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Residents urge council to preserve Bayou Animal Services funding
Summary
Multiple volunteers and shelter supporters told the council during public comment that Bayou Animal Services and the Dickinson Shelter provide critical services — citing 885 animals served in a year and $43,817 in citizen donations — and asked the council not to cut the shelter budget.
Supporters of Bayou Animal Services urged the Dickinson City Council and the EDC to keep funding for the Bayou animal shelter steady during the joint budget workshop. Sherlyn Litton, who introduced herself as founder of the Bridal Alliance of Galveston County, said the shelter is "the heart of the city" and warned that "if you cut your budget ... I think you're setting your shelter up for failure."
Volunteer David Volk said he volunteers nearly every day and described the shelter's public‑safety role, arguing that a well‑run shelter prevents dangerous animals from roaming neighborhoods. Kim Johnson read a social‑media post urging support, cited service numbers ("885 dogs and cats" in one year) and a citizen donations fund that collected $43,817, and said volunteers and staff — particularly shelter manager Nina — deserve continued backing. "She knows what she's doing," Johnson said.
Council members acknowledged the speakers but did not take action during public comment; staff later noted the budget discussions could include cuts but that council could consider restoring funds if revenues rebound. No formal motion or vote on shelter funding occurred at the workshop.
