Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Shelter topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
St. Martin Parish council hears shelter concerns, administration pledges vet coverage and phased capital fixes
Summary
Council members and visitors discussed recent problems at the St. Martin Parish animal shelter; parish officials said veterinarians have been retained, additional vet support is being sought, and an amendment will add funding for phased capital improvements.
The St. Martin Parish Council heard detailed comments about the parish animal shelter at its Dec. 2, 2025 meeting, where officials said immediate operational issues had been inspected and would be addressed through staffing and capital improvements.
During the meeting, the chair introduced St. Martin Parish animal services coordinator Andrea Meir and veterinarian Jackie Seamal, DVM, to speak about shelter concerns. An unidentified council member said there had been "a few issues" at the shelter but indicated administration had inspected the facility and "the issues have been addressed." The same speaker invited council questions about next steps.
Parish President Pete Delcomb (referred to in the meeting) and administration representatives said the shelter has secured veterinary coverage, including a retainer arrangement with a local veterinarian identified as Miss Megan, and that the parish is seeking a third veterinarian to ensure adoptions and routine care proceed without interruption. Officials told the council they plan to phase capital improvements and will present an amendment to add funding for necessary repairs and upgrades during the coming year. Raymond Bernard, identified in the discussion as evaluating budgets, was said to be reviewing operations to improve efficiency and reflect changes in the facility's financials.
Local resident Jean Baptiste thanked Miss Megan and shelter staff for their work caring for animals, calling out employees' dedication in managing both cats and dogs.
The council did not record formal votes tied to the shelter discussion in the meeting transcript; the administration said budget amendments and phased capital work would be brought forward as action items for council consideration.
