Chelan Council addresses animal control contract and proposal

CHELAN – The city’s animal control agreement with Wenatchee Valley Humane Society (WVHS) and a proposed draft funding agreement with the Chelan Valley Feral Cat Project were among the agenda topics discussed at the regular bi-monthly meeting of the city council on Nov. 12.

The City has contracted with the WVHS since 2003 and has an existing contract with a term extending from Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2024. New terms are under consideration that better reflect the duties provided by WVAC and the communities they serve.

The term under consideration for the new three-year agreement will be from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2027. The proposed budget breakdown for annual contract costs is:

• 2025 - $$64,600
• 2026 - $66,538
• 2027 - $68,534

Under the new agreement, WVAC will investigate and follow up on all animal control complaints alleging violations of Washington state laws and/or the Chelan’s animal control ordinance, including but not limited to:                                            

1. Complaints involving dog attacks. 
2. Injured, sick, or distress calls for domestic animals.
3. Complaints of domestic animal bites.
4. Dogs at large, meaning complaints that are either anonymous or where the owner cannot be identified.
5. Livestock at large.
6. Animal cruelty and neglect cases.
7. Abandoned animals. 
8. Dead domestic animals within WVAC pick-up zones. 

WVAC will not address the following: 

1. Complaints regarding barking dogs or other animal noises. 
2. Complaints regarding wildlife. 
3. Complaints regarding healthy free-roaming or community cats. 
4. Complaints regarding deceased domestic or wild animals on private property.

Chelan Valley Feral Cat Project

The Chelan Valley Feral Cat Project (CVFCP) previously applied for and received $5,000 from the city in 2024. CVFCP applied again, requesting $10,000 for funding support from the Community Benefit Grant.

Last month city staff suggested CVFCP could be eligible for a three-year contract with the city to help cover operating costs, a service not provided by WVHS. The proposed funding agreement of $5,000 will assist CVFCP with general care and management of the feral cat population within the city. Expenses for spay/neuters, rabies and distemper vaccines, surgical/dental repairs, and, as funds allow, food and litter for cats housed onsite would be assisted.

CVFCP plays a crucial role in the general care and management of the city’s feral cat population, including: 

• Improved quality of life: By addressing the needs of feral cats through care and management, the project improves the overall well-being of both the animals and the Chelan community. 
• Population control: The project employs humane methods to manage feral cat populations, reducing overpopulation including spay/neuter, and rehoming. 
• Community engagement: The project fosters community involvement and education about responsible pet ownership and the importance of treating animals humanely.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media