The Galveston Daily News
By Nathan Smith
Correspondent
Published 03/22/04

La Marque— As part of efforts to improve animal services, officials with the Galveston County Health District have invited the public to discuss plans for short-term and long-term solutions to the county’s massive stray animal population and other animal issues at an “Animal Summit” in La Marque next week.

According to a release from the health district, the purpose of the summit will be to outline the health district’s plans to maximize its existing programs within available resources and to hear feedback from the public. City and county elected officials as well as members of the Galveston County United Board of Health and the Galveston County Animal Shelter Advisory Committee are expected to attend the meeting, but the district is seeking ideas and perspectives from local animal groups and community members, too.

Many animal advocates in the county consider the summit a positive move toward a better, more open relationship between county animal services, local nonprofit shelters and pet population control programs.

“This is a big step, asking the county to come and give them input,” said Denise Warren, a member of the board of directors of the Animal Alliance of Galveston County, a group dedicated to the creation of a low-cost spay and neuter clinic in the county. “We’re very interested in what the county has to say, we’re thrilled that they’re talking to the public and thrilled that they’re looking to make changes. I hope that some good, positive things come out of it.”

In the past, animal advocates have been very critical of the county’s animal services, particularly the lack of space in county shelters that necessitates putting hundreds of animals to death each year to prevent overcrowding and the spread of disease. Warren said she hopes the meeting will develop a cooperative tone rather than an adversarial one.

“You can’t blame animal control, because they’re doing the best they can with what they have,” she said. “They have a terrible job, but it’s one they have to do because people did not spay and neuter their animals. There are a lot of problems with the shelter, and (the county) knows very well what those problems are.”

No matter what the summit accomplishes, both sides appear hopeful that it will lead, at least, to progress.

“It’s good news for the animals,” said Warren. “The more awareness that you can make for them, the better.”

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