Local elections take place on November 4, and there are no elections more important to the welfare of homeless pets than those at the local level. Animal control and sheltering services are managed by individual cities, each responsible for ensuring that animals in their jurisdiction receive care and protection when they are in need.
This year, two local jurisdictions — West Des Moines and Waukee — have either completely or nearly completely ceased providing services for the majority of animals in need within their communities.
As an animal lover and engaged citizen, your voice at the polls and at city council meetings matters. The decisions made at the city level directly affect the lives of animals and the responsible use of taxpayer funds. In West Des Moines, for example, the city continues to spend roughly half a million dollars annually on its Neighborhood Services division, even as animal services for citizens have been drastically reduced.
City of West Des Moines Candidate Survey
Jennie Doke-Kerns – Ward 1
- Pet and animal services are an important part of community quality of life — pet ownership rates are comparable to park use (Att. 1). What programs or initiatives would you bring to the community to support pets and pet owners?
I feel that pets are an important part of our community. I feel it is in the city’s best interest to support low/no cost spay and neuture clinics to help control the animal population. I also feel it is in the city’s best interest to have a safe place to surrender pets in the unfortunate event that one needs to be rehomed. - Beyond caring for your own pets, what have you personally done to support animals in need in your community?
In the past, I have fostered breeder release and senior dogs. I have also worked to support fundraising efforts for the ARL and Oh My Dog Rescue. - Cat services currently reach only about 15% of the number historically served under previous animal service contracts (Att. 2). Of that small percentage receiving services, over half were labeled as feral and put back outside. How would you ensure that cats have access to needed services?
Simply releasing animals back onto the street is not in the community’s best interest. I would support efforts to explore other options and programs to deal with this problem. - The Neighborhood Services budget (formerly Animal Control) is approximately $500,000 (Att. 3). There are 4 full time city employees–whose main roles are animal control–accounting for the majority of this funding (Att. 4 p. 48). Would you maintain this level of funding, and how would you prioritize spending to ensure animal care and medical services are adequately funded?
As I would be a new member of council, I would need to spend time learning about the city budget before I can propose changes to it. - What is your understanding of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs?
These programs work to capture, neuter, and then release cats back to the location where they were collected. The idea is to control cat populations be discouraging uncontrolled breeding. Often a cat’s ear is notched in order to show that the cat has received these services. - How do you define a “feral cat”?
Feral cats and stray cats are not the same thing, though people often use the terms interchangeably. Feral cats live in the wild and may never have been domestic cats, while strays have some history of living with humans. Feral cats are sometimes considered just part of the wildlife in an environment, while strays would most likely benefit from being rehomed to a new human. - Multiple past pet stores in West Des Moines have obtained dogs from USDA-licensed breeders with records of welfare concerns generally considered to be “puppy mills.” Would you support prohibiting the retail sale of cats and dogs in pet stores?
Yes. Pet stores are notorious for using puppy mill dogs. - Many residents have expressed concern about recent changes to West Des Moines animal services. The 2024 citizen survey found only 46% of residents felt the public had sufficient input on city decisions. How would you ensure community voices are included in decisions about animal services? Do you support a citizen committee on animal services?
I would want to make sure that there was repeated and transparent pulbic notice whenever issues such as these were going before the council or being considered by the city. I would support a citizen committee on this issue. - Do you believe the city should directly operate facilities to house animals during stray holds and for adoption?
I need to do more research on what options are available and what organizations/ entities are best suited for these services. - Should the city shelter be open for residents to bring in or reclaim stray animals without requiring an appointment?
Ideally, yes. However appointments may be necessary because of staffing issues. - Other cities’ animal services (local example the city of Ames) offer citizens owner surrender pet services. Many other cities offer vaccination clinics, pet pantries, crisis foster services, and veterinary assistance programs. What is being offered to the citizens of West Des Moines as a part of the neighborhood services budget?
Again, as a new member of council, I will need to examine the current services available, how they are offered, and how can we best address the needs of our community. It would be in our city’s best interest to offer these kind of support services if possible.
