St. George Animal Shelter

I have been by St. George Animal Shelter and have taken note of the Modest surroundings, building and grounds. I also visited those shelters in adjacent cities to compare facilities. I also have taken the opportunity to relate to the Chief of Police.....who is supervises St. George Animal Control.....The recent concerns expressed regarding Upgrading Facilities and a No Kill Policy/Program.

My thoughts prior to election has been to recognize our duty and responsibility to practice being compassionate in our caring for one another.   This includes all life....Our animal friends certainly included.  Especially since my wife and I happen to have the best cat in town.
 

For years I have been an advocate for inclusion and citizen participation and have supported creating Boards and Commissions to further this cause.  I fully support establishing a Board/Commission of Friends of our Animal Shelter. Upon being elected I would move to establish a City No Kill and Animal Rescue Ordinance. 

 

WHY?     Citizen involvement and support can be a vehicle for financial support that reduces the burden on the City and Tax Payers. Safety and Cleanliness is of primary consideration not only in regards to our Animals but we should not forget Volunteer Workers and City Employees. We can and should turn to the Private Sector whenever possible. The City Animal Shelter provides this opportunity. 

WHY?     To effectively offset medical expenses, food , litter and other pet supplies.  This can extend to sponsoring low cost Spay & Neuter efforts. The list goes on...Vaccination Service and of course working with Veterinary Clinics.

 

While this provides a new opportunity, we should recognize that the City of St. George has supported linking up with the Private Sector in the past and continues to do so today. Most notable in feral cat work that is now ongoing and that has produced wonderful results. Programs like these not only protect and care for our animals but subsequently SAVE the city money.

 

I have dedicated the last 10+ years monitoring city issues. I have repeatedly advocated  for clearly established PRIORITIES with Transparency and Citizen Participation.  During these past years the Animal Shelter has not received greater financial consideration.  Now as our economy continues to improve and our Sales Tax Revenues continue to increase it has become an opportune time to move the needs of the Animal Shelter up on the priority list and when elected I will move to do so.

 

How much of a priority jump this should entail?  It has to be meaningful and should include a NO KILL ordinance.

 

I believe citizen participation and well thought out activities will benefit the City of St. George and help to reduce the financial burden on Tax Payers.

 

Thank you, Ed