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County-backed pet clinic treated 504 animals; commissioners consider leasing land for staging facility
Summary
Officials reported 504 pets were attended at a recent clinic and discussed leasing county land at precinct 2 to provide short-term housing/staging for animals; commissioners approved returning leftover funds to contingency and exploring a leasing arrangement.
Val Verde County officials reported that a recent community pet clinic, held March 26–April 1, treated 504 animals and that the organizers hope to return for a June clinic. County staff said funds allocated to support clinics were not fully used and the court approved returning unused county funds to contingency where appropriate.
Commissioners discussed interest from the clinic organizers in a location to house animals temporarily while they are fostered or adopted. ‘‘The facility would not be a shelter per se. It would just be a place to house them,’’ a county official said. The court discussed leasing a parcel near county animal control (about five acres currently held by the county) for use as a staging or temporary housing area if the group builds a small structure; the court directed staff to explore leasing terms with the county attorney and legal department.
County staff and commissioners noted that the clinic effort saved the county an estimated amount in animal-control costs (the transcript cites a low‑end figure of $150,000 for certain animal‑control savings). Commissioners encouraged continued collaboration with the group and noted that volunteers and clinic organizers are pursuing resources to build a small facility to support ongoing animal services.
Next steps: staff will discuss leasing terms and legal implications with the county attorney and return recommendations to the court. The organizers plan a potential June clinic but have not set a date.