Kevin Trevillyan – Ward 1
Declined to respond.
Doug Loots – Ward 3
Declined to respond.
MJ Hoag – Mayor
1. Pet and animal services are an important part of community quality of life — pet ownership rates are comparable to park use (Att. 1). What programs or initiatives would you bring to the community to support pets and pet owners?
Sadly, I must admit to not having a lot of ideas for new things on this front. The dog parks aren’t going anywhere, for instance.
If we don’t already do it, I think it’s potentially useful for pet registrations to pop up in the information when emergency services is called to a home, particularly since that’s likely to be a little more accurate and more visible than the “pet owner” stickers I’ve seen on some doors. (I don’t recall offhand if that info appears currently or not. If it does, we should publicize that!)
Beyond that, I’d be more than happy to listen to ideas from the pet-parent community about what we may be lacking, and would be useful or nice to have. (And I see there are some ideas in the final question of this survey, which I would be open to exploring.)
2. Beyond caring for your own pets, what have you personally done to support animals in need in your community?
When able, we donate food or other items to local shelters. We have previously fostered a kitty from Furry Friends. (We very nearly became foster fails. I am happy to report we still get the occasional update, and she is doing well and now has an adopted kitty sister.)
After an incident involving an acquaintance’s pet cat and an inhumane trap, I dug through city code to realize our code in that area referenced state code from 2003, which set fines lower than those today. After discussion, city Legal has informed me that Police Department policy is to charge people under state code (so the higher fine was presumably issued), but that they’ll be updating city code to match state for consistency. (In either case, it’s little consolation. Digging through code after this event has led me to believe we may not have sufficiently robust laws against harming animals within the city.)
3. Cat services currently reach only about 15% of the number historically served under previous animal service contracts (Att. 2). Of that small percentage receiving services, over half were labeled as feral and put back outside. How would you ensure that cats have access to needed services?
As I mention in my later answer about TNR, I would absolutely want any such program to provide any necessary medical care to the animals.
As I’ll mention in the next answer, partnering with existing shelters seems like it would be pretty darn important to provide adequate levels of care.
If there’s a program to get cats adopted and off the streets, I have some potential concerns about who makes the decisions about which animals are adoptable and which aren’t. A city employee, given the direction to keep budgets down, is more likely to release adoptable animals into the outdoors, because that aligns with the incentives they are given. On the other hand, someone solely concerned with getting animals off the street might be more inclined to take in cats who would be better left on the street. (To be clear: I’m not saying either side would be acting nefariously or with mal-intent! Only that incentive structures can influence decisions.)
So the criteria used, and who makes the decisions, is likely to be something which would be necessary to hash out, and periodically re-evaluate to ensure decisions are consistent and fair to the animals.
(See Attachment 2 – At-Large West Des Moines Cat Impounds 2019–2025 (Projected). Insert graph here.)
4. The Neighborhood Services budget (formerly Animal Control) is approximately $500,000 (Att. 3). There are 4 full time city employees–whose main roles are animal control–accounting for the majority of this funding (Att. 4 p. 48). Would you maintain this level of funding, and how would you prioritize spending to ensure animal care and medical services are adequately funded?
That sounds like a lot of money, but I don’t know that it’s unreasonable. To run some very quick numbers: if we’re operating our own shelter as a city, you’d need 3 people just to have a minimum of one staff member present for most of the day seven days a week, to ensure animals are cared for and exercised. Two shifts of 8 hours each for 16 hours a day M-F, and four more eight hour shifts on weekends, puts you basically at 3 FTEs right there, still leaves animals unsupervised for eight hours a day, and leaves only one staffer remaining to do field work. (In reality, I’m guessing sheltered animals are simply left alone for much larger portions of the day than I would consider reasonable.)
Which really just underscores how vital it is to have partnerships with existing shelters, as they’re already going to have people around taking care of animals, and to treat those partners well and pay them sufficiently for their services.
