The Amarillo-Panhandle Humane Society announced on Tuesday a plan for solutions at the Amarillo Animal Shelter.
On Tuesday, officials for the Amarillo Humane Society announced a plan for better policies at the shelter. In the plan, announced in a formal paper, the Humane Society plans to work to reduce intake at the shelter, while also working to increase the number of animals who leave the shelter alive.
As part of the plan, the Humane Society says that it will continue to work to network with rescues in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, as well as the national ASPCA rescue network, to provide live release for more animals. Breeder's permits will also be required under the plan for sales of puppies. The Humane Society also plans to establish a low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Amarillo. The rate charged by the clinic is set not to exceed to 70 percent of the average rate charged by five randomly selected local veterinary clinics. The rate will be adjusted annually in July.
In addition to a private partnership for the program, the Humane Society is asking the City of Amarillo to initiate a program where residents in Amarillo can voluntarily add 90 cents to their water bills to help fund the program changes. Fees collected will be paid to the Humane Society every month.
Oversight of all collected funds will fall to the Amarillo Animal Advisory Board. At least one member of the Advisory Board will also have a seat on the APHS Board of Directors, according to information released by the Humane Society.
The Humane Society also plans to attempt to implement a $1 check-off donation program for the State of Texas.
Larry Milam, executive director of the Humane Society, introduced the plan to the Amarillo City Council during the public comment portion of last night's meeting. The plan to adopt the 90 cent addition to water bills will be formally introduced to the City Council at a date in the future, pending an approval vote.
Officials from the Humane Society are calling the plan the 90-four-90 Plan.
For more information, visit www.amarillohumane.org/90-four-90-abstract-102417/.
