by Gabe Stark
Contributor

Questions about staffing, oversight and the handling of stray dogs highlighted discussion of a proposed animal control agreement during the Trenton City Council’s Monday, Oct. 12 meeting.

Resident Bailey Martin addressed the council about the city’s ongoing negotiations with Affordable Vet Care. City officials said no contract had been signed and an agreement would come before the council for approval.

Martin asked about operating hours, weekend availability, animal pickup, staffing, quarantine procedures and what would happen to dogs after the city’s paid boarding period ended. She also asked whether other veterinary clinics had been given an opportunity to pursue the contract.

Mayor Jackie Soptic said they began exploring alternatives after encountering difficulty finding placement for dogs during the summer. The animal shelter was approached about providing the service, but was not interested in taking the proposed contract, officials said.

Affordable Vet Care subsequently expressed interest, and the city has been working through terms of an agreement.

Under the arrangement being discussed, clinic staff would patrol, respond to calls, pick up animals and provide boarding. The city would pay for five days of boarding, matching the period officials said was covered under the previous shelter arrangement.

City Administrator Matt Harline said the city administration and police department would remain involved through oversight and reports. A separate animal control telephone number also is planned.

Martin questioned what would happen after the five-day period, including whether animals would be offered for adoption, transferred to rescues or euthanized. Officials said the veterinarian works with rescues and seeks adoptive homes, but decisions beyond the city-funded boarding period would depend on capacity and available space.

Martin also described difficulty finding temporary placement for a stray dog she found near Hy-Vee. She said Affordable Vet Care scanned the dog for a microchip, but she was unable to arrange boarding while the veterinarian was away. The animal shelter also was unable to accept the dog when she visited, she said.

Officials said they would discuss coverage during the veterinarian’s absence as negotiations continue.

The council was told a draft contract had been shared with the clinic, comments had been received and revisions were underway. Officials said the questions raised during public comment would be addressed before an agreement was signed.