Published on February 12, 2024
The plan outlines initiatives for safer neighborhoods amid increased patrols and pet resources
SAN ANTONIO (February 12, 2024) – Safer neighborhoods start with a partnership between the community and San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS). That’s why the City Department’s Strategic Plan includes a top priority to “support a safe community for people in their neighborhoods.” One of several focus areas detailed in the transformative document, the goal promotes public safety through two goals:
- Empower people to be safe from animals while walking and playing in their neighborhoods and
- Promote a comprehensive system to have a positive impact on community accountability
In support of those priorities, SAACS brought on board nearly twenty additional Animal Care Officers in the early months of fiscal year 2024. Another group of cadets is scheduled to attend the department’s comprehensive training academy at the end of February. Upon graduation, the new officers will join first responders and investigative teams that have issued more than 2,300 citations since the start of the current fiscal year. Sixty-two dogs were declared Dangerous or Aggressive during the same time frame and nearly 11,000 animals were brought to the shelter during the same period. Of those animals, 2,369 were lost pets that were returned to their owners through the efforts of SAACS.
SAACS also added resources for the Community Animal Support and Assistance team (CASA), which identifies and assists pet owners in need through an internal referral system. Since the team was formed in the summer of 2022, CASA has helped 3,700 at-risk pets stay with their families after they were at risk of being surrendered due to lack of resources or education. They also encouraged compliance by distributing nearly 6,000 tangible resources to local pet owners.
Recognizing the connection between unsterilized pets, roaming animals, and public safety, SAACS is also opening two additional affordable spay-neuter clinics in the community this year. Currently, SAACS supports five partner veterinary clinics across the city. Placement of new facilities will be guided by a San Antonio “veterinary desert” map detailing underserved areas; Budget funding to support more pet sterilization opportunities in the community has increased to more than 1.6 million dollars annually.
A comprehensive City-authorized plan that balances conservation and animal control is available for review at: SAACS.info/StrategicPlan.
