Rescue groups press Fresno council to boost spay-and-neuter funding as animal center budget holds steady

Elma Torres, director of the Fresno Animal Center, told the City Council on June 10 that the center—s proposed fiscal 2027 budget totals about $9.6 million, with roughly $7.5 million earmarked for personnel and about $350,000 proposed for expanded spay-and-neuter services.

Torres said the center—s operations treat a large caseload: during calendar 2025 the shelter took in 9,854 live animals (9,612 dogs and cats), completed 3,354 adoptions and reunited 722 pets with owners. She said the majority of animals arriving at the center require medical attention and that the facility currently has one full-time veterinarian, several part-time/per-diem veterinarians and contracted veterinary partners.

The presentation prompted urgent appeals from local rescue organizations and veterinarians in the audience. Kyle Kirkland, president of the Kirkland Foundation, compared costs between rescue networks and the animal center, saying rescues deliver high-volume spay-and-neuter and treatment at lower unit cost and asking council to subsidize community partners. "When I read the budget I saw $380,000 for veterinary expenses," Kirkland said. "There are rescues out there that helped four to five thousand animals last year on similar budgets." Brandy Sherman and other rescue leaders outlined offers to expand sterilization work in Fresno if the city provides matching or grant support.

In response, Council Vice President Maxwell moved to redirect the funding for an unfilled second veterinarian position (discussed in the hearing as roughly $183,000) into a grant program to support community partners and expand spay-and-neuter capacity. Council Member Arius seconded the motion and asked staff to pursue a matching arrangement described by the Dogwood Animal Rescue Project that would multiply any city dollars. Torres told the council the center already budgets $350,000 for spay-and-neuter and contracts with outside providers; she said the center also anticipates a new mobile spay-and-neuter unit to begin community operations in July.

Council and administration members agreed to follow up. No formal vote on Maxwell—s motion was recorded at the hearing; council members asked staff to report back with clearer numbers about how match funding from the Dogwood group and others would operate and how redirected funds would be administered.

What happens next: Staff and the animal center were asked to return with a costed proposal and any documentation from nonprofit partners about matching offers; the council—s motion to redirect the unfilled vet position to grants remained open for further review rather than an immediate adoption.

Source: Animal Center presentation and public comment at the June 10, 2026 Fresno City Council budget hearing. Quotes and counts are taken from the center—s presentation and public statements recorded at the hearing.