LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Animal rescue groups called for the City of Las Vegas and councilmembers to revive a defunct animal welfare committee, after newly elected Mayor Shelley Berkley moved to suspend the process.
Various rescue groups and animal advocates shared the desperation of the situation on the streets.
“We are spending countless hours, and days and nights out there, securing dogs that are dumped out in the street, dumped in the desert. We need the help from the mayor,” said rescuer Carlos Herrera.
“The rescues are hanging by a thread. They are using their own money to do the medical [care] for these animals that they pull out of the shelter,” said another concerned animal advocate.
Las Vegas City Councilwoman Victoria Seaman proposed a revival of the Animal Advisory Committee with a new purpose: to review issues plaguing the Las Vegas Valley, meet quarterly and propose ordinances or various solutions to the animal crisis. The previous and now-defunct committee only addressed issues surrounding vicious animals.
FOX5 has covered the Valley’s problems extensively: overpopulation and overcrowding in shelters, lack of spay and neuter resources for residents, illegal breeders, animal dumping on streets or in the desert, or extreme cases of animal abuse.
“The situation worsens daily. Our shelter and rescues are overwhelmed,” Seaman said during the City Council meeting, urging councilmembers to act on her proposal.
Berkley did not make any statements on the matter during the meeting. Monday, during the Recommending Committee, Berkley explained her reasoning for a delay, calling for more research.
“I know how important this is. This is very important for me to get a handle on. I’ve asked the City to give me a deep dive briefing,” Berkley said, wanting to consult with the Animal Foundation, Clark County, and North Las Vegas, first. The three jurisdictions all have a contract with the Animal Foundation to serve as the area’s public animal shelter.
Berkley asked the Recommending Committee to “abey” or suspend the proposal for a February review.
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