Fresno City and County officials met Friday to discuss a new temporary facility to house unwanted pets after October 1st. Previous plans to turn the old morgue into the new shelter have been scrapped.
“I don't want to elaborate because there's been so much speculation on what we've been doing and it's been a distraction...and county and city staff are focused on getting this site up and running,” Assistant City Manager Bruce Rudd said.
Fresno Assistant City Manager Bruce Rudd headed to the "secret site"... with consultants from UC Davis Veterinary School.
Meanwhile, Liberty Animal Control continued contract negotiations with the city and county to take over some SPCA operations.
“You're going to have your animals picked up. Strays picked up. We won't be able to take care of vicious dogs. A lot of services SPCA has but we're going to be changing some of them... doing things a little differently,” Michelle Shanley of Liberty Animal Shelter.
The community has been scrambling for months after SPCA announced it will stop taking in strays.
The new facility will not be able to house as many cats. State law doesn't require it.
Area rescues say they won't be able to handle the load...
“About 180 animals are surrendered to animal control. With Valley Animal Center the largest… we have other shelters… they won't be able to take overflow on daily basis,” said Kelly Joos of Valley Animal Center.
Officials are counting on voters to approve a tax increase on the 2014 ballot to help pay for animal welfare.
“If someone presents a cat at new facility I don't think someone will turn away but will provide bare minimum and add services as we go,” said Henry Perea county supervisor
For now, they're spending $3.2 million to pay for the transition…saying they’re not adding more money to the pot.
