City Manager Ike Tewell told the McAllen Chamber audience that the city is working with Palm Valley Animal Shelter (PBAS), local veterinarians and university partners to address pet overpopulation and support shelter capacity, including design work for an expanded Lori Andrews Center.

Tewell said the city received a veterinarian’s letter outlining concerns and suggestions on overpopulation and that the city will consider implementing recommended studies and programs. He emphasized spay/neuter promotion, responsible pet ownership messaging and better integration between university veterinary programs and PBAS services.

Tewell referenced a commission‑encouraged investment in PBAS about 18 months earlier and said PBAS plans to shut down its Trenton location while the Lori Andrews Center is expanded; the city will remain engaged in that project. “We are working with PBAS right now on designs for expanding the Lori Andrews Center as they get ready to shut down their Trenton location,” Tewell said.

Nut graf: The city manager presented the shelter effort as a combination of program promotion (spay/neuter, education), institutional support (facility design and investment) and partnerships (universities and veterinarians) to reduce shelter strain and improve animal welfare.

Details: Tewell noted the need for better execution and integration of services between university programs and PBAS. He did not provide project budgets or a firm timeline for the Lori Andrews Center expansion during the chamber presentation.

Ending: City staff will continue design work with PBAS and consult with veterinary partners about studies and program options; no binding commitments or procurement actions were announced at the meeting.