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Lake Havasu City Council approves five-year sheltering contract amid calls for investigation
Summary
Council voted 6-1 to approve a five‑year contract with the Western Arizona Humane Society to provide animal care and shelter services, while dozens of residents and some former board members urged independent review of the nonprofit's operations and personnel practices.
Lake Havasu City Council on Tuesday approved a five‑year contract with the Western Arizona Humane Society (WAHS) to provide animal care and shelter services for the city, voting 6‑1 to authorize the city manager to sign an agreement running July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2024.
The vote followed nearly three hours of public comment and extended council discussion. Chief of Police John Doyle presented the contract terms and said the city sought the renewal to secure sheltering services the department relies on for stray and seized animals.
The contract reduces the city's annual payment from $250,000 to $225,000 for the first two years and $200,000 for each of the final three years, Doyle said. He described logistics the city considered—including whether to operate an in‑house shelter—and told the council the cost and regulatory burdens made that alternative less feasible.
Supporters of WAHS, including veterans groups and long‑time volunteers, told the council…
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