St. Charles Parish animal control reports higher intake, rising bite cases and expanded shelter partnerships

St. Charles Parish Department of Animal Control presented its 2024 annual report to the St. Charles Parish Council, reporting steady intake numbers, expanded adoption and transport partnerships, and a notable increase in bite incidents.

The presentation, delivered by Dr. Gina Troxler, noted the shelter is staffed by four animal control officers, two kennel attendants, a kennel officer and a part‑time worker, with one vacant officer position and an active hiring process. "We have a team that include includes 4 animal control officers... and we are hiring another animal control officer right now," Troxler told the council.

Troxler said the shelter took in about 636 dogs in 2024, nearly half classified as strays, and more than 1,000 cats, with roughly half unattached to an owner. She said about 260 cats and 71 dogs were adopted locally, and the shelter used off‑site…