When its animal shelter partnership with the the city of Ferris ended earlier this year, Hutchins city officials were left looking for an alternative location.
While searching for a potential partnership, Hutchins Police Chief Steve Perry reached out to the city of Glenn Heights.
鈥淕lenn Heights said unfortunately we don鈥檛 have the space here,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut we are looking for a more permanent solution and would love to partner you all on an animal shelter.鈥�
Perry and Glenn Heights city manager Cliff Blackwell briefed the Hutchins City Council this week about the two cities potentially creating a shared animal shelter as a long-term solution.
Potential locations for the shared shelter include 550 W. Bear Creek, Hutchins City Hall, or the construction of a new shelter in a location to be determined. Both cities would have to approve the plan before it moves forward.
For now, the Tri-City Animal Shelter in Desoto is taking in Hutchins鈥� animals while the city, just southeast of Dallas, renovates its temporary shelter 鈥� the former police station located at 205 Hickman. The city council approved the renovations this summer. Perry said they hope to have the temporary animal shelter operational by January 2025.
The discussion for a new permanent shelter comes as Hutchins 鈥� like cities around North Texas 鈥� experiences an increase in stray animals.
At Monday鈥檚 city council meeting, Perry also proposed adding signage in some areas of town to deter suspected illegal animal dumping. Although it hasn鈥檛 been confirmed, it鈥檚 still an area of concern, he said.
鈥淲e occasionally pick up stray dogs around the city, and we can never find an owner for these particular animals,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 know if they鈥檙e coming from Dallas, we don鈥檛 know if they鈥檙e coming from Wilmer.鈥�
Perry said Post Oak, Dowdy Ferry and North Denton are the main locations where stray animals have been spotted.
The proposed signs read 鈥淎bandoning an animal is a violation of Texas law.鈥� It carries a penalty of up to $4,000 and/or a year in jail. The sign also directs people to rehoming resources.
Perry said animal services has placed cameras where he suspected animal dumping is taking place. Perry said he hopes the new signs will help deter animals being abandoned.
Priscilla Rice is 四虎影院鈥檚 communities reporter. Got a tip? Email her at price@kera.org.
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