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Volunteers push to expand care at Mount Vernon dog pound but seek liability coverage
Summary
Residents told the Board volunteers have cleaned the city dog pound, raised $432 for vaccines (enough for up to 17 shots), and are prepared to assist regularly if the city addresses liability and waiver concerns; police described roughly fewer than 20 animal calls per month.
Several Mount Vernon residents urged the board to enable a volunteer program to supplement police work at the city dog pound.
Tiki Hunter said officer Moyer recently did a "thorough cleaning, revamped the food area, and bought new pans." Hunter reported volunteers had raised $432 to cover future vaccinations—"which should be able to pay for up to 17 dog vaccinations"—and asked the city to resolve liability coverage so volunteers can assist routinely.
Annmarie Little and Leah Gibson, volunteers and organizers, said they want to reduce police time spent on loose-animal calls; Little called the number of strays "unbelievable" and reiterated volunteers are prepared to sign waivers. Assistant Chief Ed Evatt told the board animal calls vary but are usually "less than 20 calls per month," mostly for escaped pets rather than long-term neglect.
The volunteers said they are coordinating with Stray Animals Matter and with local Lion's Club members to find permanent solutions and increase adoption efforts. The board thanked the volunteers and asked staff to explore liability and procedural steps to permit volunteer work without undermining public-safety responsibilities.
