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BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. (KCTV) - Blue Springs will be doing animal control differently starting Oct. 1, 2024.

Pawportunities is known as the only animal rescue shelter in Blue Springs, and for just over two years they’ve also handled animal control in the city. In just a few months, that will no longer be the case.

Pawportunities Executive Director Carrie Siems said the shelter’s current contract with the city is set to expire on Oct. 1, with no plans to renew.

She said the expiration means Pawportunities will lose the building and it will be taken over by the city. Siems’ goal is for every animal under their watch to be adopted before the deadline, but after that date she’s just hoping for the best.

“My biggest concern is what’s going to happen for the animals of Blue Springs,” Siems said. “As a rescue, we will find a way to survive. The building is easier for us, but my biggest concern is the animals of Blue Springs and not knowing the plan for them.”

In April, Blue Springs mayor, Chris Lievsay posted this message on Facebook:

“Yesterday Pawportunities revealed the decision by the City Council to return Animal Control operations to a city provided service as of October 1, 2024. In late March we were advised to not continue the current arrangement due to the legal implications created by the relationship, and have been sharing this information with Pawportunities over the last couple of weeks. Many of us wish other options were available to maintain what has worked well for the past few years, but that is just not possible.
As was communicated to the Pawportunities Board of Directors, we hope there will be further opportunities for a working relationship with Pawportunities at some point in the future, and we support their mission of “changing lives through animal welfare.” We recognize that the level of service previously provided when the city was responsible for these tasks was not adequate, and their leadership along with the ongoing work of their staff has set the standard that will continue to be the expectation of our residents. We have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for the work they have done, and want to acknowledge the care and dedication of the Pawportunities team as they have operated this service.
Over the next few months, we will be creating a transition plan to address animal control operations moving forward. We have heard loud and clear the concerns that existed with the previous level of service, and will be taking steps to ensure those are addressed. We want to assure our community that we are dedicated to a smooth and positive transition, and to maintaining the highest standards of animal care and public safety here in Blue Springs,. As indicated in the Pawportunities message, the current service hours and staffing will remain as agreed in the existing contract until the transition in October. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we maintain a high quality service for our residents and their pets.”
Blue Springs Mayor Chris Lievsay

KCTV5 has reached out to the City of Blue Springs to learn more about why they’re ending the animal control contract with Pawportunities. We have yet to hear back. There are dozens of animals at the shelter still waiting to be adopted.