Austin’s Animal Services Office, which runs the Austin Animal Center, will soon be audited, per a recent resolution approved by City Council. The Office of the City Auditor will report on the department’s effectiveness and bring in an expert on no-kill shelter policies to help advise the facility’s operations. Members of the public chimed in […]
No-Kill
A policy that reserves euthanasia only for terminally ill or dangerous animals. Austin has worked to be a No-Kill City since 2010.
Posted inAustin
Animal commission seeks to illuminate the city’s no-kill policy
The Animal Advisory Commission voted unanimously Monday to form a committee to monitor Austin’s no-kill policy, while maintaining the move was not a reflection on city leadership. But first, City Council’s Audit and Finance Committee will need to approve the commission’s request to change its bylaws to allow for the creation of a committee that […]
Posted inAustin
Austin’s reputation as an animal haven may be slowing pet rescues
Six years ago, City Council passed a resolution that animal shelters would no longer kill homeless pets for the sake of space or convenience. But now that Austin has a solid reputation as a no-kill city, Animal Services officials are worried that animal rescue groups and people wanting to adopt are going to other communities […]
Posted inAustin, City Hall
Chief Animal Services Officer Smith to resign
The head of the City of Austin’s Animal Services is leaving to take a position in Kennebunk, Maine. Abigail Smith, who oversaw the majority of the city’s transition to no-kill status, will depart before the end of the year. Smith, who is from New England, told the Monitor that her new job affords her the […]