On December 23, 2013, First Interstate Bank sent the City a check from the Yvonne Mansfield Animal Welfare Fund. The donation of $5,000.00 was given to Billings Animal Control to assist with costs for treating injured animals picked up by Animal Control Officers in the performance of their duties. Currently, Billings Animal Control budgets $6,000.00 a year for emergency veterinarian services for injured/sick animals picked up as strays. This limited budget only allows for treatment of shock and pain for stray sick/injured animals, most often hit by cars. In many of these cases Animal Control is contacted by the Veterinarian asking that they be allowed to perform additional services in order to determine the extent of injuries and treatment for injuries that could be life threatening. If City Council accepts the donation, the funds would be placed in the Animal Control Injured Animal Fund for use in cases where additional tests may be necessary in order to determine an injured/sick animal's extent of injuries or illness and to provide treatment for life threatening situations.

The City Council may:     

• Approve and accept the donation.
• Deny and return the donation.
   

This donation will almost double the annual budget for Billings Animal Control to treat injured/sick stray animals.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve and accept this $5,000 donation from the Yvonne Mansfield Animal Welfare Fund to Billings Animal Control for treatment of sick or injured animals.