Council approves $1.4M extension for Contra Costa animal services after debate about local nonprofit partnerships
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Summary
The council approved a one-year extension and payment of $1,403,221 to Contra Costa County Animal Services after discussion about capacity, shelter euthanasia rates and partnerships with local rescues. One council member abstained and staff said the city currently lacks capacity to take animal-control functions in-house.
The Richmond City Council approved a one‑year amendment to its agreement with Contra Costa County Animal Services totaling $1,403,221 for fiscal year 2025–26 after public comment urging more support for local rescues and a brief council debate about alternatives.
Council member Melvin Bana pulled the item for discussion and urged the city to explore issuing a request for proposals to allow local rescues such as Jelly’s Place to receive funding for services that the county now provides. “It would be fair to give them a chance even if we have to start with a small amount,” Bana said during the discussion.
City staff, including the city manager’s office, told the council they had been coordinating with the county and local nonprofits and that the city does not currently have the administrative capacity to assume animal-control functions. The city manager noted collaborations with Joy Bound and others that are providing some local services. Staff advised that the county handles core animal-control duties such as emergency bites and rabies‑exposure responses.
After public testimony from rescue advocates who described animals arriving at Martinez Animal Control and subsequent euthanasia concerns, the council voted to approve the contract amendment; Council member Bana abstained. Staff said they will continue to coordinate with local nonprofits and explore partnership opportunities within existing grant and program constraints.
The contract extension preserves county-operated animal-control services, while several council members requested staff follow up on potential ways to better support local rescues and increase shelter capacity and placement efforts.
