It was a sad day for me when I wrote to Cheyenne Animal Shelter (CAS) to let them know I was recommending that the city and county not renew their contract with their organization. This partnership changed in 2021 when CAS notified the city that it would be discontinuing its animal control services. Therefore, the city and county have worked together to undertake this vital service. Since then, we have contracted animal protection services.

I would like to take a few minutes to share my thought process and information that led me to this difficult decision. In 2021, Dr. Samantha Vernon served as chairman of her CAS and wrote an article outlining a fundamental shift from a model of “population control” to a model of “community service.” She was critical of our efforts to keep costs down for animal care and shelter services.

Dr. Vernon said models of community social services include providing veterinary services to low-income people, pet food, euthanasia, cremation services to same groups, boarding services to people in hospitals, community cat programs, We shared that training included things like emotional support animals, animal behavior services, and more. The question is, should public taxes be used to support these highly valuable services? He shared with CAS that these services, such as Fur Ball, Day of Giving, and other charitable causes, are people donating money, not proper spending of taxes.

To pay for these social service programs, CAS believes that cities and counties are responsible for paying 70% of the $2.5 million general budget budget. For cities and counties, that cost would be $1.75 million. During my last two years as mayor, the city and county have questioned our financial responsibility. Here comes the big problem. How do we agree on funding if we can’t even agree on what our responsibilities are?

During negotiations last year, current board chairman Richard Mincer said, “This is the price. If you don’t like it, go do it yourself.” Unfortunately we have reached that point. In 2020, the city paid CAS a $320,000 annual claim. In 2022, that number will reach $350,000. We understand the need for increased living costs. However, in 2022 the increase will reach $528,000, reaching 51% for him. In the letter we sent him on February 10, 2023, the city paid another $812,500, an increase of 53%. The letter also stated that a subsequent contract would require an additional 40% increase. Since the community service model was adopted, total city and county contract value has grown from $492,000 to $1.75 million in just a few years.

I think this will be a disappointment for many, as it was for all of us.

So what are our plans? We found the perfect building for the operation of a municipal shelter. We have developed a business plan to hire and train staff to care for the animals that the wardens have found. For homeless animals, we work with local rescue and humanitarian communities to help them find homes they love. Please give me time to do the same.

We hope Cheyenne Animal Shelter will partner with your city/county to help you find loving homes for your animals.