Will cutting ties with the SPCA help Fresno’s stray pet problem? Big changes looming
Construction on a new, state-of-the-art animal shelter in Fresno is on track to be completed later this year, and city leaders have new plans for animal control services that they hope will better combat the city’s stray animal problem.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and Councilmembers Garry Bredefeld, Luis Chavez and Mike Karbassi this week accepted a $25,000 donation from Kashian Enterprises, which will help support ongoing operations at the new shelter.
The $20 million facility will include four buildings and support the intake of 10,000-15,000 animals annually. The facility will include space for animal care services, adoptions and spay and neuter surgeries in an effort to reduce euthanasia rates.
Construction is scheduled to be complete in April, and the facility is scheduled to open and be fully operational by July.
The completion and opening of the animal shelter also will signal a shift in which agency provides animal control services in Fresno.
For years, the Central California SPCA has provided animal control services for the city of Fresno. But, Fresno city officials have long complained the price of the contract is too expensive for the quality of the services.
During Thursday’s city council meeting, Bredefeld sought clarity on whether the city will continue to partner with the SPCA once the shelter opens.
City Manager Thomas Esqueda said the city will extend its contract with SPCA by a few months, but in the meantime the city will purchase the trucks and hire 57 employees to provide the animal control services. The SPCA will deliver stray animals to the new shelter until the city is ready to take over services.
The shift in services will signal the first time in decades that the city has directly provided animal control services rather than contracting out those services.
“I think it’s something all of us and all the citizens of Fresno are going to be very pleased with, very proud of and can feel very good about what the future holds for rescue operations for all of the animals that need those services in the city of Fresno,” Bredefeld said.
This story was originally published January 14, 2022 at 5:00 AM.