Rabies-control manager outlines new shelter plan, warns costs and capacity pressures; city contract in question

Amanda East, manager of the rabies-control unit, told the Iberia Parish Finance Committee on Oct. 13 that architectural drawings for a new animal shelter are about 99% complete and that the parish hopes to advertise bids in December and break ground next year. East said the new facility will include indoor/outdoor runs and a quarantine area and that the parish expects to add roughly 30–33 kennels beyond existing capacity.

East estimated that housing, vaccinating and medicating an animal for 30 days can cost "up to $1,200," and later said many animals spend an average of about 63 days at the shelter, which raises per-animal expenses. Finance staff told the committee the 2026 budget includes $70,000 (ARPA/state grant funds) for furniture and kennels and that $400,000 will be transferred from the health unit to help support the rabies unit for this period.

Council members pressed on the city’s cooperation in taking back responsibility for animals inside New Iberia and reported that the parish sent a letter to the city in 2022 and again in 2025 seeking to shift responsibilities; the contract with the city currently runs until March 1 and the administration said it has had no recent substantive discussions with city officials. Parish officials said they will continue assistance to the city while changing contract terms and exploring options to ensure coverage for unincorporated areas.

The presentation prompted a sharp exchange about shelter policy and budget priorities. Councilor Brock Pelerin said the parish cannot sustain indefinite no-kill sheltering and argued that at some point euthanasia may be necessary if capacity and budgets do not match intake; other members and staff emphasized outreach, spay/neuter programs and that the new building is intended to improve operations and reduce long-term costs. No formal action or vote was taken; staff will circulate plans and procurement documents to council members.