COSTA MESA : City Seeks Animal Shelter Contractor

The City Council voted unanimously this week to approve $43,000 for animal shelter services and announced that it is looking for a contractor to possibly take over the operation.

The city had contracted with Bayshore Animal Hospital, which sent a letter seeking to end the agreement under a termination clause.

However, Dr. Jeffrey Palmer, a veterinarian and owner of the Bayshore Animal Hospital on Harbor Boulevard, said he had changed his mind about terminating the contract and wished to continue the relationship, pending additional conditions.

Palmer said the hospital was not being compensated for services to injured animals and was losing about $2,000 a month.

“I believe in healing the animals,” he said. “I don’t want them to face euthanasia.”

Palmer suggested that a study be made to find better methods in advising the public on where to find the shelter and how to adopt homeless strays.

Several residents spoke in favor of maintaining Bayshore Animal Hospital as the animal shelter because of its proximity to Costa Mesa residents and its reputation for compassion.

Les Erbst, owner of Grateful Pets kennel in Santa Ana, said he volunteered last year to work for Bayshore Animal Hospital and vouched for its compassion and concern for the welfare of animals.

City officials said they would consider Bayshore Animal Hospital but have also requested a search to see if there are any other contractors in Santa Ana, Irvine, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach who might be interested in taking over Costa Mesa’s animal shelter operation.