LA MARQUE — A presentation at tonight’s Galveston County United Board of Health meeting in La Marque will include discussion on ways to alleviate overcrowding and disease at the Joe Vickery Animal Shelter.

Kurt Koopmann, a spokesman for the health district, said a department official would present to the board ways the county commission could intervene, if funding is available.

“If people would just take care of their animals, we would not be faced with these challenges,” Koopmann said Tuesday during a tour of the shelter that housed nearly twice the number of animals it was designed to hold.

“But as long as people are breeding and not spaying and neutering, the problem goes on.” Koopmann said.

Kim Schoolcraft, the county’s animal services director, said the shelter is designed to house 60 dogs and 40 cats, but 180 animals were present Tuesday.

“The law says we have to hold animals for 72 hours, and that takes up space,” Schoolcraft said.

“We average 800 animals a month, and it’s a challenge to squeeze them all in.”

Recent disease outbreaks have hampered adoption efforts, shelter rescue groups have said, because cramped conditions facilitate the spread of disease and deter adoptions.

The presentation includes options such as remodeling the shelter or constructing separate buildings to accommodate an adoption center or housing facilities.

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At A Glance

What: Galveston County United Board of Health meeting on overcrowding at the Joe Vickery Animal Shelter

When: 6 p.m. today

Where: 1207 Oak St., La Marque

www.galvnews.com

For More Information Contact:

Kurt Koopmann