Hibbing council directs staff to pursue adoption, temporary hires as animal-intake pressure rises

Hibbing City Council members on April 2 heard a detailed briefing on the city’s animal-intake operations and directed staff to continue pursuing adoption pathways and temporary staffing to address short-term capacity needs.

City administrator Andy Pruzynski told the council the intake operation currently houses “about 20 animals” and that staffing shortages have increased the workload. He said the city has authority under state statute to vet and place animals and proposed hiring two to four temporary workers (under 30 hours per week and for less than six months) to assist with daily care and administrative work related to adoptions. “The need is great,” Pruzynski said, urging a near-term operational change to reduce pressure on partner shelters.

Councilor Whitney and other members signaled support for pursuing third-party partnerships and contract models used by other cities, including contracting with a local rescue group rather than operating a full shelter. Councilor Whitney said he favored divesting city ownership and having an independent rescue group operate services under contract, noting many peer cities use that model.

Several council members and staff raised concerns about legal liability and insurance coverage if the city increases direct placement activity. City attorney Andy Borland told the council “there’s always gonna be at least some liability,” and recommended staff look into liability limits and how representations about an animal’s condition should be framed at adoption. Staff said animals proposed for placement would be vetted — microchipped, vaccinated and screened — and noted that many partner shelters (Precious Paws, Contented Critters and Mesabi Animal Humane Society) are currently full.

Pruzynski also discussed longer-term options, including potentially acquiring property now held by the airport authority to site a new facility, and said staff will reestablish talks with airport leadership. He said the city has considered and debated multiple options, including euthanasia in worst-case scenarios, but emphasized the council is not being asked to convert into a full-time shelter operator at this time.

Action and next steps: councilors generally “moved in the direction” recommended by staff, asking the administrator to (1) pursue temporary hires and adoption outreach, (2) verify funding for temporary help, (3) investigate liability and any additional coverage needed before expanding placements, and (4) continue negotiations regarding airport-owned property and return with a formal recommendation. No formal ordinance or final policy change was enacted at the meeting.