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Building a six-stall facility in partnership with RDOS would cost about $32,000 for local taxpayers
The Town of Oliver is looking at a partnership with the regional district to construct a six-stall dog pound at the Public Works yard.
Last week Corporate Officer Cathy Cowan reported to Town council of the need to provide a facility for impounded dogs.
The current operator (Gerri Eagleson from Second Chance Animal Rescue) is not renewing the contract. She moved from her rural property on McKinney Road to a home on Island Road.
“The dog pound contract definitely wasn’t a financially rewarding situation as we rarely had a dog in the pound. I would say maybe 12 in a year.”
Eagleson noted that stray dogs are not a big problem in Oliver.
Cowan said the Town sent out a request for proposals, but no submissions were received by the May 2 closing date.
The Town asked the municipality of Osoyoos if it could utilize its dog pound, but Osoyoos declined due to capacity issues.
Cowan said their contract with Second Chance Animal Rescue ends on September 30, and there will be a three-month period that the Town would not have use of any facility for impounded dogs.
The Town is now exploring the option of building a facility in the corner of its Public Works yard on Sawmill Road. Cowan noted that a six-stall pound would cost approximately $32,000. But she pointed out these costs have not been budgeted for this year, therefore, general reserve funds would have to be used.
Mayor Ron Hovanes said he couldn’t believe the high cost of a six-stall facility. “It seems like a lot of money for a kennel.”
It was noted that the regional district has approached the Town to explore a partnership in this venture.
“There is a possibility for cost sharing for the capital and operational costs, however, they (regional district) would like to have access to three stalls at all times,” Cowan said.
During the discussion, it was suggested that the Town approach its bylaw enforcement contractor to manage the facility.
Councillor Dave Mattes made a motion to ask Town staff to come back with a report on building a pound with a cinder block exterior.
Councillor Andre Miller cautioned council to stay away from a wood interior because the dogs would chew it up.
Last year, 11 dogs were impounded in Oliver, compared to 10 in 2012 and three in 2011.
Dogs are usually held for three days, and then they are destroyed if they are not claimed or adopted out.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
