Baltimore County officials are proposing more reforms to the much-maligned animal shelter in Baldwin. Answering one key call from critics, County officials said they’re ready to implement a Trap-Spay-Neuter program on a pilot basis.
“We want to see if the County can slow the growth of feral cat colonies in designated areas, reduce euthanasia of cats in our shelter and continue to protect the public against rabies,” County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said in a statement. “If the pilot is successful, the County would consider implementing TNR on a grander scale.”
The spay and neuter services will also be offered at satellite locations on the east and west side of the County.
Here are some other measures that are being proposed:
- Hiring a volunteer coordinator
- Hiring a foster care coordinator
- Collaborating with BARCS to improve practices
The reforms would take effect with the new budget year on July 1. County is also building a new shelter that’s expected to open in the fall, but the new reforms show that Kamenetz and co. at least heard complaints that the new facility wouldn’t fix everything.
The shelter has come under fire for inhumane treatment of animals, including complaints that feral pets are euthanized at staggering rates. The shelter even caught the ire of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland after volunteers were banned from taking pictures.
