Bedford Animal Shelter staff reported a year-over-year rise in total animal intake to 230 from 204 and described increases in rescues, adoptions and field calls during the advisory committee meeting. Committee members also heard that Bennett Partners is preparing drawings for a remodel and that officials have begun fundraising discussion for a possible new facility estimated at about $10,000,000.

The statistics were presented by shelter staff during the meeting. Shelter intake for dogs decreased slightly from 98 to 95 year-over-year; dog adoptions and returns-to-owner were described as “about the same,” and dogs sent to rescue rose from 7 to 14. For cats, adoptions rose to 35 from 26 and total cat intake increased to 72 from 52. Staff said total adoptions across species rose to 60 from 51 and total animals sent to rescue rose to 32 from 21.

"Our rescue partners have really been helping us out a lot," the shelter staff said, crediting named partners for increased placements. Staff noted wildlife intake rose to 63 from 54; wildlife deaths on arrival (DOA) and wildlife euthanasia also rose in the same period. The presenter said most wildlife euthanasia is performed for severe injury or obvious sickness.

Committee members asked about rabies testing for visibly sick wildlife. A committee member asked whether the shelter "standardly" checks those animals for rabies; staff replied that animals suspected of rabies undergo the appropriate procedures and gave an example that a decomposed bat recently could not be tested.

Staff reported a marked increase in field calls for service, from 707 in the prior period to about 1,200 this year, and described that as proactive work by field officers. The presenter summarized: "We're continuing to be proactive and that's a problem before it becomes a problem," praising officers for outreach efforts.

On capital planning, staff said Bedford has resumed work with Bennett Partners to produce drawings and renderings that will allow the city to refine construction cost estimates. The committee discussed earlier cost estimates: a remodel earlier projected at about $1.8 million was later estimated at $3.5 million; staff said a newly constructed shelter had been estimated at roughly $10,000,000. Committee members and staff said no final decision has been made; staff reported they have started a dedicated fundraising account for animal-shelter donations to help cover future costs.

Committee members also discussed workforce and outreach. Staff said the shelter currently has no formal internship or high-school ride-along program and that any such program would require coordination with the police chief because of ride-along safety considerations. Members suggested exploring internships or job-fair participation with local schools and colleges.

Staff reviewed upcoming outreach and adoption events: Animal Control Officer Week (on the 13th); a past "mega adoption" event (the previous weekend) that placed two dogs; planned events include April 26 at the Londoner in Colleyville (noon–4 p.m.), May 3 at a library picnic and May 31 at Turning Point Brewery. Staff noted Turning Point Brewery has been supportive of the shelter and that volunteers and partner groups have helped with weekend events.

The meeting concluded with routine business items and two procedural motions: approval of the minutes and adjournment. The minutes were approved unanimously as recorded in the meeting; the committee adjourned after a motion to close the session. The committee tentatively discussed meeting timing over the summer and proposed scheduling the next meeting for Aug. 4, subject to confirmation.

Votes at a glance: the committee approved the meeting minutes and later approved a motion to adjourn. Individual roll-call votes were not recorded in the transcript; both motions were announced as approved.