Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 6/16/2026
Item Status: New
From: Tara Hazelbaker, Director of Finance; George Majors, Animal Shelter Manager
Submitted by: Katrina Taylor, Grants Administrator
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ITEM TITLE
Title
American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Critical Shelter Infrastructure Grant Application
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
1) Authorize the Animal Shelter on behalf of the Baldwin County Commission to submit a grant application to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Critical Shelter Infrastructure grant requesting $65,000.00 in grant funds for the purchase of visual barriers for the outdoor intake kennels; and
2) Authorize the Chairman to sign any other documents related to this grant application.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. In particular, the Critical Infrastructure category funds facility and equipment improvements such as HVAC upgrades, plumbing, electrical systems, outdoor kennels, visual barriers, sanitation stations, emergency preparedness, and animal housing enhancements.
The Animal Shelter is seeking funding to enhance the welfare and safety of dogs housed in the outdoor intake kennels. Visual barriers between kennels are shown to reduce stress, minimize anxiety, and limit the spread of respiratory illnesses such as kennel cough. By blocking direct eye contact, these barriers create a calmer environment for dogs that are fearful, reactive, or newly arriving at the shelter. They also help prevent fence‑line aggression and reduce the likelihood of fights occurring between kenneled dogs. Currently, the outdoor intake kennels are separated only by chain‑link fencing, which provides no visual protection and often contributes to stress‑related behaviors.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $65,000.00 in Local Grant Funds
Budget line item(s) to be used: Fund 109
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration Staff and Katrina Taylor
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Administration Staff email Katrina Taylor with Commission’s decision. Ms. Taylor will submit all required documents to complete the application as requested by the ASPCA and forward the completed application to Admin.
cc: Roger Rendleman, Frank Lundy, Tara Hazelbaker, George Majors, Aislinn Stone, Christie Bezoari, Shelby Middleton
Additional instructions/notes: N/A