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Rock Springs council hears animal-control capacity concerns after dog attack; shelter reports 93% save rate
Summary
After a reported attack that injured a resident and her dog, Rock Springs officials on Sept. 17 discussed enforcement options and shelter capacity; Police Chief Bill Erspamer said the shelter has a 93% save rate but is strained and that an adjacent building with kennels may have water and sewer issues preventing immediate use.
Mayor Max Mickelson raised a recent incident in which a woman and her dog were attacked, asking the City Council how the city should respond to loose animals.
Police Chief Bill Erspamer said that if officers locate an animal’s owner they can issue a ticket for "dog at large" or a vicious-dog violation, but locating owners can be difficult. Erspamer reported the Animal Control shelter currently has a 93% save rate, and that capacity is strained now that the city is no longer euthanizing animals.
"Caring for many animals takes much effort," Chief Erspamer said, noting Animal Control is fully staffed with office and patrol positions but that recent policy changes have increased occupancy and pressure on space.
Councilors Tim Robinson and Randy Hanson pointed to an adjacent building that already contains kennels and could serve as overflow, but Erspamer cautioned the structure may have water and sewer issues that make retrofitting impractical without capital work.
No funding decision or facility plan was approved at the special meeting; councilors discussed options for addressing staffing, shelter space, and possible facility improvements.
The meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
