The City of Dallas Animal Shelter Commission, in conjunction with the staff at Dallas Animal Services & Adoption Center, is currently proposing several important changes to the current code as it relates to animals. MAC supports these revisions.
On Monday, April 28, the City of Dallas Quality of Life Committee will hear the proposed revisions to the Dallas Animal Code. It is critical that we get their support before the proposals are submitted to the full Council. Between now and Monday, we need everyone to write, call or fax (e-mail is the communication of last resort) the Quality of Life Committee members.
Ideally, we need calls, today, tomorrow, and Friday. It is easy to call. A secretary or assistant will answer the phone. Just tell them you are calling in support of the proposed animal ordinances, and pass on any information you feel is important. Each office is keeping a tally of how many people call for and against. You may email also, but some of the Council Member's email boxes are already full - others simply don't have time to read their emails. Calling is easy and more effective.
Below is a link to an Executive Summary of the proposed ordinances , plus we have included a link to contact information for all the council members, the Mayor and the Quality of Life Commission.
Executive Summary
Quality Of Life Committee Roster
Current City Council Roster
There may be some mis-communication about one ordinance in particular: the Pet Limits Ordinance. PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS INFORMATION. This ordinance is a critical step in getting the council to pass the entire package - it is the lynch-pin of our strategy, and it will not work a hardship on ANY INDIVIDUAL, RESCUE OR FOSTER ORGANIZATION. If you oppose this ordinance they are unlikely to pass the others.
COPY POINTS FOR YOUR LETTERS/CALLS:
• Mandatory Spay/Neuter - Breeder Permits is the only way to:
- prevent the continuing growth of the stray animal population
which is at a crisis level in the City of Dallas.
- Other provisions of the ordinance, such as pet limits, simply will
not work without mandatory spay and neuter.
-It is good for the health of the animals and it encourages
responsible pet ownership.
- Free programs are available to all low-income families so it is
not punitive for these groups.
- Those who make profit from breeding of animals should be
registered and pay a fee as they use disproportionate amounts of
taxpayer resources when they dispose of unwanted animals.
- Provisions have been made for show dogs, agility dogs, service dogs, and any animal under 6 mos. of age.
• Tethering and Proper Confinement will:
- prevent aggressive behavior which is a direct result of current
inhumane practices.
- It will prevent dogs from becoming vicious; roaming our streets;
attacking our children; and indiscriminately breeding and to prevent
the inhumane confinement of dogs kept outside.
• Pet Limits
- Should provide for exceptions for rescue groups, foster
organizations and grandfathering for people with more than the
proposed limit.
- An excessive number of pets in a residential dwelling can create
both a nuisance for neighbors and an unhealthy condition for its
occupants and the animals.
- Create a better quality of life for people and animals overall
- Excessive numbers of pets held by the general public puts an undue
and unfair burden on rescue groups and Dallas Animal Services when
pet owners can no longer care for large numbers of pets.
• Dangerous Dogs
- strengthens the current code and requires positive changes such as
spaying and neutering which reduces aggression and prey drive.
- requires liability insurance coverage
- creates a safer overall environment for pets and people.
PICK A POINT OR TWO ABOUT EACH ORDINANCE OR SIMPLY STATE THAT YOU SUPPORT THEM ALL, BUT WE MUST HAVE YOUR SUPPORT BETWEEN NOW AND MONDAY.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Proposed Changes to City of Dallas Animal Ordinances
Sunday, February 24, 2008
HSNT present first Kurban Award for Equine Rescue work
Kurban Award and HSNT Equine Rescues
Since most of us usually deal primarily with small animals this is a bit different. The Humane Society of North Texas gave the first Kurban award, named for Judge Kurban who retired in 2006 and was a longtime friend to animals, to Detective Steve S. Shaw with the Johnson County Sheriffs Department in recognition of all his work on behalf of the animals of Johnson County. The award was presented on February 22, 2008. Tammy Roberts from our cruelty department put together a short presentation illustrating some of the equine cases our agencies have worked together on over the past year as part of the tribute to him. HSNT took in 101 horses in 2007 and have already taken 48 in 2008. HSNT's accomplishments working with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department are presented in this moving montage of images:
EQUINE RESCUE TRIBUTE
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Thursday, February 21, 2008
Be a HAVE-A-HEART HERO
SM-M-L-XL
... donations of all sizes will fit perfectly in our SPAY/NEUTER FUND, helping low-income families to keep their dogs and cats litter-free.
