‘People have got to step up,’ Fort Smith animal shelter tells town

The Town of Fort Smith says it will study solutions after volunteers and supporters of the local animal shelter said it needs funding for staff amid a growing workload.

Alana McGrath, a volunteer at the shelter who is planning to leave Fort Smith in November, had previously warned in Facebook videos that the facility faces closure without a paid manager to take over operations.

At a Tuesday council meeting, McGrath told concillors the workload is not sustainable.

She said the shelter struggled to cover 93 shifts in August with only 16 available volunteers, and the shortage has become increasingly difficult to manage.

“People are not stepping up and into this role. People won’t do something for nothing. These days, we’ve got bills to pay,” she said.

McGrath proposed a part-time paid position working six hours a day, Monday to Friday, at about $24.50 an hour. She estimated the cost at roughly $54,000 a year, noting the work could be split among several people.

Citing operations in Hay River and Yellowknife as examples, she said a contracted worker would cover morning and lunch shifts while volunteers handle evenings and weekends.

The shelter has handled 38 animals this year, she said, including 14 dogs reunited with their owners. Three animals are currently at the shelter and four are in foster care.

“When the gates are open, I get volunteers. When the gates are open, I get a dog out the door. It’s having that availability,” McGrath said.

“If you value and want this service, then people have got to step up.”

‘Time to step up’

Former town councillor Marion Berls was present at the meeting to voice her support for the shelter.

Berls, describing herself as one of three council members who originally helped develop the town’s dog control bylaw, said she understands the challenges of keeping the facility operating.

“Too much has been placed on the shoulders of a small group of volunteers who are desperately trying to care for the animals on their own,” she said. “It’s time to step up and take some responsibility.”

Berls asked council what their plan is, asserting that bylaw staff are busy and should not be expected to take on responsibility for stray animals as well.

Mayor Dana Fergusson said any position approved during upcoming budget deliberations would not take effect until January 1.

Council ultimately passed a motion directing administration to explore ways of helping the shelter.