Lake Havasu City Council approves five-year sheltering contract amid public complaint and defense

Lake Havasu City Council voted 6–1 on June 25 to approve a five-year animal care and shelter services contract with the Western Arizona Humane Society (WAZ), authorizing services from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2024.

The vote came after more than an hour of public comment in which residents, volunteers, former employees and board members delivered sharply divided accounts of the shelter's operations. Some speakers praised the shelter’s new facility and the staff’s medical work; others alleged improper management, questionable fundraising tactics and troubling euthanasia practices.

Why it matters: The contract funds the sheltering services city animal-control officers rely on to care for stray and impounded animals. Council members said the arrangement preserves local shelter capacity while allowing the council and city staff contractual recourse if the shelter fails to meet agreed standards.

Council action and terms The council motion to approve the five-year contract was made by Councilmember Jim Dolan and seconded by Vice Mayor Lane. The motion carried 6–1. The council’s memorandum and the presentation from Police Chief Doyle said the new contract reduces the…