The city of Fresno’s contract with the Central California SPCA to run its animal shelter expires next week, raising concerns about what will happen to the animals at the shelter.

Caren Braider put out a plea on Facebook asking for people to step forward and adopt animals before the contract ends.

“The Central California SPCA shelter in Fresno is CLOSING at the end of June as they lost their contract. thats only TWO WEEKS AWAY. and these dogs (you can see the poor care) will NOT be moved to the new shelter. THEY MUST BE SAVED OR THEY WILL DIE. ALL OF THEM.”

Braider told GV Wire that the Central California SPCA has “never shied away from gratuitous ‘euthanasia.’ ”

Not true, the Central California SPCA responded on Facebook. While the non-profit agency’s contract with the city expires on June 30, their existing shelter at 103 S. Hughes Ave. is not closing.

According to its Facebook post, the organization is opening a new spay/neutering clinic and will continue to seek new homes for stray animals at the shelter.

Linda Van Kirk, executive director of the Central California SPCA, did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Brenda Mitchell, board president of Fresno Humane Animal Services, said Friday that the new Fresno Animal Center was willing to take animals that are being housed at the CCSPCA shelter but the offer was declined.

New Center Opening

Fresno Humane Animal Services will operate the city’s newly constructed $22 million animal shelter on Airways Boulevard next to the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, city spokeswoman Sontaya Rose said.

Mitchell said details of the contract with the city are still being worked out.

To reach the center starting July 1, residents can call (559) 600-PETS (7387), Rose said. The center’s new website is fresnoanimalcenter.com.

The animal center will celebrate its grand opening from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Tours of the facility at 5277 E. Airways Blvd. will be provided to the public.

Services Provided

As for feral cats, “Fresno Humane operates under a TNR — Trap Neuter Return program for feral cats that the City supports based on data evidence. However, the public is encouraged to call 600-PETS for a solution-based approach to their unique situation,” Rose said in a text message to GV Wire.

The center will accept injured or sick wildlife that will be transferred to the appropriate wildlife rescue organizations.

And the new center will loan traps for TNR purposes but will require a deposit to ensure the trap is returned, Rose said.

However, Mitchell said that traps for feral cats will not be available initially.

The goal will be to return lost pets to their owner or, after a 72-hour mandatory hold expires, find new homes or rescue organizations to take the animals, Mitchell said. She said that owners should not rely on photos posted to the center’s website because such photos can be misleading, but should visit the center to see if their lost pets have been turned in.

And with the Fourth of July approaching, pet owners should take a few minutes in the next couple of weeks to verify that the registration for their pet’s microchip is up to date with phone and email information, she said.

Independence Day is a day of anxiety and fearfulness for pets because of loud noises that firecrackers produce, causing some to jump fences and escape.