The T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter in Manhattan will enter a partnership with Prairie Paws Animal Shelter starting January 1st. From that point, the Manhattan facility will no longer be city run. Prairie Paws Director Vanessa Cowie says that expanded services to the Manhattan community will continue, including adding some services offered in Ottawa, such as microchipping and pet licensing, something that Manhattan Animal Service Director, Brandon Sokol says the transition will also allow expanded community benefits:
The decision to move from a city-run to private-run organization was unanimously approved by City Commissioners in September. The three year contract with Prairie Paws totals $350,000 annually and about $13,000 in transition costs. It will take effect on January 1st.
