Published October 30, 2008

The aftermath of Hurricane Ike was a very busy time for the Galveston County Animal Shelter in Texas City. Although the shelter had roof and water damage and no electricity, the staff set up tents to care for the animals. 

The shelter’s animal-control officers and national search-and-rescue teams recovered more than 600 animals from the flooded areas on Bolivar Peninsula and the mainland. These animals, many suffering from injuries and serious health issues, were housed and cared for by shelter staff and volunteers, including veterinarians. 

Approximately 100 animals were reunited with their owners and the remaining unclaimed animals were transferred to other shelters in Florida, Tennessee and Texas. 

Very special thanks are due to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, PetsMart Charities and the Humane Society of the United States. 

Today, our county shelter cares for more than 10,000 animals annually in a facility designed to accommodate only 4,500. 

Overcrowding is a serious problem and many potential family pets are euthanized because there is no room. A new animal shelter will help to solve this problem. 

All this good work deserves a just reward, so I urge everyone to vote yes on the election’s Proposition 3 Facilities Bond, which includes a new county animal shelter. The residents and pets of Galveston County deserve nothing less. 

Sharon Tipton lives in Santa Fe.