County plans new animal shelter to tackle rising stray crisis

During a recent government meeting, Davis County officials discussed significant developments in the county's animal care program, led by Commissioner Loreen Kamalu and Animal Care Director Ashley Young. The meeting highlighted the county's proactive approach to managing animal services, particularly in light of the increasing number of stray animals.

Commissioner Kamalu emphasized the importance of animal care, noting that the county has taken on responsibilities traditionally held by individual cities to improve efficiency. This shift was made possible by a change in state law, allowing the county to collect fees for animal services directly, rather than relying on the cities. This restructuring aims to streamline operations and enhance service delivery across the county's 15 cities.

Director Young reported that in 2023, the county took in over 4,000 animals, with 70% classified as strays. The animal control team, consisting of nine full-time officers, responded to more than 9,000 calls from residents, addressing issues such as stray animals and concerns about neglect and cruelty.

A key focus of the meeting was the ongoing efforts to develop a new animal care and control facility. Young detailed a comprehensive feasibility study initiated in 2021, which assessed the need for a new shelter to replace the current facility, built in 1985. The study concluded that a new shelter is necessary to accommodate the growing number of animals and improve overall care.

The meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing animal welfare and ensuring that residents are informed about the services available to them. As the county moves forward with its plans, officials expressed optimism about the positive impact these changes will have on the community and its animals.