In these days of shrinking government budgets, people are feeling the pinch. So are animals.
Two local animal control agencies are currently having serious problems. The mayor of the City of St. Louis announced yesterday that operations at the city shelter would be closed later this year. A deteriorating building and lack of funds means the agency can no longer care humanely for animals. The city plans to contract services with local nonprofit agencies for strays and surrenders.
Likewise, animal control in neighboring Jefferson County is under fire for inadequate conditions and high euthanasia rates. Though staff is trying to bring the shelter up to par, there is a real possiblity that they may face closing as well.
I believe both agencies have tried to do the best they can with very limited budgets. What is the answer? A short term solution is to use nonprofit shelters. Unfortunately, they, too, are stretched to the max.
We need a long term solution. This lies in funding for better facilities, increased adoption outreach, and a concerted effort to get pets spayed and neutered. Of course, these programs require more money.
Which puts us right back where this blog began.
