Councilmember urges study session on animal control as shelter capacity and county roles debated

A councilmember with long experience in animal welfare told the study session she is concerned about animal-control capacity and the city pound’s ability to handle increases in pet populations as the city grows. The councilmember said the current holding facility is small, that animals sometimes remain in the pound for a month and that the city needs to evaluate whether county and city responsibilities are being met.

City Administrator Jim Clifford and other council members said the mayor has asked staff to schedule a study session in the fall to evaluate animal-control options, including possible changes in operational responsibilities, funding or facilities. Clifford said staff will present options — from maintaining the current approach to pursuing expanded city services — so council can weigh tradeoffs and next steps.

Council discussion emphasized that while the county currently provides some services, the city must decide whether to expand its role or press the county for greater capacity. No policy decision was made at the meeting; councilmembers asked for a structured future discussion.