Just wondering why the SV Partnership did not address this problem since the township also has the identical problem. A common problem with the same solution. This was an eazy one to save some taxpayer dollars. I guess i don't understand the objectives of the SV Partnership but this seemed to be a "no brainer"

Ok, so, what happens when there are more than 2 stray dogs found and not claimed? Where will the overflow go and are they hiring staff to take care of these dogs?

I think this is a good start to a difficult problem. There are going to be a lot of "what-if scenerios" in that need addressing at first, but the problems aren't so onerous that they can't be handled as they come along.
There are many animal lovers who have already stepped forward to help - please add my name to the list. And the idea of partnering with LST is an excellent suggestion. I believe WE can do this!

I think this is a good start to a difficult problem. There are going to be a lot of "what-if scenerios" in that need addressing at first, but the problems aren't so onerous that they can't be handled as they come along.
There are many animal lovers who have already stepped forward to help - please add my name to the list. And the idea of partnering with LST is an excellent suggestion. I believe WE can do this!

I think this is a cop out. The center for animal health and welfare has been there and does what it can to help stay and unwanted animals. Are the animals that are found going to receive medical attention if needed and who is going to pay the bill for this? I think the people making this decision should go work in the shelter for a week to see what it is really like before the make such a selfish decision that will only hurt the animals in the end.

I think it is a bad idea to wait until problems occur to find solutions. I am not sure that Shupp and counsil understand what is needed to care for stray dogs for a period of time.
It's hard for people who have never worked in a shelter environment to understand the time, energy and cost that these animals take. I would assume they would have to follow the same rules that the rest of us do from the PA dog warden.
There are going to be more that two stray dogs in the borough at one time or another, that's a given, and my fear is that they will resort to euthanizing if there become too many unclaimed dogs that they can't find homes for.
Most stray dogs are not claimed, these dogs are strays because people don't want them anymore. Dog adoption is not as easy as you think.
We just had the most incredible foster dog here at my dog daycare for three months before we were able to find him a home.
Will they screen applicants before giving them a dog like The Center and other rescue organizations do?
Stray dogs are well taken care of at The Center, by staff who have been doing this for years and they won't euthanize a good dog just for space.
I get that the new contract proposed by The Center was a bit steep, but they are only upping the fees because it takes a lot money to properly care for these animals.
I know that The Center is willing to negotiate on their proposal, and I think that it would be in the counsil's best interest to hear them out.

I agree with Jessica. I volunteer at the shelter because I believe in the work they do and love animals. The cost of caring for animals is going up. Responsible dog and cat owners do not allow their pets to become strays. Dogs become homeless because people can no longer afford to care for them, have to move, or landlords do not allow them in their apartments. No dog should have to die just because it is homeless.

"we're going to store them there for as long as we have to" Store them????? We're not talking about canned fruit here folks. Who's going to take care of their medical needs? Who's going to socialize with them, exercise them, provide them with stimuli? As for publicizing in the media, do they think the Center and other rescues don't do that now? This is some novel idea? Click on the related topics for the Center and you'll see dogs posted there. I looked back as far as the beginning of the month and those dogs publicized as available for adoption are still at the Center. He's been approached by residents who "may be" interested in adopting from them? May be is never a guarantee and I've had many occasions as a volunteer where someone seemed SO interested in adopting and then never to be seen again. Sheltering is not easy and this attitude of "we'll solve the problems as they arise" is short-sighted and unrealistic. Especially when you are talking about living breathing feeling lives. I'd love those making the decisions to spend just one week volunteering at the Center. There would be a very different outlook if they actually did their homework.

i love how optimistic this guy is. the facility is really nice. it has igloo huts and people lined up around the block to adopt dogs. dogs don't need anything other then a good hut, some food and water. not like you need an exercise plan or an understanding of dog behavior to find a good home. hope he likes dog warden inspections when he has 50 dogs sharing 2 heated igloo huts. this will end up costing taxpayers more then renewing the center's contracts. i wasn't expecting for my face to meet my palm today.

Does anyone know if this issue is still up for discussion? Is it still on the agenda for any of the board meetings because I would LOVE to go and voice my concerns.

FYI - I did volunteer at the shelter for about 2 yrs. with the 3 rooms of cats when I was in a wheelchair. A lot of the cats knew me will because they had been there for many YEARS without adoption!

I may be nieve about the purpose of this dog shelter, but I thought it was just to hold dogs that had gotten loose for a matter of days until the relieved owner could retrieve their dog. The thought was that it was a short-term kennel, and nothing like the "Center's" long-term programs which are unfortunatetly needed.

A BIG FYI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS EASY TO GET ON THE COUNCIL AGENDA.
All that needs to be done is have a Hellertown resident go to Bourogh Hall. Ask to be put on the agenda and fill out a brief form. Do it ASAP and then make sure you let concerned citizens know about it and PACK the Council Chambers (Maybe use PATCH?).

That last comment was left by Daniel Schwickrath. Did NOT realize that Jessica was logged on ;)