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Sheriff will fund construction of additional kennels for DeSoto Parish animal shelter, jurors approve CEA
Summary
Jurors approved a cooperative endeavor agreement under which the sheriff would build 10 kennels (five dedicated for deputies' use after hours) to expand shelter capacity; shelter director Barbie Higginbotham described intake, rescue and euthanasia numbers and said volunteers and grants help operations.
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury approved a cooperative endeavor agreement authorizing the president to sign an agreement with the sheriff's department to construct additional kennels at the parish animal shelter.
Barbie Higginbotham, director of animal control, told jurors the shelter faces steady intake and capacity challenges and that deputies sometimes bring animals to the shelter after hours. She said the sheriff proposed building additional kennel space to provide secure after‑hours holding and to support shelter operations. "The sheriff's putting the entire bill for the construction project," staff noted, and the request was for five kennels that deputies can use after hours as part of a 10‑kennel construction.
Jurors asked about length of hold, euthanasia and rescue numbers; Higginbotham said transports and rescues are significant and volunteers and a local 501(c)(3) help with transport and rehoming. Staff and jurors said the additional kennels should not require more employees and should be supported by volunteer programs and partner organizations.
The motion to authorize the president to sign the CEA passed in committee.
