The cash-strapped Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake may get a temporary financial reprieve.

The Kaufman County Commissioners Court will consider approving a six-month contract of up to $10,500 per month to house animals seized by animal control. The animal shelter, which is in Tool in Henderson County, asked for $11,000 per month, causing officials to balk and announce plans to construct an animal shelter in Kaufman County.

The Tool shelter has taken in animals from Kaufman County for several years, but it began seeking an increase in fees two years ago that led to plans for the construction of a new animal shelter in Kaufman.

The previous contract was for $75 per animal, which shelter officials said failed to meet their costs.

The new fiscal year budget approved by the county includes $250,000 for the construction of a new animal shelter on property the county owns near the Law Enforcement Center of Highway 175.

County officials said the cost of operating an animal shelter is daunting. Neighboring Rockwall County spends $685,000 annually, they said.

Plans being considered by the county include county operation, using jail inmates for labor, cooperation with a nonprofit group or contracting with a private business.

The county already cooperates with a feline rescue group for cats so the use of the Tool shelter will be for dogs only.

Tool shelter volunteers attempt to find permanent and foster homes for animals, but it still euthanizes animals monthly. Shelter officials frequently refuse to accept animals from the public because of overcrowding, and they suggest people who have found abandoned animals seek the help of the Humane Society in Athens.

Henderson County also helps fund the animal shelter in Tool and the operation in Athens.

If you want to adopt or foster an animal contact the animal shelter at 10200 County Rd 2403, Kemp, TX 75143
Phone: (903) 432-3422