San Angelo animal shelter reports improved December live-release rate, reviews bite investigations and euthanasia figures

At a meeting of the San Angelo Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, Neighborhood and Family Services interim director Morgan Chenoweth presented monthly animal-shelter performance data for October, November and December 2024, including intake, outcomes and field-service activity.

Chenoweth said the shelter received 214 animals in October with a live-release rate of 79 percent; 98 animals were adopted or transferred to rescues, 40 were redeemed by owners and the shelter ended October with 308 animals in custody. Of 40 animals that died in October, 13 were cats, 20 were dogs and 7 were other species; staff categorized 18 as sick or injured beyond treatment and 22 as aggressive/reactive dogs lacking a responsible owner.

In November, intake dropped to about 147 animals. Chenoweth said almost 100 animals were adopted or rescue-transferred and 35 were redeemed by owners; 266 animals remained in custody and the live-release rate was just under 80 percent. She said 20 of November’s deceased animals were classified as sick or injured beyond treatment and 15 were dogs determined aggressive as part of bite investigations.

December intake fell to 159 animals, with 102 leaving by adoption or transfer and 37 redeemed by owners. Chenoweth reported a substantial increase in the monthly live-release rate to just over 86 percent. Of 23 animals that died in December, 4 were cats and 19 were dogs; 15 of the 19 dogs were euthanized for aggression while the remaining deaths were due to illness or injury beyond treatment.

Field-service activity across the three months included almost 600 cases in October (about 350 stray responses and 44 bite investigations), roughly 429 field cases in November (about 250 strays and 27 bite investigations), and about 370 field cases in December (224 strays and 28 bite investigations). Chenoweth told the committee bite investigations are time-consuming and divert officer resources.

Jenny Wilson of Concho Valley Paws gave supplemental information on the nonprofit’s 2024 programs: 497 pet owners were referred to intake-diversion programs (including 2nd Chance and Mommy and Me), Concho Valley Paws transferred 1,354 dogs from the city shelter into its facilities last year and reported 1,691 adoptions; the group transported roughly 258 dogs out of the region in 2024 and runs medical support and rehoming programs that staff said reduce shelter intake.

Committee members asked whether officers and police share bite reports; Chenoweth said police typically log after-hours responses and share those logs with animal services, but animal services conducts the full bite investigations. The committee did not take action on the monthly performance numbers; members requested continued updates and for the contract partner to report regularly at future meetings.

Ending note: The committee set a next meeting date of March 20 and discussed repeating partner reports regularly so the public can hear outcomes and program updates.