Humane Society of Scott County

A former HSSC animal protection services dispatcher from Ward 5 described untrained staff, dangerous adoptions, improper euthanasia recommendations, animal mistreatment, and unsanitary, overcrowded conditions; she anonymously reported the shelter to the state of Iowa.

Read her granddaughter Jasmine's statement describing severe injuries from dog attacks at HSSC, lack of training, zip-tie-repaired kennels and overcrowded conditions with over 300 cats.

A Ward 2 former animal control officer described clogged drains, chemical water dumped into storm drains, insufficient safety equipment, and cut officer hours under the current director that left officers working alone without backup.

A Ward 7 longtime supporter said conditions described happened years ago, praised the current director's improvements including remodeling the King's Harvest building, and urged resolution so improvements can continue.

A Ward 5 volunteer and foster of over 400 animals said Davenport has a serious pet overpopulation problem (1,465 foster animals in 2025), praised current leadership, and was disappointed the contract-end post went out without first contacting the director.

A Ward 4 volunteer and foster called for transparency from both the council and the Humane Society, and suggested the shelter's problems stem from the underfunding the city is disputing.

A Cedar Rapids rescue board member said HSSC is the only partner shelter that consistently avoids euthanizing for space, noted state regulatory oversight exists, and urged informed support rather than underfunding.

A Rock Island resident said up to 75% of shelter animals come from Davenport, warned against a move toward euthanizing for time and space, and said the $300,000 in city funds bought only zip-tie and duct-tape repairs.

A Ward 8 former APS officer supported the call for transparency, noted limited nonprofit training budgets ($500 per NACA class), and said new leadership is finally making changes despite the funding gap.

A Ward 5 resident who moved from Moline over its shelter problems shared his long support of HSSC and emphasized the importance of information sharing.

A Bluegrass, Iowa resident objected to how the contract-ending announcement was made and challenged the city: if it takes over animal control, would a cost-per-animal model lead to euthanizing animals whose care is too expensive?