Our HAVE-A-HEART campaign is the PERFECT time for you and your friends to give our SPAY/NEUTER fund a transfusion!
Please do not BYPASS this important opportunity to make a real difference in our community. MAC receives no city state or federal funding of any kind, so YOUR DONATION IS THE ONLY SUPPORT WE CAN COUNT ON.
To donate, fill out the form at the link below, and mail to:
8333 Douglas Avenue
Suite 1350
Dallas, TX 75225
Here is a link to a "HAVE A HEART CAMPAIGN" pledge form, and MAC President Elaine Munch's HAVE A HEART message:
HAVE A HEART FORM
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Dangerous Dogs Forum
The SPCA of Texas is hosting “Legislating Dangerous Dogs,” a forum designed for animal care and control professionals, dog breeders, breed clubs and rescues, city and county officials and legislators.
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
SPCA of Texas Headquarters, 2400 Lone Star Dr., Dallas, TX 75212
Cost: $15
FOLLOWED BY:
The Texas Animal Shelter Coalition is hosting "Investigating Serious and Fatal Dog Attacks", an informative training session geared for law enforcement and ACOs. The session will cover in-depth procedures and standards for serious and fatal dog bite investigations.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2008
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
SPCA of Texas Headquarters, 2400 Lone Star Dr., Dallas, TX 75212
Cost: Free for Texas Animal Shelter Coalition (TASC) members; $10 for non-members.
For more information, visit:
Dangerous Dogs Forum Flyer & Registration Information
Dangerous Dogs Forum Schedule & Speakers
Investigating Serious & Fatal Dog Attacks Flyer & Registration Information
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Check out this FUN, musical spay-neuter video!
Thanks to Nancy Pinkston for forwarding this YouTube video, created by the Alliance for Humane Action. Turn up your speakers and enjoy!
"Clever Cat" music video for spay-neuter!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Record Attendance at Annual MAC Meeting
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Update On Copper
The eye has been removed, the skin problem has been treated and cleared up and he will just have to learn to compensate using the crooked leg. He is still young so that probably will not be much of a problem. Copper is available for adoption - please contact info@metroplexanimalcoalition.com for more information.
Angie Manriquez Needs Help Saving Dogs Of West Dallas
2727 Oak Lawn AveDallas, TX 75219214.219.2838Ask for Wendy
Suite 105Dallas, TX 75204214.953.1001
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Kudos to MAC's S/N Efforts!
God Bless All!
Happy Holidays!
- Robert
Friday, December 21, 2007
Forgotten Dog's Christmas~
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
With no thought of the dog filling their head
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap
Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears
He un-chained the dog, once so lively and quick
Last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick
More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name
And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all.
I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year
For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear
The gift of a dog is not just for the season
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons
In our haste to think of the kids a gift
There was one important thing that we missed
A dog should be family, and cared for the same
You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain
And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight
"You weren't given a gift! You were given a LIFE!"
~Author Unknown
Photo courtesy of Paws In The City
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thanks to the Humane Society of Lewisville!
Many thanks to the kind women at Humane Society of Lewisville - a MAC Member Group - who have been a big help in assisting MAC volunteer Angie Manriquez with her ongoing ministry to the animals in West Dallas . Rebecca, Debbie, Dana and Sarah of HSL generously provide MAC with frequent donations of dog and cat food that is given to Angie to feed animals in West Dallas - animals that otherwise would not eat. Thanks very much HSL
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Dallas Animal Services & Adoption Center Grand Opening


On October 20th, the new Dallas Animal Services Adoption Center celebrated its Grand Opening. Mayor Tom Leppert was there along with representatives of the city council and various city officials as Dallas residents who had been instrumental in getting the shelter built. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was at 10 a.m., followed by a day of celebration, featuring animal adoptions and family-friendly activities. Kids enjoyed games, crafts, coloring, face-painting and much more. Grownups will get to talk with local experts, including a top dog trainer, a cat behaviorist, wildlife experts and more.
Urban Animal contributor Larry Powell said, "when you walk inside the shelter, you can be forgiven if your jaw drops". It is a huge facility -- and state of the art. Other cities are sending people to study it as the leading model for municipal shelters. " The cost - $11.755 million from 2003 bond program; $3.5 from 1998 bond program, and a $1 million grant from the Ivor O’Connor Morgan Trust. The new 52,000 square foot building replaces both the Oak Cliff shelter, located adjacent to the Dallas Zoo; and the Forney Road shelter, located at 8414 Forney Rd. The new building has a total capacity of almost 800 cats and dogs, including the adoption area and all holding areas; compared with a combined capacity of about 400 provided by the two shelters it replaces.
