Evansville plans new animal control director and staff after Best Friends grant and kennel review

Todd Robertson, who described himself as representing animal control for Evansville, told the joint budget meeting the department is requesting new staff and operational increases tied to a recent initiative and grant-backed cleaning protocols.

"The mayor has taken a special interest in improving and building up on animal control," Robertson said, noting the budget adds a new director position, an animal control officer and a clerk to replace a COVID-era vacancy.

Robertson said the department received a grant from Best Friends that supported a new cleaning protocol and that the additional officer and clerk will help implement the program. He said the department has taken in a substantial number of animals, estimating the shelter processed "like 3,000 something" animals last year, and that staff work with local police on overnight pickups.

Council members asked about line items for medications, flea treatments and necropsies. Robertson said medication typically appears under institutional medical expenses and that the department sometimes relies on public donations when outbreaks occur; he said the new director will assess Best Friends' recommendations against on-the-ground needs. Robertson also noted upcoming council review of funds for kennel repairs under a separate city finance ordinance.

The presentation and questions left several operational clarifications open for the incoming director, including whether flea-control treatments and pest facility treatments are specifically budgeted and the exact amount allocated for pest control (Robertson read the current contractual pest-control line as $336 for the year).