Is It Time For A New Animal Rescue Group to Run the Evanston Animal Shelter?

There has been much discussion this winter around the Community Animal Rescue Effort or CARE, the volunteer animal rescue group that has helped the city run the Evanston Animal Shelter for the past 25 years.

Discussion about the group’s alleged mishandling of behavioral testing resulting in the euthanizing almost half of the unclaimed dogs in its care, an entrenched board of directors and questions over who controls a reported $1.3 million nest egg collected on behalf of the animal have resulted in questions whether CARE should continue to remain involved.

The Human Services Committee has directed city manager Wally Bobkiewicz to draft an agreement outlining the city’s expectations for a continued partnership with the animal rescue organization.

CARE, which has been working to “re-brand” itself, has held its ground, stating it was only carrying out city policies against adopting out "dangerous dogs." Now, volunteers must decide if they will stay or walk.

A special Human Services Committee meeting will be held at 6 p.m. March 31, to review a draft of the agreement, before an unrelated special City Council meeting that same evening at 7 p.m.

Patch asked some local residents if they thought it was time for a new animal rescue group to run the Evanston Animal Shelter. Watch the video.