Animal Shelter Decision Upset
By: Julie Musgrave
Updated: August 6, 2009
The debate over the new location for the animal shelter continues. City officials announced last Friday the final decision, but that decision apparently was made without consulting all parties involved.
City officials announced Friday land off the east Loop and Slaton Highway will be the new home, it's 15-acres purchased for nearly $250,000. But folks with the Humane Society are now upset, saying the city isn't considering what's best for the shelter nor the animals there. They say the animal advisory board that's supposed to work with groups like the Humane Society didn't consult anyone else before the council voted. City officials tell us they really are trying to do what's best for the city, and just want to move on from any location debates.
Humane Society members say funding and growth should be main concerns, but never made it into consideration before the vote.
Mary Hatfield, President, Humane Society: "We are a city that would like to see services instead of just watching our infastructure rot to the core and fall to pieces."
Mayor Tom Martin, City of Lubbock: "It's probably not anyone's first choice, but it was a unanimous vote of the council, I think the City Council is ready to get on with building the shelter.
Mayor Martin says the council's decision stands, and construction should begin in the fall.
