Sedan council tables proposed service agreement with Friends of CQ CO Animal Shelter

At its Aug. 20 meeting, the Sedan City Council tabled consideration of a proposed service agreement with the Friends of CQ CO Animal Shelter after hearing the shelter's request for increased funding and discussion of intake and euthanasia policies.

Marlene Wells, representing the Friends of CQ CO Animal Shelter, told the council the group is asking the city for $1,400 for the remainder of 2024 and $6,500 annually thereafter, which she said is about 10% of the shelter’s budget. Wells said the shelter will continue to take stray dogs countywide but does not accept owner surrenders; if an owner reclaims a dog, the shelter retains any associated fees. She also said that when a veterinarian determines an animal lacks quality of life or has injuries beyond treatment, the shelter may humanely euthanize, and added that the shelter generally tries to place unadoptable animals with other rescuers to honor its donors’ expectation of a no-kill approach.

Councilmember Angela Evans asked whether the county contributes; Wells said the county currently provides $5,750 and that the shelter plans to ask the county to raise its contribution to $6,500. Councilmembers also asked about cats; Wells said the shelter can accept only two non-feral cats.

After the discussion, Adam Clark moved that the council table the service agreement until the city attorney completes a review; Sharon Payne seconded the motion, and the motion carried. Lana Robinson confirmed the service agreement had already been sent to the city attorney for review.

The council took no further action on the agreement; the item will return to a future meeting once the city attorney provides guidance.