From staff reports

The Daily News

Published May 24, 2009

SANTA FE — The Galveston County Health District will discuss its plan to improve animal services at the annual Animal Summit and Expo on Saturday.

The summit is sponsored by the health district and members of the Galveston County Animal Services Advisory Committee.

“We are proud of the progress made with animal services in the past few years, but we recognize we have more to do,” Dr. Mark Guidry, the health district’s chief executive officer, said.

“Of course, we thank voters for approving bonds for the construction of a new animal shelter, which is greatly needed to help address many of the issues we face.”

In addition to hearing comments from the community, organizers are hoping to provide information on preparing pets for the hurricane season. Many people had challenges dealing with their pets during and after Hurricane Ike.

Officials also will outline the health district’s plans to improve services within available resources. The public will be invited to comment.

The health district works under a seven-year strategic health plan, adopted in 2004. It is designed to make measurable improvements in the health of Galveston County. The 2008 progress report to the United Board of Health showed that the shelter took in almost 7,000 animals during the year.


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At A Glance

WHAT: Animal Summit and Expo

WHO: The Galveston County Health District

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Runge Park, 4605 Peck Ave., Santa Fe

ON THE WEB: www.gchd.org/admin/strat08progress.htm