BY JOE EDWARDS & DANIEL WEEKS
The background
What’s next
employees said the animals were euthanized due to “aggressive behavior” or medical diagnoses. After the report was released, five animal services employees were terminated, and Shelter Manager Don Specks resigned. In March, the Sugar Land Animal Advisory Board adopted new policies on euthanasia and sterilization stating the shelter won’t consider euthanasia based on alleviating shelter capacity.
The Sugar Land Animal Shelter has reshuffled its staff after an investigation into the shelter’s operations last year revealed the unauthorized euthanizing of 38 dogs and cats. The investigation, which concluded in Septem- ber 2022, found that necessary steps before eutha- nasia were not taken, verbal instructions were ignored, and employees knowingly disobeyed direct orders. According to the city’s report,
Brown said shelter staff is preparing for a series of large-scale adoption events in October once the weather cools. Staff are still determining the details for some of the upcoming events.
Oct. 15: Adoption event 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land Oct. 19: Microchipping event Time TBD Pawm Springs Dog Park, 15300 University Blvd., Sugar Land Oct. 21-22: Adoption event 10 a.m.-5 p.m. George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston https://www.mega-houston.com/event-info October
By the numbers
1 out of 3 dogs taken in were adopted.
Sugar Land Animal Shelter officials said the shelter saw an influx of kittens starting in April. However, officials said cats are easier to hold than dogs, which take up more room.
1 out of 2 cats taken in were adopted.
of taken animals are still in the shelter.
28%
2023 animal intakes and outtakes, as of July 31
December
Adoption event Time TBD
Dog totals
Cat totals
Total animals
Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Hwy. 36 S., Rosenberg
Stray/at large Other intakes* Total intakes
218
315
533
51
41
92
269
356 156
625 250
Adopted
94 68
Returned to owner
5
73 36 24 69
Died in care Euthanized
3 3
33 21 47
For more information on adoptions, visit the city website.
Other outcomes** Total outcomes
22
190
262
452
*OTHER INTAKES INCLUDE TRANSFERS FROM OTHER ENTITIES AND ANIMALS RELINQUISHED BY OWNERS. **OTHER OUTCOMES INCLUDE TRANSFERS TO OTHER ENTITIES, ANIMALS LOST IN CARE AND OWNER-REQUESTED EUTHANASIAS. SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
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