Animal Advocates Attend Budget Hearing, Call For More Funding For Fresno Animal Center

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A debate over funding priorities is brewing at Fresno City Hall, as the Fresno Animal Center’s proposed $9.6 million budget goes before the City Council on Tuesday.

Critics argue too little is being directed toward prevention efforts.

Of the total, about $7.7 million is allocated for salaries and benefits, while roughly $220,000—just over two percent—is set aside for spay and neuter services.

Advocates say increasing prevention funding could help reduce overcrowding, euthanasia, and stray animal populations, while volunteers report they are already stretched thin managing the growing crisis.

The Community Paws Alliance is a group of rescues coming together for the common cause of securing spay-and-neuter funding from the city and county of Fresno, amd they attended Tuesday’s hearing for the public to comment.

Also at City Hall on Tuesday was Fresno resident Mell Garcia, who runs the non-profit rescue Mell’s Mutts. She says too much money is being allocated to pay city salaries and not enough for the animals.

Garcia has rescued many animals from the streets that have been turned away from the City of Fresno shelter, for lack of space. She says spaying and neutering is one solution to the overpopulation problem.  She posted on Facebook:

Supporters are now urging residents to weigh in before a final decision is made.

The most cost-effective way to reduce shelter overcrowding is to prevent unwanted litters before they enter the Fresno Animal Center. We respectfully request funding be allocated to non-profits helping spay and neuter instead of salary increases. -Community Paws Alliance