Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry today provided an update on progress and changes being made at Evansville Animal Care & Control, continuing a community conversation begun at her January 15 Town Hall on Animal Care.
“In January, we heard passionate concerns and thoughtful suggestions about the future of Evansville Animal Care & Control from residents across the city,” Mayor Terry said. “Shortly after, we welcomed an embedded representative from Best Friends Animal Society to observe and offer expert recommendations to help strengthen our operations; we felt it was important to let her get settled and to begin hearing her recommendations before making significant changes.
“Today, I’m proud to announce the first steps we are taking – steps driven by community input, a firm commitment to public safety, and an emphasis on responsible animal welfare.”
Among the most impactful developments is the creation of a foster-to-adopt program, which will allow adopted pets to go home the same day, rather than waiting up to a week for spay/neuter surgery. This approach, recommended by Best Friends, will open up much-needed kennel space and speeds up the adoption process – benefiting both pets and adopters.
City officials are currently finalizing the program’s guidelines, including the penalty structure for non-compliance.
Other Best Friends recommendations already being implemented include improvements to vaccine protocols and more effective cleaning and disinfection practices. In addition, behavior enrichment programs are being launched to enhance the well-being of both dogs and cats housed at the shelter.
At the same time, City Councilor Missy Mosby is working with the Evansville Animal Care & Control Board of Directors to update the EACC ordinance. Among the key focuses of the revision are a reduction in the hold time for animals at the facility, and studying the potential to alter the fine structure used by the facility.
Those changes are expected to go to the EACC Board at its June meeting.
Animal Care & Control is also working to launch a formal volunteer orientation and release process, which will increase opportunities for community involvement. A proposal to extend shelter hours by one hour, one day a week is being reviewed and considered as part of the team’s regular biannual schedule adjustments.
Dr. Becca, Best Friends’ designated veterinarian, also has received her license to practice in Indiana and will serve as the veterinarian of record for Covetrus, the city’s medical supply merchant. This change enables Evansville Animal Care & Control to directly order medications needed to treat common illnesses like kennel cough and upper respiratory infections – ultimately reducing costs and improving care.
“These aren’t just operational tweaks – they’re a response to the community,” said Mayor Stephanie Terry. “When our residents raised their voices about the conditions and practices at Animal Control, we listened. Change is underway, and I want to be clear: This is only the beginning. We are building a better system – one that reflects our community’s values and our commitment to animal welfare.”
Mayor Terry will hold a media availability today at 2:00 p.m. at the Evansville Animal Care & Control facility, 815 E. Uhlhorn St., to discuss and answer questions about progress at Evansville Animal Care & Control. Media planning to attend the availability, please contact Communications Director Joe Atkinson to RSVP.
Sure wish something can be done about the several dozen cats in my Jacobsville neighborhood that poop everywhere and scatter fleas !