Lubbock Animal Shelter Doesn't Seem to Care

In Lubbock, Texas, the community is grappling with an escalating problem of stray cats and dogs, reflecting a broader issue of animal welfare neglect that I've observed only in one other place: the Navajo Nation. There, the situation is dire, with packs of dogs attacking people out of hunger.

The core of Lubbock, Texas's stray and neglected animal dilemma appears to stem from the Lubbock Animal Shelter (LAS), whose response to the crisis has been perceived as worryingly indifferent. This critical view focuses on LAS's apparent lack of action or concern towards the growing issue of stray and neglected pets in the community. The shelter's apparent inaction could be attributed to various factors, including potential underfunding, limited shelter capacity, or an overwhelming sense of the problem's magnitude that hampers effective response strategies. Such conditions suggest a deep-seated issue within the LAS's operational framework or resource allocation that needs immediate attention and rectification to mitigate the escalating animal welfare crisis in Lubbock.

In the last 60 days, our Bowie neighborhood has been the site of several alarming incidents that highlight the broader issue of animal neglect and aggression. Notably, a female Rottweiler that frequently escapes from its yard has been at the center of multiple confrontations. This dog has not only caused significant damage to a fence, forcing neighbors to build a temporary structure for the safety of their own pets, but has also posed a direct threat to a Fox Pest Control worker at a neighboring home who had to spray the dog with chemicals to defend himself. Furthermore, this same Rottweiler tried to attack the small dog living across the street and then blamed the small dog's owners for the incident. Attempts to address these issues with the dog's owners have met with dismissiveness and a lack of cooperation, exacerbating the problem and underscoring the challenges faced by the community in dealing with pet-related safety concerns.

In a separate but equally concerning incident, just two days ago, an older neighbor was nearly attacked by this same Rottweiler while simply walking to her mailbox. Her ability to stop the attack by sternly calling out the dog's name indicates the dog's recognition of authority. However, the incident has left her fearful of even performing such a basic task as retrieving her mail, underscoring the persistent threat posed by this dog and the broader issue of animal control and safety within the neighborhood.

Let's remember that, if the rottweiler can jump over his own fence to get out, he can jump over your fence to get in.

Further exacerbating the situation, the Rottweiler's owners have been observed neglecting not only their dog but also their property, which is in a state of disarray with trash in the front and waist-high weeds in the back, contributing to the neighborhood's issues. Despite reports to the city, there has been no visible action taken.

A few blocks over, a large dog that was dumped has been attacking and killing stray cats, with residents discovering the aftermath in their driveways.

Despite multiple phone and email reports to LAS detailing these incidents by various Bowie neighbors and the ongoing risks, there has been no effective response. These problems have persisted since last October, leading to a lack of trust in the shelter's commitment to addressing the issue.

Given the circumstances, many of us are carrying pepper spray and guns for personal safety against potential dog attacks. This situation raises significant concerns about the safety of not just residents but also children and delivery personnel in the area. The failure of LAS, despite being funded by our taxpayer money, to adequately respond to these incidents leaves the community in a precarious position, questioning the effectiveness of the shelter's role in animal welfare and public safety.

Addressing Lubbock's escalating animal welfare issue requires a multifaceted approach. Expanding LAS facilities or opening additional shelters, increasing staff, and implementing widespread spaying and neutering programs are critical steps. Pet owners must also take responsibility for securing their properties and preventing their pets from becoming threats. Combining shelter improvements with responsible pet ownership and population control measures presents a comprehensive strategy for mitigating Lubbock's animal welfare challenges.

I urge the community to actively engage with the Lubbock Animal Shelter (LAS) by sharing our concerns. The more voices they hear, the harder it becomes for them to overlook the issues we face. It's crucial to maintain a detailed record of all communications with LAS, including calls and emails. This documentation could prove invaluable in the unfortunate event that a loved one falls victim to an animal attack, serving as essential evidence for law enforcement and legal proceedings. By collectively advocating for change and holding LAS accountable, we can push for meaningful improvements in animal welfare and community safety.

You can contact them in the following ways:

(1) WEBSITE

(2) FACEBOOK

(3) PHONE --> 806-775-3357

(4) EMAIL --> lubbockanimalservices@mylubbock.us

LASPhoto byGoogle