LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Unprecedented change is coming to The Animal Foundation in the wake of a years-long Channel 13 investigation exposing systemic issues affecting animals, pet owners and employees.
Wednesday morning, the Las Vegas City Council approved reforms to its contract with The Animal Foundation that include purchasing the shelter's facility and, for the first time in 28 years, allowing other organizations to bid for the city's animal shelter services contract.
The Animal Foundation will also be required to take in strays immediately, without requiring an appointment, and to establish a call center with live attendants from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Three oversight committees will also be established to better monitor the shelter's operations.
"Today's vote will be the first step toward finding a long-term solution that serves the needs of animals and our residents," Councilwoman Victoria Seaman said ahead of a unanimous vote in favor of the updated agreement.
In a statement to Channel 13, Animal Foundation CEO Hilarie Grey said the new agreement "will have a lasting impact on the well-being of animals in our community."
"We are very excited about this partnership and our dedicated commitment to animal welfare in the Las Vegas Valley," Grey stated. "The updated contract will allow us to be more collaborative and work with our municipal partners to address any issues quickly. This will have a lasting impact on the well-being of animals in our community."
Animal welfare advocate Bryce Henderson, president of No Kill Las Vegas, called the changes "the most significant progress we have ever seen" in 11 years spent advocating for change at the shelter.
"For the first time, we finally feel that the City understands the problem and is taking serious action to remedy it," Henderson stated.
At the meeting, Seaman lauded the 13 Investigates team for the work it has done to help expose some of the issues at the shelter.
"I want to thank Darcy Spears of Channel 13 and all the animal advocates who brought the issues at the Animal Foundation to my attention," Seaman said. "This contract modification not only gives us greater oversight and accountability, but allows us to control our destiny when the contract expires."
