Representatives from the nonprofit All Kind Animal Initiative, which is partnered with the city of Abilene, and KC Pet Project were engaged in discussions at the meeting to explore various fundraising avenues.
Current situation
Animal Services Manager Cindy King shared updates on staffing vacancies, noting multiple positions were successfully filled as of July 10. However, a new vacancy for a veterinary technician recently emerged.
The execution of an interlocal agreement between Sugar Land and Fort Bend County facilitated the utilization of a surgical suite managed by a veterinarian who has performed surgeries on a total of 304 animals since the agreement's finalization April 25, King said.
To ensure the welfare of animals within the shelter, a temporary closure of over-the-counter dog intake was enforced starting Jan. 25 due to being overcapacity.
By the numbers
The shelter numbers revealed a trend of increasingly being overcapacity for dogs throughout the year:
- 32 dogs Jan. 25
- 38 dogs Feb. 1
- 48 dogs March 1
- 52 dogs April 24
- 65 dogs May 2
- 44 dogs July 5
The shelter is also facing a seasonal challenge in the form of a ringworm outbreak among the cat population.
Additionally, the trap and release program, crucial for managing the local feral cat population, relies on a single volunteer, King said. Shelter officials expressed appreciation for the volunteer's valuable contributions but also acknowledged the need for additional support.
Going forward
Efforts in community engagement and adoption were also highlighted during the meeting.
Notable events in June included an adoption event held at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds and a partnership established with El Gato Cafe in Houston. Furthermore, King said, the shelter revamped its website to incorporate profiles of adoptable pets, enhancing the visibility of these animals and facilitating potential adoptions.
The meeting also introduced Public Works Director Brian Butscher as the newly appointed Sugar Land Animal Advisory Board director.
Get involved
For further details and volunteer opportunities, the public is encouraged to visit the city of Sugar Land's official website at www.sugarlandtx.gov to access the agenda and supporting documents for each meeting.
