Re: Resident Opposition to Proposed Temporary Animal Holding Facility

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Dear Mayor, Council Members, City Officials & Animal Advisory Board,

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I am writing as a concerned Frisco resident regarding the City’s current consideration of a temporary animal holding facility to house lost animals for the brief stray-hold period before transferring them to the county shelter.  While we recognize the City’s intent to address a growing need, this proposal falls far short of what our community and animals want and deserve.

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Frisco is a city known for innovation, progress, and high standards. A minimal holding facility does not reflect these values. What residents overwhelmingly have been asking for—and what Frisco truly needs—is a full-service animal shelter and animal services department offering:

• A Community Hub, meaning a full-service animal service center, that cares for lost, abandoned, and adoptable animals. 

• A Community Hub that offers pet adoption services, low-cost spay/neuter programs and vaccination and microchipping clinics

• A Community Hub that collaborates with respected partners offering low-cost services such as The Spay/Neuter Network and Texans for Them

• A Community Hub for pet lovers to volunteer which offsets the operation costs and staff duties.

• A Community Hub for pets supporting local rescues and outreach programs to encourage adoption, fostering, and responsible care.

 

The truth is the process surrounding this decision has lacked the transparency and public involvement that Frisco citizens expect. Unlike other city initiatives, there have been no open forums or public meetings to discuss the proposed facility. The city has not consulted with local animal welfare groups or included the community in the conversation. It leaves us with many questions.  

1. Where is the data to support a facility like this would work?  

2. Show us another concept like this that has worked?

3. Has the Private Partner been fully vetted regarding business operations and financial backing?

4. Will the private partner have medical, zoonotic expertise to run a facility?  

5. Will the facility have a volunteer program that allows for community engagement?  Currently a private partner running a for profit business can not have volunteers without violating federal employment laws.

6. What data do you have this facility will be more efficient and effective than a traditional Animal Service Center?

 

As residents and taxpayers, we respectfully say NO to the proposed solution or any solution short of a comprehensive, full-service animal shelter. Our city has the resources, the leadership, and the community support to do better—and we are ready to work with you to make it happen.

 

Please reconsider the current direction and vote for a full service animal facility which is what residents have advocated for over the last 10 years. We look forward to your response.

 

Sincerely,
Your Name
Concerned Resident of Frisco, TX