If the local pound were a pet, it would have to be put down.
A report to council listed numerous serious problems with the county-run dog pound, including cramped and unhygienic cages, lack of room for the animals to exercise, chemicals and faecal matter being drained onto the ground outside of the building, and inadequate fencing that animals can escape through.
“The building itself is falling apart,” states the report, presented at a strategic session for capital projects on Jan. 23. “[There are] gaps between the foundation and mice are an issue.”
The report also said the public has made complaints about the current state of the pound and the limited steps taken to improve the situation. Most of council was in agreement that improvements are necessary.
“Dogs at large are the county’s responsibility,” councillor MJ Siebold said. “We can’t bury our heads in the sand and pretend we don’t have a dog problem.”
Council was presented with two drafts for new animal shelter facilities. The first blueprint was for an $115,000, 1,440 square-foot building that would include eight four-by-six foot kennels with individual fenced outside enclosures and a shared dog run. The design also includes a shop area that could potentially house stray felines, as well as a small office space for county employees.
The second proposal would cost $245,000 for a 2,736 square-foot building that would also include extended office space for county peace officers. Currently, peace officers operate out of the McArthur Place building but are responsible for running the dog pound, which is located at the county centre.
“The existing building is an old shed,” said Manager of Facilities and Equipment Services Les Cote. “The sewer system is just a pipe that goes onto the ground; the kennels are three feet high and difficult to clean. Basically, it’s not worth renovating.”
However, while councillors said that it’s critical for a hygienic and modern space to house local strays, they weren’t comfortable with spending money on the project – especially the costlier option to include offices for the peace officers.
“We’ve got bigger fish to fry than spending $250,000 on a dog kennel,” councillor Alvin Kumpula said.
Councillor Guy Piquette asked why the county is responsible for operating the dog pound, and wondered if the municipality would be better off having an animal shelter run by a non-profit organization like in St. Paul, Athabasca, and Barrhead.
“I do like the idea of the county providing a building then getting a humane society to run it,” Siebold said.
“I don’t see the value of our peace officers cleaning kennels. A not-for-profit coming in to provide the service is a fantastic idea.”
Athabasca’s Second Chance Animal Rescue Society, the St. Paul Animal Shelter, and the Barrhead Animal Rescue Society all work with both cats and dogs. Because there is no cat bylaw in Lac La Biche County there is no official shelter for them, although the Lakeland Animal Clinic does accept strays and unwanted felines.
Council asked administration to gather usage statistics on the current dog pound and to look into the possibility of partnering with the private sector for an animal shelter.