I can’t speak directly to how that parses out for budget levels, but my general philosophy is to fund things at the level they need to be funded to actually be good.
(See Attachment 3 – Neighborhood Services Budget Worksheet 23–25.)
(See Attachment 4 – Neighborhood Services FTO Manual, Apr 2025.)
5. What is your understanding of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs?
My understanding is that they are what they say on the tin: programs where unhoused cats are trapped, neutered, and then returned to the location they were found. Cats generally have their ear clipped, so they can be easily identified as having already been through the program. I believe TNR programs are intended to limit population growth of such unhoused cats, not necessarily to get the animals adopted into loving homes, though some programs do work to get friendly cats fostered and adopted.
I would certainly want any such program to also check for and treat any diseases or other maladies, as well as provide vaccinations. That’s not just for the health of the animals directly treated, but also to ensure they don’t spread things to other colony animals or pets.
To go on a bit of an aside: a friend of mine was adopted by a TNRed cat in their neighborhood. She is a lovely but shy girl, who has never left their house since joining the family. So I know just how friendly such a cat can be, how much better their lives get when they find a loving home, and how much work it can be to establish trust for the animal to realize it has found a loving home.
6. How do you define a “feral cat”?
My completely non-expert take on the term is that it refers to a cat which has not been socialized with humans. To my knowledge, the term doesn’t necessarily say anything about the friendliness of the animal.
If you’re looking for a more legal definition, that’s outside my area. I would need experts—a mix of city legal staff, shelter and animal welfare experts, and so forth—to tell me what the definition should be.
7. Multiple past pet stores in West Des Moines have obtained dogs from USDA-licensed breeders with records of welfare concerns generally considered to be “puppy mills.” Would you support prohibiting the retail sale of cats and dogs in pet stores?
I have no issue with trying to limit the sale of puppy mill animals, and thus the income potential of running a puppy mill. I don’t have as much of an issue with sale of animals coming from reputable breeders—I don’t personally like it, but that’s not sufficient cause to ban something.
And I’m a huge fan of stores cooperating with shelters to make shelter animals more visible (both of our cats were shelter cats on display at a pet store). Visibility gets animals adopted, after all!
So I think the nuances are important to get right. But, I would certainly be open to exploring the possibility of mechanisms for discouraging stores from doing business with puppy mills (fines, disclosure requirements, whatever—open to suggestions).
8. Many residents have expressed concern about recent changes to West Des Moines animal services. The 2024 citizen survey found only 46% of residents felt the public had sufficient input on city decisions. How would you ensure community voices are included in decisions about animal services? Do you support a citizen committee on animal services?
I have previously mentioned we should experiment with use of Citizen’s Assemblies, for policy recommendations. That’s not specific to animal welfare, but animal welfare issues could absolutely be one or more of those assemblies.
A permanent citizen committee on animal services (or animal welfare more generally) is not something I had considered prior to this question, but my initial thought is: Yeah, that makes a ton of sense. Transparency and oversight are important, and reporting to a citizen board would definitely help with that. There would need to be some discussion about what all was covered by such a committee—would dog parks be part of it or is that a Parks Board issue, would they be asked to make recommendations on animal welfare laws, or which animals are allowed in what zones, or hunting allowances within the city, or would it strictly be oversight of animal services—but I have no doubt somewhere in there we can find useful work for a citizen board to do.
9. Do you believe the city should directly operate facilities to house animals during stray holds and for adoption?
I’m open to directly running a shelter, partnering with existing shelters, or a mix of both. That said, as noted previously, even minimally staffing a shelter has a pretty high cost in terms of base staff, so I suspect the biggest bang for our buck is going to be to find partnerships.
10. Should the city shelter be open for residents to bring in or reclaim stray animals without requiring an appointment?
If we’re operating a shelter, yes. Requiring an appointment would suggest the shelter is unstaffed and animals are left alone most of the day, which can’t possibly be adequate care.
