Flying B Animal Rescue and Sanctuary to offer spay, neuter services

ELLIS COUNTY – The search for animal services and maintenance was closed to vendors recently in Ellis County, with no respondents proposing to shelter the animals. 

The county did receive a proposal from Flying B Animal Rescue and Sanctuary for spay and neuter services.

Flying B is a 501c(3) nonprofit interested in hosting weekend spay and neuter clinics using a mobile, licensed veterinarian to perform the services.

Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman, who has been instrumental in the logistics of the ongoing need for animal services, worked with the county commissioners and Flying B’s Caroline Taylor to bring the proposal forward for negotiation.

Taylor attended the Commissioner Court’s meeting and explained she had been in animal rescue for roughly one-and-a-half years.

“I quickly got involved and realized we were never going to shelter or rescue our way out of this problem,” she said. 

Since the inception of her 501c(3), they have spayed and neutered 457 animals in Ellis County through the donations of people in Ellis and Dallas County.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity for use of the excess budget from the SPCA contract to get the county on the same page and let’s make a very small dent, but let’s make the dent in getting the animals spayed and neutered so we can reduce the animal population roaming the streets,” Taylor said.

Ellis County Judge John Wray confirmed the services would be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

Taylor explained she works with three veterinarians, and added they can also do animals more than 100 pounds if the county can find a place to comfortably house them.

Commissioner Louis Ponder, pct. 3, asked about a co-pay, which there will be for animal owners who schedule the service.

Currently there is only one dedicated location for the mobile service – in the Ennis Walmart parking lot.

Taylor said she also partners with the Pet Coalition and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department to target hot spots where animals are in need of services. 

Taylor said the idea is entering with the idea of compassion and help versus police and enforcement.  

During spaying and neutering, the animals are also given rabies shots and a mandatory microchip.

Sheriff Norman added the last clinic Flying B put on had his team in attendance, and it was done well. 

He said there is funds in his budget to help pay for costs of this service at $7,500 per event.

The item passed unanimously with Commissioner Lane Grayson, pct. 2, not in attendance at the meeting.

For information about Flying B Animal Rescue and Sanctuary visit www.flyingbrescue.org.