Mineola, Tyler Jr. College join forces for animals

Posted 12/4/19

Mineola will partner with Tyler Junior College for animal services.

The city council approved a memorandum of understanding with the college’s veterinary technology program on Monday, Nov. …

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Mineola, Tyler Jr. College join forces for animals

Posted

Mineola will partner with Tyler Junior College for animal services.

The city council approved a memorandum of understanding with the college’s veterinary technology program on Monday, Nov. 25.

TJC already has a similar arrangement with Lindale.

Police Capt. Dusty Cook said the program will deal mainly with cats.

City Manager Mercy Rushing said that is an area where the city has a lot of issues with feral cats.

Services offered by TJC would include spaying and neutering of animals at no cost to the city, which would help with the feral population.

Rushing said she looks at any arrangement like this to see how it is good for both parties.

The main area of potential cost will be transportation of animals to the Lindale facility, and Rushing said she expects much of that will be handled by volunteers.

TJC students will also work in the Mineola shelter.

Council member Polly Jones questioned whether this means cats from Mineola would become lab specimens for the veterinary program.

Cook said that only those cats already being euthanized would be used by the program.