Residents urge council to preserve Green Hill animal services contract amid budget cuts

EUGENE, Ore. — Several speakers at the May 12 Eugene City Council meeting urged the council to retain its contract with Green Hill Humane Society and to preserve the city’s animal welfare services amid proposed budget reductions.

Speakers described services Green Hill provides that intersect with public safety: response to injured, aggressive or abandoned animals; rabies enforcement; sheltering and reunification of lost pets; and post‑disaster animal care. Renee Watts, a past president of Green Hill’s board, told councilors the contract gives Green Hill the legal authority to perform that work and said the organization handled more than 600 animals brought by Eugene Police last year: “These services exist because of the city's contract, which gives Green Hill the legal authority and support to do this vital work,” Watts said.

Several speakers described concrete public‑safety and cost risks if the contract were cut. Mara Watson, who runs a rescue and has worked in multiple countries, warned that without a sheltering contract the city would face higher kennel fees, court cases and more animals exposed to injury or death. Jennifer Van Sickle, speaking for Green Hill, cited rabies enforcement and protections for abused or neglected animals as functions that would be lost without the contract. Matt Cooper, a longtime volunteer and foster with Green Hill, framed the issue as one of community values and compassion.

Councilor Keating acknowledged the testimony and named a list of animals available for adoption at Green Hill as part of an expression of support. The council did not take a final funding vote at the May 12 meeting; the public testimony was part of the wider budget discussion the council scheduled for follow‑up this week.