Killeen Animal Advisory Council Presents Annual Report | Local News

“I know it’s getting late, so I promise to get through it real quick,” Marzi said as she prepared for her presentation.

Marzi read the report which details the various discussions the volunteer advisory board had regarding animal welfare at the city’s animal shelter, 3118 Commerce Drive.

According to the report, this ranged from the opportunity for a volunteer to discuss with potential adopters which dog or cat they should adopt to reduce the rate of pets being returned to shelters and ways to help feral cats and dogs to get them off the street and into a house.

After presenting the report, Marzi also spoke about ways to engage the Killeen community with animals and animal shelters.

Marzi raised the school children in the shelters so that they could meet the shelter cats and dogs. She also talked about hosting events for potential adopters to go out and meet their next furry family member.

“We might even get a board member to soak,” Marzi said as the board members laughed.

Councilwoman Mellisa Brown asked Marzi what progress the council had made in revising Chapter 6 of the City Ordinance, which deals with animals.

“We’re about 40% done, but hopefully we’ll be done by the end of the summer,” Marzi said.

Councilwoman Jessica Gonzalez praised the council.

“I’m really happy to see the direction the board is taking,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez and Councilman Ken Wilkerson were tasked with attending advisory board meetings to assess its performance after concerns were raised that the board was not being proactive.

But with Gonzalez’s annual report and accolades, it appears those concerns have been allayed.