The Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area has been granted a special-use permit by city officials to add a building to its location at 3553 Morningside Drive to be used for population-control procedures.

The approval came during City Council’s Dec. 14 meeting, during which officials held the first of two public readings on the matter.

Specifically, the ordinance allows for an additional building and parking lot on its 16-acre premises for the purpose of spaying and neutering dogs and cats.

Though the approval came during the first reading of the public hearing, city information states the ordinance allowing for the addition will not take effect until the second reading Jan. 11.