Shelter relief unveiled

Chico City Councilman Larry Wahl and Mayor Ann Schwab were some of the first folks to get a look at the facility the Butte Humane Society is leasing to hold cats and, later this summer, a spay-and-neuter clinic.

The tour by Kristen Staggs (pictured), president of the BHS board of directors, on Tuesday (July 20) took place at the old Affordable Mortuary building on Country Drive, which is south of The Skyway and just west of Highway 99—close to the existing shelter on Fair Street.

The city of Chico contracts with the shelter to take care of stray and unwanted animals, as required by state law. Shelter operators wanted to build an entirely new facility at a different location. The city wants to rebuild the existing decaying facility, which it owns.

At a recent Chico City Council budget meeting, the panel voted to set aside $100,000 for plans to rebuild the shelter. But that is a five-year project, and relief is needed now. BHS signed a three-year lease for the former mortuary building to alleviate overpopulation at the current facility, which is overrun this summer with kittens.