11. Other cities’ animal services (local example the city of Ames) offer citizens owner surrender pet services. Many other cities offer vaccination clinics, pet pantries, crisis foster services, and veterinary assistance programs. What is being offered to the citizens of West Des Moines as a part of the neighborhood services budget?
I’d be open to exploring all of those things.
Russ Trimble – Mayor
Our pets are part of our family and each and every one of us are huge animal lovers. We care very deeply about the health, safety and well-being of not only our people but their pets as well. This is why we employ animal control officers with over 70 years of combined experience in caring for animals. This is why we have always maintained a contract with a local animal shelter for adoption of dogs and cats. This is why, this year, we expanded the capacity of our shelter and why we issued a request for proposal to contract with an animal shelter for adoption of cats and kittens to go along with our contract with AHeinz for adoption of dogs. This is also why after it became known that Furry Friends wasn’t moving like they originally said they were, we moved the fireworks display to Jordan Creek Town Center. All this said, each one of us runs extensive grassroots campaigns, knocking on thousands of voters’ doors to receive feedback and input from the people on issues they care about. We also make ourselves available by phone and email to discuss issues. It is not our practice, however, to fill out political surveys from special interests regardless of the issue or cause for which that special interest stands. Therefore, like the other surveys we have been requested to respond to, we will not be responding to this survey. Thank you for all you do to care for our animals. We look forward to working with you to ensure our cats and kittens are well cared for and adopted out to a loving home.
Renee Hardman – At Large
Declined to respond.
City of Waukee Candidate Survey
Anna Bergman Pierce
The City of Waukee contracts out for resident services that the City determines is appropriate and necessary for its community and when there is a viable, fiscally responsible option to do so. One of those services has been animal control and related services, as is the case with many municipalities across Iowa.
Services and care for cats and kittens, including TNR, are very important and we have added this matter to several public meeting agendas and/or held discussion regarding options for the same over the last few months because of its importance.
As an aside, I served as a volunteer board member for a local animal shelter for many years, have provided legal services pro bono for cases and matters concerning animal rights and welfare, and am very passionate about companion animal protections. We have also revised our own City code during my tenure to include harsher penalties for animal neglect and abuse cases within the City.
I believe that the laws in our State are not strong enough to adequately protect and prevent animal neglect and abuse, for companion animals or livestock (which currently includes horses per se), and while not in the control of the City, there is work to be done across the State to strengthen those laws.
But make no mistake, you and everyone at your organization and others alike, are the ones doing the hard work, and I am VERY appreciative of that. I cannot begin to grasp the challenges that you face in animal welfare, but I am very supportive of what you’re doing, and my door is always open.
Lori Lyon
Open, honest communication solves problems. I believe it’s important to communicate with community stakeholders and experts in humane cat policies. I can’t pretend to know all the answers, but am willing to listen to those more knowledgeable than me, and educate myself around this topic. I want policy that is humane to cats, native wildlife, and the community at large. My approach is to listen to concerns and attempt to come to a resolution that values the contribution that pets pay in our well being, and addresses any mismatch between current practice and city code .
Leigh White
- View on the City Council’s 2025 decision to end cat services despite City Ordinance 55.18
I care deeply about the welfare of animals and believe they are an important part of what makes a community feel like home. While I was not involved in this decision and am still learning more about the specific issues surrounding cat services, I believe city policies should be applied consistently and fairly. I would like to better understand both the reasoning behind this decision and its practical impact before forming a final opinion. - Steps to ensure appropriate services and enforcement of city code
If elected, I would first want to review how the ordinance aligns with current resources and community expectations. My goal would be to ensure that our approach is both compassionate and sustainable. That might include working with local rescues, veterinarians, or nonprofits to explore cost-effective public–private partnerships that help the city meet its responsibilities under the code without placing an undue burden on taxpayers. - Support for a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program
I am open to learning more about a TNR program. The data I’ve reviewed suggests that these programs can reduce feral cat populations and improve community relations when properly managed. However, I would want to understand the cost implications, long-term outcomes, and potential partnerships before making a commitment. I believe the best programs are those that bring together residents, local organizations, and the city to share both responsibility and cost. - Ideas to support pets and pet owners in Waukee
Pets bring joy, companionship, and connection — values that align with Waukee’s strong sense of community. I would like to explore ways to strengthen partnerships with local animal shelters, veterinary providers, and civic groups to support low-cost spay/neuter programs, lost pet reunification efforts, and pet-friendly community spaces. I also support seeking grants and private sponsorships for programs that improve animal welfare without adding strain to the city budget.
