SAN ANGELO, Texas — Tuesday, Concho Valley PAWS Executive Director Jenie Wilson delivered a presentation to San Angelo's City Council where she recommended a new animal services position be opened.
The position, she said, would focus on enforcing an existing ordinance that requires the spaying and neutering of pets within city limits. Wilson said people are being ticketed for violations, but that it does not drive people to comply.
San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter said she does not want a new Animal Services position because of the associated costs.
"More and more and more is not gonna happen," Gunter said. "We've got to have a program about communication and enforcement."
Wilson said as it stands, the City is spending a lot to care for animals born in violation of the ordinance. The City of San Angelo has budgeted over $1.25M toward animal services spending for fiscal year 2024.
Wilson said while she supports a focus on educating the community about spaying and neutering pets, there are still people who will not comply with the ordinance. She believes a new position would minimize costs in the long run.
“I think if we got serious about enforcing spay and neuter, it’s gonna reduce the number of animals that are in the shelter and in time reduce the burden that falls on the city and the taxpayers," she said.
Wilson said PAWS currently houses five litters of pit bull puppies. Near the front of the facility, there was a litter of German shepherd mixes that had not yet been fully vaccinated.