The new facility, like all capital improvement projects of the city’s Department of Public Works, is designed as a “green” building, meaning it conforms with criteria for LEED Silver Certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council. For example, 50 per cent of the building materials, by cost, were derived from recycled content, and 50 percent of the waste generated during construction was diverted from the landfill. Other “green” features will be more apparent, such as the extensive use of natural lighting inside the building. Six large planters located in the public parking lot actually have a secret identity: they will house the cells that are part of a wastewater treatment system to clean and re-use up to 10,000 gallons of water a day. Energy for the system will be generated by a wind turbine to be located at the north end of the row of planters. This will double as an outdoor sculpture, adding a touch of whimsy to the surroundings.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Now Available! A Counter Surfer's Dream Cookbook
Now available - "A Counter Surfer's Dream Cookbook", a collection of 400 delicious recipes from Paws In The City and Metroplex Animal Coalition
All proceeds benefit Metroplex Animal Coalition's "Patt Davis Memorial Spay/Neuter Program" as well as Paws In The City's foster and adoption program for the City of Dallas municipal shelters.
These programs strive to decrease the euthanasia rate in the DFW metroplex and make Dallas a "no-kill" city.
There is even a section of homemade dog and kitty treats!
Purchase your copy at any Paws In The City adoption event, or order online! $10 per book, $2 shipping and handling if ordered online.
Visit www.pawsinthecity.org for a schedule of adoption events, or to order your copy now!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Pet Emergency Kit

In celebration of National Disaster Preparedness Month, Companions For Life is continuing our series of short weekly articles to guide you through preparing your pets - and your family - for a disaster.
Pet Emergency kit
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your pet for an emergency is to make a Pet Emergency Kit. Keep your kit in a safe place where it is easily accessible in a crisis. Should an evacuation be ordered, you’ll have everything you need in one handy place. You can just grab it and go.
So what should you include in your kit? Start with a medium size contained, waterproof is best, and include the following:
-Pet Food. Dry food, canned, food, and supplements. For dry food, free sample packs from pet supply stores work well. If you feed your pet canned food, don’t forget to include a spare can opener. It is also a good idea to include some paper plates or disposable bowls.
-Water. In a disaster, bottled water may be all there is and our pets, like us, need water to survive.
-Cat litter. Cats must have litter. You can store extra in a large storage bag inside a shoe box in your kit. The shoe box can double as a disposable litter box.
-Leashes. An extra leash can come in handy. A harness is a good idea, too. Even the best behaved pet may be frightened during a disaster and a harness can provide extra safety.
-Collars and Identification. Your pet should wear a collar with rabies tag and identification at all times, but if your pet is prone to losing his collar or has allergies that prevent him from wearing it, an extra collar with duplicate identification tags should be included in your kit.
-Medicines. If your pet take prescription medicines, make sure you have a supply of those drugs in your kit, along with the basics – flea treatment and heartworm preventative.
-First Aid Kit. Be sure to include a first aid kit for your pet. Specially designed first aid kits for pets are available online from a variety of sources, or from your area Red Cross.
-A photo of your pet along with current vaccination records, information on any medical conditions, and microchip registration papers. These should be stored in a waterproof baggie inside your kit. Be sure you have your pet’s name, your name, and your contact information, as well as a description of any unusual identifying marks on your pet, written on the back of the photo.
-Your vet’s name and phone number, as well as a list of boarding facilities and kennels in the area.
Preparing an emergency kit for your pet takes only minutes, but in a crisis it will make all the difference!
Look for our 4th and last installment shortly. Well discuss a few final tips for preparing not just your pet, but your family as well!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
PETAPALOZZA-September 29th 1:00-5:00
PETAPALOOZA – September 29 – 1:00 to 5:00
Just across from City Veterinary Center – 2727 Oak Lawn Ave.
On Saturday, September 29th, City Pet Companies will host Petapalooza, a community event for pets and their owners. Petapalooza is now in its 2nd year and will be bigger and better than ever. Please join us for an afternoon of fun with the animals.
Activities planned to include: stupid dog tricks, best dressed contest, Mr. and Ms. K9 Dallas. Ricochet K9 presents tricks, stunts and entertainment as seen on Letterman and Leno. Also, on-site micro-chipping and behavioral advice from City Vet staff will be offered.
