JEREMY CLIFTON
DIRECTOR, MANKATO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
MANKATO (POPULATION 45,742)

Mankato’s ordinance for managing domestic animals has long provided a framework for addressing stray dogs. About four years ago, the city closed its animal impound and contracted with a local animal rescue to allow public safety staff to focus on other community needs. When this partnership ended near the close of 2024, Mankato needed to reopen the city’s animal impound to manage stray dogs.

On Jan. 1, 2025, Mankato reopened its animal impound in Sibley Park. Public safety now oversees operations, staffing the facility part time, seven days a week, using community service officers (CSOs). This model relieves full-time officers of animal-related duties while ensuring the impound remains functional. So far, with only minor adjustments, the system has been working well.

Recognizing the community’s passion for animal welfare, public safety collaborated with the Engagement and Communications Office to develop a multitiered alert system. The goal was to create a process where residents could play an active role in reuniting lost dogs. The plan includes social media updates, a dedicated lost-dog webpage, and opt-in email and text alerts through the GovDelivery platform. This system encourages community involvement beyond passive social media engagement, as subscribers communicate and collaborate to locate owners.

If a dog remains unclaimed after five days, it is typically transferred to a local adoption agency for placement. Within the first few weeks of opening, the facility impounded five dogs, most of which were either surrenders or abandonments. These dogs have been adopted, reunited with owners, or placed in foster care.

When the impound reopened, some residents expressed concern about the fate of unclaimed dogs. The city responded by clarifying that euthanasia is a last resort, reserved only for dogs deemed too dangerous for adoption or those suffering from severe medical conditions. This reassurance helped ease concerns and reinforced the city’s commitment to humane treatment.

Ultimately, the success of the reopened impound has been driven by transparent communication, collaboration with local rescue organizations, and the strategic use of CSOs. By balancing community involvement with responsible oversight, Mankato has created a sustainable model for managing stray and abandoned dogs.

JANA ELTON
CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR
SPRING GROVE (POPULATION 1,219)

Our city does not have an ordinance specifically addressing feral dogs or cats, but we do have ordinances for animals at large and related nuisances. The city also contracts with a private animal control service, which handles trapping and managing feral animals, primarily cats.

While the city initially tried a trap-neuter- return (TNR) program, we noticed an increasing number of sick and diseased feral cats in the city that were not part of the TNR program. These cats, living in sewers and scavenging for food, posed risks to residents and other animals by spreading disease and causing property damage. Health concerns also grew for residents with severe cat allergies.

To address the issue, the city partnered with animal control to develop a comprehensive plan. Farmers were enlisted to take in cats, providing them with proper shelter, consistent food, and, at the farmers’ discretion, medical care. Sadly, some of the cats were too ill or injured to be relocated, suffering from conditions like severe infections or missing limbs. In these cases, the animals were humanely euthanized to relieve their suffering.

The city also worked to educate residents who were feeding feral cats about the unintended consequences. The feeding stations were not only attracting cats but also raccoons, skunks, and opossums, increasing wildlife disruptions within city limits. Through education, many residents came to understand the broader impact and adjusted their behavior.

Animal control officers provide regular updates, and our community has embraced this process, with many residents expressing gratitude for the city’s efforts. While concerns about the cats’ welfare were initially common, explaining the humane measures taken to care for the animals resolved most questions. Even residents who initially fed the feral cats have become more supportive, helping the city find homes for the animals. This collaboration demonstrates the power of education, communication, and shared commitment to solving the issue.

Addressing this issue is challenging and often emotional, particularly for those who are passionate about animal welfare. However, by ensuring humane and safe practices, the community benefits in the long run. Open communication, ongoing education, and collaboration with residents have been the foundations of our success, demonstrating that compassion and teamwork can drive meaningful change.