Council committee advances no-kill group 

City Council’s Audit and Finance Committee approved the creation of a new no-kill committee for the Animal Advisory Commission on Wednesday. It’s been a long-held goal of the Animal Advisory Commission to form a group around this issue. Though the city’s live outcome rate is currently around 97 percent, the pandemic and changes in how the shelter operates have raised concerns about losing Austin’s no-kill status. “The city of Austin has a long-held preference for no-kill, and in fact, we are a leader in the nation for our no-kill policies,” said Council Member Leslie Pool, who explained that the group is intended to bring a “more concerted focus” to no-kill and raise awareness and education in the community. Animal Services Officer Don Bland reiterated his commitment to maintaining no-kill going forward. “We are already exceeding what the standards are for most people. At 97, 98 percent, it’s going to be very difficult to advance that to 100 percent,” he said. “We strive to do the best we can with our resources and save everything that we possibly can.” City Council is expected to vote on the creation of the group at its Sept. 30 meeting.