As a resident of Dodge City, KS, I see firsthand the ongoing animal crisis in our community. Our beloved city, despite its efforts to welcome tourists and showcase our frontier spirit, appears to overlook pressing local issues that impact the lives of our most vulnerable inhabitants: our animals. I write this petition seeking your support to deal with this crisis head-on.

SWKS K9 Pawsabilities, our local animal rescue, has been a beacon of hope for countless animals in need. Yet, they are struggling due to a significant lack of resources. They need more funds to provide shelter, food, medical attention, and love for our four-legged friends. All they ask is for up to $2,000/month from each government entity to help fund the tremendous work they are doing. They are saving lives every day and making Dodge City and Southwest Kansas a better place to live. There are grants available to make this funding a reality in addition to a place in our local budgets. 

Additionally, a TNR (trap, neuter, return) program is a vital part of resolving the mounting issues of stray and feral animal populations. Proper funding for such programs has shown a decrease in stray animal populations in cities worldwide.
Our local Animal Control could also make do with a larger budget. They take the brunt of the backlash, despite doing their absolute best when they have to make the heartbreaking choice to euthanize animals due to lack of space and money.

Our plea is simple - we implore our city and county commissioners to allocate more resources and pursue grants that will fund SWKS K9 Pawsabilities and the trap, neuter, return program. Solving the animal crisis in Dodge City needs to be a priority, not an afterthought. Real change, beyond creating an attractive, vibrant community for visitors, starts at the heart of local issues.

Let us band together to make Dodge City a haven not only for tourists but also for our furry friends. Please sign this petition and join the cause - get Dodge City to increase funding and support for SWKS K9 Pawsabilities and our vital TNR programs.

Join me in emailing this letter to our civic leader.

County:

• Ken Snook- ksnook@fordcounty.net
• Chris Boys- cboys@fordcounty.net
• Shawn Tasset- stasset@fordcounty.net

City:

• Chuck Taylor- Mayor- chuckt@dodgecity.org
• Daniel Pogue- danielp@dodgecity.org
• Jeff Reinert- jeffr@dodgecity.org
• Michael Burns- michaelb@dodgecity.org
• Rick Sowers- ricks@dodgecity.org
• Nick Hernandez-City Manager- nickh@dodgecity.org