A new proposal to merge the city of Muncie's and Delaware County's animal shelters could save more homeless pets and money for the city.
The Muncie city council voted Monday 6-3 to adopt an ordinance proposed by council member Alison Quirk that will save the city about $200,000.
The agreement calls for Muncie to contribute about $225,000 and for Delaware County to contribute almost $120,000 annually to the city's one animal shelter. The budget will be used exclusively for animal control and shelter operations.
Mayor Sharon McShurley said during the meeting that the council did not have the authority to enter an interlocal agreement but was told by council attorney Joe Hunter that the city council had the power to do so.
The shelter, located on Gharkey Street and two miles south of Ball State University, has been experiencing problems since 2008 due to a decrease in funds. In December, the shelter was in danger of being shut down. Since then, it has been going through changes in directors and loss of funds.
Director of Muncie animal control Bob Jessee said the shelter received about 4,500 dogs and cats last year, a number that has been increasing in the last few years. Alhtough the shelter has not euthanized any animals so far this year, Jessee said the number of animals in the shelter are expected to increase in in these months.
"We want people to know they can volunteer, by cleaning or socializing with the animals," he said. "We need some help."
Stepping out of the Muncie Animal Rescue Fund on Wednesday with a new family dog, Ball State alumnus Bethany Miller said she and her family were glad to have a adopted a pet.
"I had been thinking about it for a while," she said. "I didn't just want to get a dog from the puppy mill, but the program here is good. They don't kill the animals and they provide good care."
Miller said she brought her husband and children to see their future pet, and was satisfied with the service.
"I think it'll be good," she said. "I made sure the family would come to see him, and they're all happy."
Ball State students have been an increasing number when it comes to adopting animals and volunteering.
ARF director Phil Peckinpaugh said the shelter works with about 300 volunteers each year, and from the number of people that adopt, 20 percent are Ball State students.
"I think we have great relationships with Ball State students, for its volunteers and its adopters," he said.
Peckinpaugh said the shelter received 800 animals last year, significantly more than in past years. He said the thought the main issue with Muncie's animal control is the community's lack of commitment.
"It's not a matter of facilities, but how committed we are," he said. "Instead of blaming the council or the mayor, the community should act."
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