Metroplex Animal Coalition and Companions for Life will present information regarding spay/neuter programs. These programs are vital to the reduction of the unwanted pet population and offer an alternative to the termination of dogs and cats in municipal animal shelters and humane societies.
All-Natural pet food vendors including: Big Bark Bakery, Chilly Dawgs, Innova , California Naturals, Solid Gold, Canidae, Nature’s Variety, Merrick , Natural Balance and Eagle Pack.
Adoptions: Dog and cat adoptions will be available through Paws In the City
Silent Auction benefiting:
Metroplex Animal Coalition http://www.metroplexanimalcoalition.com/
Auction items include box seats to the Cowboys and Stars, gift baskets from All natural pet food companies, art, prizes and more.
PLEASE MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US.
Friday, September 14, 2007
September is National Disaster Preparedness Month
September is National Disaster Preparedness Month and Metroplex Animal Coalition urges everyone to be sure their families and their pets are prepared in case of an emergency. Never leave your pets behind if you have to evacuate – even for a few hours. If it’s dangerous for you to be there, it is dangerous for them.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best resources on the web for the Disaster Preparedness page of our website at http://www.metroplexanimalcoalition.com/disaster/index.html.
In addition, all these sites offer wonderful tips and information to help you plan ahead and prepare an emergency evacuation kit for your pets. Don’t delay – get ready today!
Ready Your Pets? A free download from Department of Homeland Security
http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/pets_tagged.pdf
Emergency Pet Preparedness, a website of the ASPCA
http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/pets_tagged.pdf
Disaster Resource Center , a division of HSUS
http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/
Information from Pet Owners, courtesy of FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/animals.shtm
Disaster Preparedness Library, Companions For Life
http://www.companionsforlife.org/library_disasters.html
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Dallas City Animal Shelter Grand Opening Saturday, Oct. 20

The long-awaited Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center officially opens for business Saturday, Oct. 20. The new, 52,000-square-foot facility is located at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd. at I-30. City officials and Dallas Animal Services staff will mark the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. , followed by a day of celebration featuring animal adoptions and family-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy games, crafts, coloring, face-painting and much more. Grown-ups will get to talk with local experts, including a top dog trainer, a cat behaviorist, and even an American Red Cross officer with first-aid advice for pet owners. All events will be open to the public.
Dallas Animal Services is consolidating all its shelter and field operations at the new facility, including animal adoptions, impoundments, redemptions, registrations and rescue functions. The new building has a total capacity of almost 800 cats and dogs, including the adoption area and all holding areas – compared with a combined capacity of about 400 provided by the two shelters it replaces. The adoption area can house about 90 adult dogs and about 65 cats, with the number of kittens and puppies varying. Additionally, there are 12 “get acquainted” rooms that allow a family to spread out and interact with a prospective pet.
The new facility is designed as a “green” building. For example, 50 per cent of the building materials, by cost, were derived from recycled content, and 50 percent of the waste generated during construction was diverted from adding to landfill. Other “green” features will be more apparent to visitors, such as the extensive use of natural lighting inside the building. Also, six large planters located in the public parking lot actually house the cells that are part of a wastewater treatment system that will clean and re-use up to 10,000 gallons of water a day. The energy for the system will be generated by a wind turbine that will later be located at the north end of the row of planters. This also will have a double function as an outdoor sculpture, adding a touch of whimsy to the surroundings
Friday, August 31, 2007
Texas New Anti-Tethering Laws Begins 9/1/7
The new law also addresses the length of a restraint—at least 10 feet or fives times the length of the dog—and the types of collars that cannot be used.
If you know of someone who is violating this new law, contact Animal Services or call 911 immediately. YOU can make a difference in the quality of life for a neglected dog. For a printable copy of the entire law, click here.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
8,355 Spay/Neuters - Countless Lives Saved!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Have A Heart Success!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Over 8,000 Spay/Neuter Surgeries To Date!
We're over 8,000! Surgeries that is! Since our inception, MAC has provided over 8,000 spay/neuter surgeries for low income Dallas residents!
Have A Heart Campaign Update
Texas Legislature Is In Session!
Pet Food Recall Updates
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Welcome!

Welcome to the new Metroplex Animal Coalition blog where you'll get all the latest news and events! Here you'll find information about MAC, our Member Groups, and animal welfare issues in the Metroplex. Don't miss a thing! Bookmark our blog now and check back often!

















