Shelter Bearing Unnecessary Financial Burden
Fayette County and the municipalities within are spared much of the financial burden that would normally be incumbent on them related to animal welfare. Fortunately, we have Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter (GJAS), a nonprofit community service organization, which was formed to help care for and rehome dogs and cats running at large in our Fayette County community. In the absence of GJAS, the stray population would grow exponentially, affecting the safety and quality of life of our citizens, our pets and livestock leading to an eventual public health crisis.
In many areas of Texas and the country, animal welfare is considered a level of first responders or at the very least an essential public safety service. In 2024 GJAS cared for 1,682 dogs and cats in need: imagine the increase in population of dogs and cats running at large in our community if GJAS had not been formed to serve this essential public safety service.
However, GJAS is at a critical juncture. The shelter is not exempt from the overall rise in the cost of living and managing the well-being of those in care. For the past three years the shelter has seen an increase, year over year, in the number of dogs and cats in need that find their way to the shelter. GJAS believes the economic climate is a contributing factor to the increase in animals taken in, not to mention less disposable income from donors.
Since 2020, GJAS management and board of directors have consistently proposed a fair deal to municipal leaders. Unfortunately, most of efforts have been ignored. Collectively the municipalities contribute approximately 13% of the shelter’s annual budget, with each municipality paying a different amount per animal. Fayette County contributes the largest portion and has for years. The cost for each dog and cat remains consistent regardless of the area they are brought in from. The objective is not for the municipalities to fund the entire shelter, moreover each municipality should contribute proportionally to help sustain the shelter for the benefit of its citizens, pets, and livestock.
If GJAS cannot sustain operations, the responsibility of managing dogs and cats running at large will fall to the municipalities. This will lead to substantial increased costs and logistical challenges for local governments.
It is imperative for the health and safety of Fayette County and the municipalities to include GJAS in your 2026 budget. Stray animal sheltering is essential in any area to support the welfare of the citizens and maintain the quality of life that we all enjoy.
Your support is crucial to the shelter’s ability to continue providing this essential public safety service to the Fayette County community and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. Moving forward GJAS looks forward to finding a path through collaborative efforts to support our Fayette County community.