The City of Austin is currently seeking community feedback to shape its Animal Services strategic plan after audits revealed substantial issues at the Austin Animal Center (AAC), such as inadequate kennel sizes and strained stakeholder relationships. With an online survey open from July 17 to August 14, this initiative is managed by the Austin Animal Services Office (ASO) in partnership with the Financial Services Department (FSD), as per the City of Austin.
Last year's audit, as detailed by KVUE, exposed conflicts between the city's animal welfare priorities and the AAC’s ability to maintain an open-intake shelter while ensuring humane care and achieving its live release goal. Addressing these issues, the strategic planning process will involve stakeholder interviews, staff and volunteer listening sessions, and the review of previous audits, among other actions. Dr. Larry Schooler, former head of Austin's public engagement division, leads the planning as a third-party facilitator and oversees the data analysis, as well as the animal services best practices identification.
While the AAC faced scrutiny for its conditions, it has also been recognized for its high live outcome rates. "We are excited to work with the community, key stakeholders and the Animal Advisory Commission to create a strategic plan that best serves the community of Austin. This collaborative effort will produce a working plan,” Assistant City Manager Stephanie Hayden-Howard conveyed, according to KVUE.
