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Riverton council approves higher fees for animal shelter despite concerns about overcrowding
Summary
The council adopted Resolution 1537 to raise Paws for Life surrender and adoption fees after hours and capacity changes were discussed. Directors said veterinary and intake costs average about $250 per animal; some council members warned higher fees could discourage reclaiming pets and worsen overcrowding.
The Riverton City Council voted 4–3 to adopt Resolution 1537 revising fees at Paws for Life animal adoption center, approving higher surrender and adoption charges while leaving reclamation fees unchanged.
Council consideration followed a detailed presentation by PAWS directors Lonnie Slack and Ashley, who said the shelter’s per-animal costs — including vaccinations, microchipping and spay/neuter — average roughly $250. Slack told the council the shelter had 470 intakes in 2025 and that program income totaled about $48,000 for the year; PAWS’s overall operating budget, including donations and sponsorships, was roughly $300,000.
Several council members and residents pushed back. Councilwoman Karen Johnson, who voted against the resolution, said higher surrender or reclamation fees can be counterproductive: “If you make it hard to reclaim your dog, people are more likely to let it run loose or abandon it,” she said, citing concerns about increased shelter stays and strain on police impound resources. Councilwoman Rebecca Brothers and Councilman Mike Bailey joined Johnson in a 3‑member opposition.
Supporters, including Councilwoman Carla Borders (the motion’s mover), said modest fee increases were necessary to keep PAWS solvent and to reduce the net deficit caused by veterinary and intake costs. Council members asked staff to track early indicators and requested a follow-up report comparing intake/outcome data for the months after implementation.
The council also approved additional open hours for PAWS to improve public access. Council and PAWS leaders discussed other strategies — increased transfers to regional partners, volunteer recruitment, and possible city funding adjustments — to relieve long‑term capacity pressure. PAWS agreed to report data (intakes, adoptions, surrenders) back to the council after the first quarter under the new fee schedule.
The resolution passed on the record after motion by Councilwoman Carla Borders and a second by Councilman Eric Carr; the roll-call and recorded debate appear in the meeting minutes.
