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Ennis residents press commissioners for interim animal shelter after SPCA contract ends
Summary
Residents described injured and sick stray animals and urged immediate action after the SPCA terminated its shelter contract; commissioners said the county and cities are discussing a regional solution but emphasized limited short-term capacity and high veterinary costs.
Residents at an Ennis town hall urged the city to find immediate shelter options for injured and stray animals after the SPCA ended its contract earlier this spring.
"I recently picked up a dog that was severely anemic... I have picked up multiple animals and paid for vet care out of my pocket," said Vanessa, a resident, describing several cases she said volunteers are currently covering. Others told commissioners they have found kittens and dogs that cannot be taken in because rescue groups are full.
Commissioners acknowledged the problem and said the county and several nearby cities are exploring a regional shelter. Commissioner Eric Pierce described recent talks and a tri-city visit to model facilities, and said the city is looking to collaborate with neighboring municipalities to pool resources. A county-affiliated speaker and volunteers at the meeting said the county'issued RFP for shelter services drew only one respondent, SoFetch/Safe Haven, and that veterinary costs and staffing are major barriers to scaling services.
The commission also said rapid and vicious animals still have identified temporary intake options, but "nuisance" animals lack a durable place to go. Darling Miller, an SPCA volunteer, said many animals require expensive medical care: "For just that one animal it was $800," she said, summarizing typical veterinary costs volunteers face.
Commissioners asked staff to compile the incidents raised and return answers to residents. They noted the SPCA'county relationship, county RFP timing, and the need for creative short-term solutions while longer-term regional options are negotiated.
The town hall did not produce a formal vote or immediate funding commitment; commissioners said they will follow up with the county and bring staff recommendations to a future meeting.
