San Antonio Animal Care Services: Animal Care Services (ACS) in San Antonio is gaining attention for its $28.5 million spending increase in the new fiscal year. This increase is 33% higher than last year’s budget, the most significant boost in ACS funding ever. This money is a big win but comes with high expectations and duties.
The city is dedicated to improving San Antonio for animals, as shown by increased spending. The ACS leader, Shannon Sims, values the efficient use of resources to achieve goals.
ACS plans to improve spay and neuter surgery in FY 2024. Despite challenges in closing centers, the department aims to resume spay/neuter services for the community. $1.43 million has been allocated to open two East and West Sides animal fixing shops.
Another goal is to speed up response to the 3,500 bite-related calls received each year. More officers will be sent to investigate promptly, showing the city’s concern for safety.
The ACS budget ensures safety rules for owners of “dangerous” dogs. Owners of these animals must follow rules like using special cages, getting insurance, and using muzzles during walks. The budget will boost enforcement, increasing compliance from 55% to 80%.
ACS will work with aid groups to create more space on its site. ACS will raise awards from $84 to $200 per animal to promote animal care. This project aids animals in finding permanent homes by improving their access to rescue groups.
The budget includes funds for ten new campus jobs for adoptions, including medical staff. While these features help adoption, promoting and engaging individuals for adoption is essential.
Improving response times is crucial in the ACS budget. Approximately 50,000 urgent calls are made to ACS annually for issues like dangerous dogs, abuse, or animal cruelty. But there are only enough people in the department right now to take less than half of these calls. ACS plans to hire seven more officers in FY 2024 and 14 in FY 2025. The aim is to achieve a 100% response rate, showing the city’s dedication to animal safety and welfare.
Despite ACS Director Shannon Sims’ confidence, the budget increase pressures ACS. The new plan and a dog attack caused the rise in funds. Sims and City Manager Walsh deny the budget increase was a direct response, but it changed the department’s objectives.
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Due to February events, the plan emphasizes compliance. The incident underlined the need for quick action to protect people and animals. Certain aspects were changed due to unforeseen circumstances despite the existing project. It shows the city’s effort to prevent tragedies.
The San Antonio City Council allocated an additional $848,000 for the ACS budget increase. It was done earlier to help the plan. It involved expanding the Animal Care Officer Apprentice Program for training new officers in FY 2024.
Councilman McKee-Rodriguez pushed for increased police presence to enhance response times. The plan was to add seven police officers per year for three years. McKee-Rodriguez asked for 21 cops in the first year because of a 64% answer rate. Despite the plan’s training and vehicle issues, it emphasized improving response times.
Sims knows it’s challenging to add more police officers due to the increased animal count. With this quick jump, the department’s live release rate of 80% could drop to the 50s. Despite more police hiring, maintaining released inmates’ survival rate remains challenging. There should be a plan for an additional kennel and sufficient helpers to address these issues.
ACS needs additional funding to succeed, but the city needs help to address all animal issues. People must work together and care for their pets to enhance animal safety.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who do you call for stray dogs in San Antonio?
Stray Pooches
Stray animals will be brought to 5510 Duffek Dr., Kirby TX 78219 for temporary stay. If you think your pet has been picked up, dial 210-209-5687. Residents of unincorporated Bexar County should report stray dogs to Animal Control dispatch at 210-335-9000.
How do I report animal neglect in San Antonio?
311 operates every day, from 7am to 7pm, and even on holidays, from 8am to 5pm. To report animal cruelty outside the city, reach out to the County Sheriff’s office at (210) 335-6000.
How do I report a barking dog in San Antonio?
We’ve teamed up with the 311 Customer Service Department to handle all requests for animal-related assistance within the City limits. You can report animal-related issues in a few different ways: Call 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000, or go online to make a report.
What does local animal control do?
Animal control officers have diverse responsibilities, such as patrolling neighborhoods to find stray, injured, and abandoned animals, investigating cases of neglect and cruelty, and removing deceased animals. They also help mediate community issues related to animals, like dealing with feral cat populations and resolving complaints about animal noise.