On February 22nd, Houston PetSet, a nonprofit dedicated to combating animal homelessness in the city, convened a press conference at the Houston Crime Stoppers building in Midtown. The event centered on discussions regarding the current state of animal welfare in Houston, with notable speakers shedding light on various initiatives and challenges facing the community.
Mayor John Whitmire headlined the conference, outlining his administration’s commitment to elevating Houston as a leader in animal welfare. Addressing critical issues such as dealing with stray animals and managing increasing instances of animal aggression on city streets, Whitmire emphasized the necessity of garnering resources to support these efforts.
“We need to provide education and demonstrate public interest in caring for our animal companions,” stated Whitmire. “Subsequently, we require the necessary resources to enact meaningful change.”
Highlighting the financial constraints faced by the city, Whitmire proposed the possibility of consolidating Harris County and Houston’s animal shelters to alleviate some fiscal challenges. He suggested transforming the potentially merged shelter into a nonprofit entity, a move he believes would galvanize community support for animal welfare initiatives.
“We could establish a top-tier shelter by transforming it into a nonprofit,” remarked Whitmire. “The public’s affinity for their pets could drive substantial backing for such endeavors.”
Prior to Whitmire’s address, Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust, co-owners of Houston PetSet, provided an overview of the city’s current animal welfare landscape. Data presented indicated that Houston lags behind other major cities like Dallas and San Antonio in terms of animal control budgets and resources.
“Despite the challenges, there’s optimism for progress,” expressed Lundquist. “We’re encouraged by Mayor Whitmire’s dedication to prioritizing animal welfare.”
During the Q&A segment, attendees engaged in discussions with Whitmire, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, and Houston PetSet representatives on various aspects of animal welfare. Topics ranged from the possibility of implementing spay and neuter ordinances to addressing the surge in aggressive animal incidents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re witnessing a concerning rise in aggressive animal behavior,” acknowledged Gonzalez. “While it’s a shared challenge, we’re committed to finding solutions.”
As the dialogue continues, Houston PetSet and city officials underscore the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding the welfare of animals across the city.
