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Henry County approves new animal impound contract with All God’s Creatures
Henry County Board of Supervisors approve new impound contract just in the nick of time
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT — Henry County officials finalized a new contract for animal impound services, selecting All God’s Creatures (AGC) Animal Shelter as the primary service provider. The agreement, which took effect March 1, comes after Healthy Paws Veterinary Clinic gave notice that it would no longer be handling impound services for the county.
Henry County Supervisor Chad White took up the lead to find a new impound provider late last year when Healthy Paws announced they would cease providing this service for the county effective Feb. 28, 2025. According to White, the new contract closely aligns with past agreements and will ensure continuity of services for the county.
“We all went out to the impound area, looked it over, found it was a doable option, and I think it should move forward,” White said. “The same terms and conditions are very close to what we’ve been used for the county until now.”
Supervisor Marc Lindeen also voiced his support for the selection.
“Having visited your facility a couple weeks ago, I am very much impressed,” Lindeen said.
Under the terms of the new agreement, AGC, located at 2205 East Washington Street in Mt. Pleasant, will provide impound services for stray dogs and cats in rural Henry County. The shelter is responsible for following Iowa Code 351.37, ensuring that stray animals are held for the required redemption period, so owners have a chance to reclaim them. If no owners come forward, animals may then be put up for public adoption or, if necessary, euthanized. The county will fund impoundment costs at a rate of $140 per animal, except for those reclaimed by their owners, which will not be billed. Animals arriving deceased will be billed at $40 each.
The contract will remain in effect for one year and will automatically renew unless either AGC or the county provides a 60-day notice for termination or changes to the terms.
The contract also names Hometown Veterinary Care, located at 407 West Main Street in New London, as a subset service provider. The clinic offers medical care for small and large animals, including emergency services, surgery, and vaccinations. Under the contract, the county will not cover non-emergency medical procedures, such as sterilization or vaccinations, for unclaimed animals. Those costs will be the responsibility of AGC or adopters.
The agreement ensures Henry County continues to have a reliable impound service for stray animals in rural areas. Residents who find or lose a stray pet can contact All God’s Creatures Animal Shelter for assistance.
“We want to serve our community in any way that we need to,” AGC Director Emily Davis said. “That’s what we are here for.”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
