City managers outline strain on pound services after switch to Surry Valley Animal Shelter

City officials updated the Minot City Council on July 7 about changes to animal pound services since the municipality moved care and impound services to Surry Valley Animal Shelter. The city manager reported growing operational strain, higher costs than earlier arrangements and legal limits on rehoming animals held as evidence in criminal cases.

City staff said the contract with the previous provider, Minot Vet Clinic, represented a notably lower cost; switching to Surry Valley raised annualized costs but remains broadly comparable with what other municipalities pay. At the six-month mark the city had spent about $85,000 and staff estimated roughly $14,000 per month going forward. The city reported 74 dogs impounded to date this year…