Belleville Council has increased a pound services contract with the Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward.
The decision came Monday afternoon at their regular Council meeting held at City Hall.
The recommendation was to provide an increase of $255,800 in 2026 pre-budget approval to raise the sole and single source agreement to $460,000 for next year to be funded by taxation.
The current Pound Services Contract is set to expire at the end of the year. While the Humane Society operates as a charitable nonprofit, they operate with the same financial discipline as a corporation and securing this renewal is essential for their ability to budget responsibly for the up-coming year.
The City had been funding the Humane Society approximately $100,000 annually, with an approximate additional $100,000 provided in 2025. Records show that only a modest annual cost-of-living adjustment has been applied since at least 2017.
All Council members voted in favour of increasing the pound services contract.
“This decision demonstrates Council’s commitment to animal welfare and to the health and wellbeing of our whole community,” stated Humane Society executive director Melanie Cressman in a media release following the meeting.
“A fair service contract not only ensures that animals receive the compassionate care they need, but also supports public safety, prevents the spread of disease, and fosters a stronger, kinder community.”
This renewed agreement strengthens the foundation for even greater collaboration in the years ahead, HSHPE board president Greg Sudds stated.
“Humane societies are at the core of healthy communities,” Sudds noted.
“By addressing stray animal populations, providing education, ensuring safe adoptions, and supporting local residents in crisis when they can no longer care for their pets, our work extends far beyond animal welfare. This contract affirms that when we invest in humane solutions, both ends of the leash benefit.”
(HAILEY MACDONALD)
