advised the public that intersections where street lights remain out should be treated as four-way stops and that crews would begin removing tree and vegetation debris in Clayton the following day.

The executive also warned residents about post-disaster scammers and urged them to verify contractors with the Better Business Bureau and confirm licensing and bonding before paying for work. "Do not pay for any work until it's completed," the executive said, paraphrasing guidance given by Chief Gregory at a press briefing.

On animal services, the executive announced that the St. Louis County Animal Care and Control Adoption Center reopened the day before the meeting after quarantine and extensive decontamination efforts related to parvovirus. County staff evaluated, vaccinated and treated animals during the closure and launched a pilot foster program that began with shelter staff and is expanding to volunteers, with plans to open the program to the public soon.

The executive said the shelter has completed "fear-free" certification, noting that staff and volunteers have finished training meant to improve animals' experiences by addressing their emotional needs. "Dr. Cunningham looks forward to sharing more details about this shelter" at the council's committee of the whole meeting next week, the executive said.

Finally, the executive said invitations were delivered to the county executive's office for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new U.S. Handball Center in Hazelwood next week.

Why it matters: the county's immediate response affects emergency access, public safety and cleanup timelines in multiple municipalities. The shelter reopening and expanded foster program affect animal welfare and adoption capacity in the county.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this item include the County Executive (unnamed in the record), Chief Gregory, and Lucretia Cox (Executive Director, American Red Cross).