Coalinga to enhance animal control and shelter services

The city said they’re taking important steps to strengthen animal control services to better meet the needs of residents, improve public safety, and ensure the humane treatment of animals in the community.

The Gimme Love Animal Shelter currently provides services to the city, and although they provide services for stray, injured, and abandoned animals, the city said that its own involvement must increase to fully address needs.

To meet the needs and responsibilities, the city is moving forward with developing a well-planned program. The plan will include a full-time animal shelter at the new city-owned facility once construction is complete and occupancy is approved.

They will also increase staffing and resources for animal control, developing stronger enforcement tools and setting clear expectations regarding licensing, vaccinations, humane treatment, responsible pet ownership, and penalties for non-compliance. They say they will establish partnerships with local and regional organizations to support adoptions, spay neuter programs, and vaccination services.

The city said that the transition will be gradual and collaborative. They say the current agreement with Gimme Love Animal Shelter remains in place, while the city develops its expanded program.