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Shelter reports surge in intake, improved live-release rate; board approves letter recognizing feral cat volunteers
Summary
The St. Mary's County shelter reported a doubling of intakes July–August compared with last year, improvements in live-release rates and growth in volunteer hours. The advisory board approved a letter of accommodation to a feral cat rescue group and discussed budget and staffing steps to sustain services.
St. Mary's County's animal shelter reported a sharp rise in animal intake and improvements in outcomes during a Sept. 3 Animal Control Advisory Board meeting, and the board voted to send a letter recognizing volunteer feral cat rescue efforts.
Between July 1 and Aug. 31, shelter staff reported 598 animals entered care: 240 owner surrenders, 258 strays, 12 seized or protective‑custody animals, 12 transfers from partners, six born in care and 56 animals through TNR (trap‑neuter‑return) programming. The same period last year had 298 intakes. Staff said the increase included a 163.7% rise in owner surrenders (91 in 2024 vs. 240 in 2025) and a 63.3% increase in stray animals (158 in 2024 vs. 258 in 2025).
Outcomes for the July–Aug. 1 period included 349 adoptions, 63 returns to owners, 60 transfers to partner organizations, 85 feral cat outcomes (77 returned to original location, eight adopted to outdoor homes), seven deaths in care and 41 euthanasias. Staff reported a 92.08% live‑release rate for the period, up from 85.85% the prior year. Staff said dog live‑release improved to 92.51% (from 80.83%), and average length of stay fell to 12 days for dogs and 16 days for cats (down from 27 and 35 respectively).
Staff told the board a recent spike in fractious cats with severe upper respiratory infections contributed to higher-than-desired cat euthanasia numbers; staff said they attempted in‑shelter medication (including amoxicillin‑clavulanate and doxycycline) but some feral cats were too fractious to safely treat.
The shelter's community programs also drew attention. Staff reported 66 requests for food donations in August and more than 850 volunteer hours logged that month (compared with about 235 average monthly hours the prior year). Several board members praised the growth of volunteer support and the pet pantry, and one board member announced a new nonprofit to raise funds for the shelter.
Votes at a glance: The board approved three routine motions by voice vote during the meeting. They approved the minutes from the previous meeting, voted to send a letter of accommodation to the feral cat rescue organization, and adjourned at the meeting's close. The motion to approve the letter of accommodation was made by Vice Chair Cesar Raffanador and approved by voice vote; the transcript records a second and the chair's announcement that "ayes have it." The meeting record does not include a roll‑call tally for any of the voice votes.
Ending: Board members urged rapid work on a full inventory of purchased equipment, continued recruitment for a veterinarian, and prompt advocacy for specific budget line items so equipment and program needs can be addressed in next year's budget cycle. The board set an expectation that inventory results be presented at the November meeting.
