Menu
🐾 PAWS abruptly ends contract with Mary Esther, leaving the city without animal control services.
📈 New contract proposed higher rates, prompting council concerns over fairness and financial burden.
🏛️ Officials weigh alternatives, including neighboring city partnerships and a short-term deal with PAWS.
City officials are exploring alternatives for animal control services after the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) unexpectedly canceled its contract with Mary Esther last week, prompting urgent discussions about the future of animal response in the city.
During a public meeting on June 16, City Manager Jared Cobb stated that the cancellation occurred without advance notice despite prior communications indicating that a review of the contract would take place.
“The concern from staff was not necessarily the proposed cost,” Cobb said. “The issue has been rate disparities. Other municipalities are paying less for the same services.”
Cobb emphasized that while Mary Esther historically received favorable rates, the city is now quoted $6.50 per capita—higher than Okaloosa County’s $5.50 rate for similar service. The proposal also includes a $700 fee per animal pickup and boarding.
Several council members expressed frustration over what they called an unfair financial burden on the city.
“I don’t want to be held over a barrel,” said Councilwoman April Sutton. “I think they’re trying to price gouge the city.”
Council members discussed a range of potential options, including reaching out to neighboring cities such as Niceville, Destin, Crestview, and even Santa Rosa and Walton counties for possible partnerships or temporary service coverage.
In the meantime, officials acknowledged the immediate risk to public safety and animal welfare.
“Without that contract, there is nobody to respond when there’s a dog at large, or when veterinary care or euthanasia is required,” Cobb said.
The city is also considering negotiating a short-term agreement with PAWS while longer-term solutions are evaluated.
“I’ll reach out one more time and see if we can make any headway,” Cobb said. “If not, we’ll look at the full suite of options, including whether we can partner with other municipalities.”
City Attorney Hayward Dikes confirmed that the draft contract includes a 90-day termination clause, which would provide the city with flexibility if a more affordable alternative becomes available.
Council members emphasized the need to find a viable solution promptly.
“We just need to make a decision,” said Mayor Chris Stein.
PAWS had been responsible for all animal-related calls in the city, including the pickup of stray animals, emergency veterinary care, and sheltering of animals. Officials said that without a provider, there may be no one to answer such calls in the immediate future.
The city is expected to revisit the issue in July after further outreach and negotiations.
To learn why PAWS canceled a contract with the City of Mary Esther, Mid Bay News contacted the shelter for further comment. That request has gone unanswered.
Pro Communi Bono
