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Cowlitz County says Humane Society contract expired; county to continue animal control and explore foster/shelter alternatives
Summary
After a multi‑year relationship with the local Humane Society ended, commissioners said they let the sheltering contract expire and will rely on sheriff's office staff, temporary kennels, and foster networks to meet statutory 72‑hour animal custody requirements while seeking cost savings.
Cowlitz County commissioners told the public at a Tuesday meeting that the county allowed the Humane Society’s sheltering contract extension to expire and will continue providing animal control through county staff and temporary kennels, while pursuing foster and adoption pathways instead of returning to the previous shelter contract.
Commissioners outlined the contract history: the county paid roughly $363,000 under a 2023 contract that covered animal control and sheltering. After the Humane Society informed local jurisdictions it would stop providing animal control, the sheriff’s office and municipal partners implemented county‑run animal control in 2024 and established temporary kennels for the statutorily required first 72 hours of custody.
The board said attempts to secure a reasonably priced multi‑year sheltering contract were unsuccessful. Commissioners described a Humane Society proposal that would have raised annual sheltering costs substantially (transcript cited proposed charges rising toward $300,000 per year over a multi‑year escalation), and said the county objected to proposed transfer of some program liabilities onto taxpayers.
A commissioner defended the county’s approach, saying temporary kennels and foster placements returned many animals to owners during the initial 72‑hour holding period, reducing shelter intake and cost. Commissioners said several foster homes have contacted the county but arrangements were not finalized.
Commissioners and staff asked residents to direct any concerns or letters to county officials; they also said a published news item had misstated the process by saying the board had "voted to terminate" the contract — the board clarified there was no termination vote, the contract extension simply expired.
What happens next: County staff will continue animal control operations, explore foster and adoption paths, and monitor service levels; commissioners said they want to meet statutory requirements while limiting taxpayer expense.
Sources and context: the discussion occurred during the public‑comment section of the Tuesday meeting; county staff and commissioners provided project history, financial figures, and next steps.
