RC Approves Humane Society Contract
Local News
by
Stephany Beshara
last edited on
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Homeless animals will continue getting the help they need, thanks to funding from the city.
The Rapid City Council has approved its contract with the Humane Society of the Black Hills.
But, like other city funded programs the shelter also had to make cuts.
The animal shelter eliminated a full time position in order to balance its budget this year.
That dispatch position will save $18,000.
Front desk employees and the county 911 Dispatch Center will now handle animal control calls.
The approved city contract with the Humane Society is for $240,000.
Also in the contract it's specified the shelter has a three-day waiting period before it can euthanize any animals, but the board president says the three day rule is a misconception.
“The three days is the hold we have on animals for their owners to come in and get them. After the three days is up we assess the animal they go through temperament tests and they go on to the adopt floor. Rarely ever does the humane society euthanize an animal after three days,” says BH Humane Society Board President Katy Stulc.
The county is also working with the Humane Society to help save money
Sheriff Deputies will be given micro-chip scanners so they can scan stray animals and return them home instead of taking them to the shelter which costs money.
Also, the shelter will get three to four inmates Monday through Friday to help clean kennels and walk dogs.