DAS proposes a new era of animal welfare with modern shelter

Dallas, Texas - In 2018, the city of Dallas launched the BeDallas90 initiative, a campaign aimed at redefining animal welfare by securing homes for at least 90% of the city's stray animals. The goal was to reduce euthanasia and elevate the city as a model for humane animal treatment, emphasizing efficient shelter management and community participation.

However, the current animal shelter, built in 2006, is proving inadequate to achieve this vision.

To address this disparity, Dallas Animal Services (DAS) has proposed the inclusion of a modern animal shelter in the city’s 2024 bond package. Estimated at over $114 million, this facility would be significantly larger than the existing one at 1818 N. Westmoreland Road. The proposal encompasses site development, the construction of a new structure, a dedicated livestock building, animal care enclosures, and associated contractor fees. If approved, construction is expected to begin in December 2025.

“This is a shelter that would bring us into 2050 and beyond,” stated MeLissa Webber, DAS director, at a recent meeting with the city’s Animal Advisory Commission.

The present shelter, initially designed mainly for animal control and housing, is now outdated. The facility shows signs of wear, struggles with disease control due to insufficient separation for healthy and sick animals, and lacks space for effectively showcasing animals available for adoption.

DAS has planned the new shelter as an extensive and modern facility located at W. Davis Street and N. Cockrell Hill Road in southwestern Dallas. Positioned on city-owned property, the proposed center is intended to address current issues, such as disease spread among shelter animals, while also serving as a comprehensive hub for community services.

Expansion of the existing facility is not feasible, as MeLissa Webber pointed out. Though supplementary locations might provide some relief, DAS's focus remains on a spacious new establishment, offering improved animal care and the ability to expand operations without drastically increasing staff.

The current shelter is consistently exceeding its capacity. For instance, as of August 31, the shelter housed 417 dogs, notably surpassing its capacity of 300. This overcapacity frequently forces hard decisions, with euthanasia being an unfortunate outcome. On that particular day, ten animals were euthanized, while others were either adopted, rescued, reunited, or passed away due to sickness.

This year, the shelter's live release rate has hovered around 76%, not meeting the BeDallas90 initiative's aims. The introduction of the new shelter could be a critical step in achieving these goals. To realize this aspiration, DAS is seeking public support, urging residents to voice their backing for the new facility to their city council members, especially given the upcoming bond package.

Credit: Dallas Metro News