Kansas City Shelter Takeover Could Make Animal Control Even Worse

Here's the basics of what voters don't understand about the KC Animal Shelter takeover that's underway.

Yes, we've got our complaints with KC Pet Project but the alternative isn't that great either. 

Behind the scenes . . .

INSIDERS WARN THAT THE LOW-KEY TAKEOVER OF KC'S ANIMAL SHELTER COULD SPIKE COSTS &  RUIN THE PRICEY FACILITY!!!

The bottom line . . . 

We'd like to think this power move is about a public response to a tragic mauling of a poor soul.

Sadly . . .

The not-so-kind cowtown reality is that East side leaders want the shelter under their control in order to pad the facility with union dog catchers and executive jobs for their friends. 

The money for KC's animal shelter is now a prize for 3rd & 5th District leaders and handing over the facility is more about patronage than keeping people safe. 

None of this is too controversial or surprising . . . HOWEVER, what voters should understand is that there is a lot of chest-thumping about public safety and that's that LAST thing anyone REALLY cares about . . . As always, this is all just another fight over ACCESS TO TAXPAYER MONEY and, given this priority, locals shouldn't expect any of these pricey moves to result in a better standard of animal control on local streets.

And so . . . We share that tidbit and this update about today's city hall conversation . . . 

"The city’s contract with Pet Project will expire on April 30th. It was extended by one year in 2024. Last week, Forest Decker, Kansas City’s director of Neighborhood Services, told FOX4 the city issued an request for proposal for a new vendor.

"Comments from members of the public in attendance on Thursday held that KC Pet Project officers don’t enforce ordinances regarding dangerous animals, and the number of citations issued has dropped in the past two years."

Something else to consider . . . 

"The cost of transition efforts is estimated to be $500,000, which covers hiring staff and buying equipment. Combined cost of all contractor and city-provided services would be $3.4 million during the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Leaders discuss Kansas City taking over animal control services

A final decision on the Kansas City's proposed takeover of animal control services is expected later this week.