Sacramento’s animal welfare is under some critical evaluation, with a performance audit by the City Auditor uncovering various issues at the Front Street Animal Shelter. The audit, to be presented to the City Council tomorrow, highlights concerns such as overcrowding, shortage of staff, and insufficient revenue streams to keep up with the growing animal population. According to Sacramento City Express, the shelter has begun addressing these problems, and improvements are already underway.
City Auditor Farishta Ahrary said, “Our audit focused on how well Animal Care Services is meeting its responsibilities to both animals and the community, including whether facilities and programs are being managed effectively.” Since the Front Street facility’s inception in 1992, there’s been a more than 30 percent uptick in the city’s animal population, causing persistent overcrowding issues. The audit suggests that spay and neuter programs could be one answer to managing shelter capacity effectively.
In response to these findings, Front Street Animal Shelter Manager Phillip Zimmerman acknowledged the need for action. “It’s helpful to get an outside perspective and recognize areas for growth,” Zimmerman told Sacramento City Express. He elaborated on plans to enhance community outreach for spay and neuter services and the pursuit of additional funding sources to make these animal care solutions more accessible and affordable…