SAN ANTONIO – After the City of San Antonio approved a record budget increase for Animal Care Services, the department shared data showing its progress toward meeting its goals.
The budget bump came after several notable dog attacks, including one that led to the death of an elderly man.
ACS laid out several goals tied to an increase in funding, which includes increasing its response time on critical calls for service to 100% by fiscal year 2025.
- FY 2023 - 44%
- FY 2024 - 64%
- FY 2025 - 100%
During a Tuesday morning meeting, ACS said its response rate to critical calls has increased to 52%.
“We’re about halfway there,” said ACS assistant director Brad Davenport.
Several council members, including District 7 Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito, want to see more growth.
“A strategic plan is a start, but we really need to amp this up if we’re gonna make a change here,” she said.
Taxpayers are glad to see some improvements.
“I’d like them to be at 60 or more,” said dog owner Linda Espinosa. “But at least they’ve got a goal and they’re shooting for the goal, so I think that’s a good thing. But I don’t know how much more money they could put into the budget and how many more cases they can actually follow up with.”
For a complete breakdown of ACS’ FY 2024 goals, click here.