THUNDER BAY – Two local animal rescue groups say they could save the city money by taking over operations of its Animal Services department.
Leaders of the New Hope Dog Rescue and Kitty Kare Feline Rescue presented the proposal to Thunder Bay’s city council Monday evening, with councillors directing city administration to report back on its feasibility in 2021.
Keith Taylor of the New Hope rescue pointed to an analysis of Animal Services in the city’s program and service review, completed by consultants Grant Thornton.
With a net loss of close to $800,000 per year, the department was considered one of the city’s “large facilities that make a significant loss, generate low revenue, and have a high total cost,” along with the botanical conservatory and Chippewa Park.
Taylor claimed the animal rescue groups, which operate as charitable non-profit organizations, were well-positioned to do that work more cheaply, with an army of passionate volunteers and years of experience in the field.
He pointed to a study by the Reason Foundation, a U.S.-based libertarian think tank, which found cities could save 20 to 40 per cent of their expenditures by privatizing animal services. Taylor believed that lower figure was well within reach.
“We haven’t gotten down into the weeds yet, but we feel [$160,000 in savings] is very doable,” he said.
Taylor rested his case largely on the organizations’ ability to marshall volunteers, which he said would reduce the department’s largest expense – staffing.
“The benefit we can offer is we’re very volunteer heavy,” he said. “I think that’s where a lot of the savings will come from, is putting that workforce to work for free… There are a lot of people who are just anxious to get involved.”
The groups' charitable status also allowed them access to funding opportunities unavailable to the city, he added.
The groups had already spent over a decade improving animal services in the city, he said, helping push the city to stop widespread euthanasia of animals under its care.
“Fifteen years ago, Animal Services was not rescue-friendly nor [did it have] any foster programs, no off-site adoptions, no desire to quit killing,” he said. “With the help of New Hope Dog Rescue and Kitty Kare, together we have saved thousands of animals.”
Shifting to a responsible pet ownership model
A separate group also sought changes to how the city runs its Animal Services department Monday, asking the city to place more emphasis on animal welfare and pursue a “responsible pet ownership model.”
Nikki Burns, past president of Paws for Love Dog Rescue Inc. and founding President of the Northern Spay Neuter Program, said she was inspired to look into the city’s animal control bylaws after a recent animal hoarding situation.
Those bylaws are out of date, she suggested, with most not modified since at least 2003.
Burns asked the city to consider shifting its approach to focus more on promoting responsible pet ownership through greater pet owner education, a pet licensing program, easier access to spay/neuter services, stricter enforcement, and more collaboration between the city and animal welfare groups.
Council to consider changes by summer
A motion from Coun. Rebecca Johnson referred information from both presentations to city administration for review, with city staff to report back to council on the feasibility of implementing their suggestions by the end of June, 2021.
