Mesquite Animal Shelter Designated “No Kill” Facility

On September 20th at 9:00 AM, the Mesquite Police Department held a public gathering in front of the Mesquite Animal Shelter to announce the shelter’s official designation as a “No Kill” facility. Members of the public, the media, volunteers who work at the shelter, and city officials were in attendance.

Mesquite Police Chief Troy Tanner began the event by thanking and welcoming everyone for attending and thanking all of the volunteers and employees who make the animal shelter so successful. Captain MaQuade Chesley then spoke, providing a brief history of the shelter and announcing the hiring of a third animal control officer whose primary responsibility will be the shelter front desk and assuring the needs of the visiting public are met. Captain Chesley shared that in 2017, animal shelter volunteers donated 4,794 hours which saved the city a dollar value of $105,468.00!

Captain Chesley added, “On average our shelter takes in 500 animals a year. It has always been our goal to save the lives of healthy and treatable animals. We have been operating as a no kill facility, but it is time we make it official. Our announcement today is we are officially a “no kill shelter!” He added, “We are very excited about this announcement. It is a milestone that could not be reached without the efforts of our animal control officers, our beloved volunteers, as well as the support of our city administrators and council.”

City Councilman David Ballweg then addressed the crowd, announcing the work which he has been undertaking to setup an animal trust fund for the animal shelter. Councilman Ballweg explained the goal of the trust fund is to create a stable place for the donating of money for the animal shelter. The long term goal of the trust is to enhance long term operations of the animal shelter.

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