Thank you again for your advocacy on behalf of Waukee’s animals and pet owners. I look forward to learning more about this issue and identifying thoughtful, balanced ways the city can support animal welfare within our means.
Owner of two Fur Babies!
Kala Anderson
- In 2025, the City Council unanimously voted to end services for citizens and for cats found at large, despite city code requiring that all at-large cats be impounded (City Ordinance 55.18). What is your view of this decision?
If the city ordinance is a requirement then I can see where this is conflicting. There are animal welfare issues as well as public nuisance issues as well as the possibility of longer term cost - What steps would you take to ensure that cats in the community receive appropriate services and that city code requiring impoundment of at-large cats be followed?
I will review the ordinance and communicate to the city of this discrepancy first off. Being transparent is something in see and being fundamental. In the mean time there are ways to advocate for animal services by engaging the public. - The city has previously considered a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program that would fund spay/neuter surgeries for community or feral cat colonies. Would you support such a program, and why?
Yes, TMR is recognized as a humane and effective way to manage community animal population. It will also help with the long term issue and addresses public health concerns with not having unvaccinated animals. - Pet and animal services are an important part of community quality of life — pet ownership rates are comparable to park use (Att. 1). What programs or initiatives would you bring to the community to support pets and pet owners?
I would work with the city to have pet service programs that would protect animals and promote responsible ownership. I’d continue to help build community recreation opportunities. Finding a solution that can work in the bigger and also follow the regulation and protect the cats and the people is important.
Jon Eichorn
Pet and animal services are an important part of community quality of life — pet ownership rates are comparable to park use (Att. 1). What programs or initiatives would you bring to the community to support pets and pet owners?
I agree that pet and animal services are an important part of my quality of life. Our pets have always been a part of our family. I would support programs such as encouraging shared spaces, pet friendly housing, pet food pantries, and pet educational workshops. Collectively, responsible pet ownership, improving animal welfare, and creating a pet-friendly environment can be achieved.
In 2025, the City Council unanimously voted to end services for citizens and for cats found at large, despite city code requiring that all at-large cats be impounded (City Ordinance 55.18). What is your view of this decision?
My understanding is that the Waukee City Council voted to end services as the organization providing services requested to end the contract due to capacity constraints. The city attempted alternative methods which were not sustainable due to costs.
What steps would you take to ensure that cats in the community receive appropriate services and that city code requiring impoundment of at-large cats be followed?
As a city council member, I would work toward a sustainable, cost efficient program aligned with city code. I am open to learning more from the community about their ideas and suggestions.
The city has previously considered a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program that would fund spay/neuter surgeries for community or feral cat colonies. Would you support such a program, and why?
Yes, I would support such a program as it is an effective method for managing community cats. I envision a program being a partnership with local businesses and non-profit organizations.
Attachments
- Attachment I What Does Your Community Want from Animal Services
- Attachment 2 WDM cat impounds 2019-2025
- Attachment 3 Neighborhood Services Budget Worksheet 2023-2025
- Attachment 4 Neighborhood Services Manual verified current April 2025
VOTE NOVEMBER 4
Thank you for taking the time to learn about local candidates and their positions on animal services. Your vote directly influences how our community cares for homeless pets and ensures public funds are used responsibly and humanely. Together, we can build a community that protects its animals, supports responsible pet ownership, and values compassion as part of good local governance. Please vote on November 4 and continue speaking up for animals in your city.