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Resident urges stronger animal-control enforcement after repeated reports of neglect
Summary
A Balch Springs resident described repeated incidents of neglected animals, pressing the council for stronger spay/neuter outreach, low-cost services, registration enforcement and closer coordination with rescues; staff said they would follow up and the resident said she had applied for the animal advisory commission.
Resident Lamia Marano told council she has repeatedly documented neglected and injured animals in Balch Springs and urged the city to adopt more proactive measures to protect animals.
"For the past 8 years, I have watched neglected dogs and cats roam our neighborhoods," Marano said, describing animals left without food or water, repeated escapes, and instances where animals were later found dead. She described a recent incident involving two pugs found on July 4 with visible signs of neglect and said community confidence depends on reports being thoroughly and objectively reviewed.
Marano recommended stronger spay-and-neuter outreach, accessible low-cost services, responsible-breeding enforcement, registration compliance and partnerships with rescues and community organizations. She said she had applied for the animal-advisory commission and offered to help the city pursue solutions.
City staff thanked Marano for the report, said animal-control leadership had begun follow-up (Marano said Chief Stills had reached out), and invited her to continue working with staff and volunteers. The council noted volunteer shortages for animal services and encouraged resident participation in solutions.
