Advisory committee approves Halifax Humane Society scope change; shelter to house animals of domestic-violence survivors and repay grant portion

The Volusia ECHO Advisory Committee approved a scope-change recommendation on Jan. 6 that would allow the Halifax Humane Society to convert an existing standalone kennel (the "Color Building") into temporary housing for animals of domestic-violence survivors while keeping the publicly accessible dog park under the existing restrictive covenant.

Sean Hawkins, chief executive officer of Halifax Humane Society, told the committee the organization remains a public animal shelter that accepts owner surrenders and municipal strays. He said the Color Building had been unused and was a suitable, segregated space for animal victims of domestic violence, enabling the shelter to keep animals separate from the main adoption area and provide veterinary care until reunification with their owners. "Initially we have an agreement to provide an initial 30 days, no questions asked," Hawkins said, adding that caseworkers from the domestic abuse council will coordinate family reunification.

Staff said the organization previously converted the Pet Services Building without going through a formal scope-change process and that the new CEO notified staff upon arrival. As a condition of the requested scope change, Halifax has offered to repay the ECHO-funded proportional amount for the Pet Services Building—$186,539—so taxpayers are made whole for that component. Staff also reported Halifax has spent $30,000–$40,000 improving amenities at the dog park and confirmed the dog park will remain publicly accessible and covered by a long-term covenant.

After questions from committee members about precedent for scope changes and concerns about prior compliance, a motion to approve the scope change was made and seconded. The committee voted in favor and "motion carries," with staff noting the advisory recommendation and the compliance items will go to County Council Jan. 20 for final consideration. Staff requested quarterly updates from Halifax following the approval.

The committee’s action was advisory; County Council will consider final approval of the scope change and any enforcement or repayment mechanics on Jan. 20.