Bedford shelter reports rising intakes and wildlife calls, staff point to development and coyote mating season

Shelter staff told the Bedford Animal Services Board on Feb. 16 that animal intake and field-service calls have increased in recent quarters, driven in part by new development and seasonal wildlife behavior.

"Total intakes, we went from a 101 to a 112," Jose, a shelter staff member, said while reviewing quarterly numbers. He told the board that field calls rose from 915 in a comparable 2024 quarter to 1,082 in 2025. "We're gonna receive a lot more calls... because it's mating season right now," he added, describing increased coyote activity.

Jose provided examples across species: in one quarterly comparison dog intakes and returns shifted, cat intakes rose in other comparisons, and wildlife euthanasia numbers increased (one quarter cited 5→13 euthanized). He said total service activity spiked, in part because of more wildlife calls.

A board member asked whether new construction was driving the increase in wildlife reports. "You think the spikes are from all the construction that's going on?" the member asked. Jose agreed construction and new properties are contributing to displacement and more resident reports, and recommended following Texas Parks and Wildlife–style hazing techniques (sprinklers, loud noises) rather than trapping.

Board members raised staffing concerns tied to higher call volumes. Chair Molly said that with planned expansion and renovation she expects demand to grow and urged clear public communications about service locations and closures so residents do not abandon animals at neighborhood sites such as Bedford Grove.

The board did not take formal policy action on staffing at the meeting; members set tentative follow-up dates for April to continue discussion and to receive further operational updates.