City Manager Defends Animal Shelter Policy: 'Euthanasia Will Be a Measure of Last Resort'

SAN ANGELO, TX – Emotions ran high at Tuesday’s San Angelo City Council meeting as residents criticized recent changes to the city’s animal shelter policies, including concerns over euthanasia decisions and a lack of transparency.

Eight speakers, including animal rescue volunteers and concerned citizens, voiced frustration over the policy, which allows full intake at the shelter but could result in increased euthanasia due to overcrowding. Several speakers accused city officials of failing to consult Concho Valley PAWS, a nonprofit that facilitates adoptions and medical care for shelter animals.

“The decision that was made and signed off on last week is a permanent solution to a temporary problem—space,” said Ashley Swider, a District 2 resident. “There was absolutely no warning that those dogs were going to be put down when they were. Those four souls never stood a chance.”

Mary Wilson, another speaker, called the shelter “an embarrassment to San Angelo” and said the city has long neglected animal welfare. 

“You can see by the number of people here today—this community cares about shelter animals and pets. It’s time the City of San Angelo does, too," she said. 

City Manager Daniel Valenzuela defended the policy, stating that an increase in stray dog complaints prompted the change.

“When dogs roam freely in our neighborhoods, they pose a significant threat to residents,” Valenzuela said. “Packs of stray dogs can become aggressive, leading to attacks or spreading disease, such as rabies. Additionally, traffic accidents involving stray animals are an increasing concern.”

He said that euthanasia “will be a measure of last resort” and that the city will continue working with rescue groups to rehome as many animals as possible. He also announced that a task force will present recommendations to the council within the next three weeks.

Jenny Wilson, representing Concho Valley PAWS, criticized the city’s lack of transparency, stating that her organization was excluded from discussions despite investing significant resources into the shelter’s operations.

“We deserved a seat at the table, and we were denied that,” Wilson said. “It was unprofessional and unethical.” She added that PAWS has contributed nearly $1 million in medical care and support for shelter animals beyond its formal city contract.

Cindy Flores echoed concerns that the city is failing to enforce existing spay and neuter laws.

“You cannot kill your way out of this," she said. "You cannot adopt your way out of this. The root of the problem is spay and neuter, and that has not been enforced like it should.”

The task force’s recommendations in the coming weeks could determine the next steps in addressing San Angelo’s ongoing animal control challenges.