Residents press Clinton council to keep services with local Humane Society

Multiple residents and Clinton Humane Society staff appealed directly to the council during public comment, urging the city to restore or continue negotiations with the local shelter rather than send animals to other counties.

Celeste Robbins, a volunteer and former board member at the Clinton Humane Society, said the shelter has been life-changing for volunteers and asked the council not to finalize any agreement that would diminish local animal care. "The only option that checks those boxes is a new agreement with the Humane Society," Robbins said.

Hannah Nariam, who identified herself as working at the Clinton Humane Society, recounted severe neglect and a 63-cat hoarding case her team handled and warned of public-health risks if local capacity is diminished. "Please consider returning to the negotiation table," Nariam said.

Speakers asked the council to solicit public input and hold in-person meetings with the Humane Society and Board before moving forward with any out-of-town placement of animals. Several residents also raised concerns that neighboring jurisdictions (Scott County/Muscatine) are at capacity, which would complicate transfers.

Council members did not take final action on the Humane Society during this meeting; staff and council heard the comments and indicated they would continue to work with stakeholders. The public comments were entered into the record; the council will consider next steps as part of broader service discussions.