Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control shelter addressing issues after state inspection

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control shelter is working to remedy sanitation and building maintenance issues — including roof leaks, ceiling damage and mold — that were identified during an inspection by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship earlier this month

The state agency first conducted an inspection on Aug. 15, and found one non-compliant item — related to out-of-date paperwork for the shelter’s foster program, which the shelter said it is working on updating — among the 32 reviewed. On Aug. 19, the state conducted a follow-up inspection and identified six additional non-compliant items.

“It appears the City of Cedar Rapids has abandoned their responsibility to maintain a structure that was completed in 2013,” the inspection report reads.

The issues the report identified include inadequate ceiling maintenance, interior water pooling, high humidity and condensation in canine rooms, lack of ventilation in enclosures, and multiple issues related to the appearance of mold.

“The city was already aware of several items prior to the inspection and had begun mold remediation. Repairs are underway and HVAC specialists are engaged to address ventilation and humidity concerns,” a Thursday Facebook post from Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control states.

The identified issues must be fixed, or the city must have a plan in place to fix them, by Sept. 2. The animal shelter plans to meet that deadline, the post reads.

The city also is working with a third-party consultant to conduct an independent review of the shelter, which it expects to be completed by November, according to the post. The third-party review isn’t required by the state, but the city wants to use it to “strengthen the long-term success of Animal Care and Control by assessing staffing, facility improvements, shelter operations, and animal care,” according to the post.

“The health and safety of the animals in our care, and the staff who serve them, remain our top priority. Facility inspections are a routine part of the State of Iowa’s oversight process. We have a clear plan in place, have already begun making corrections, and remain in coordination with State officials to ensure full compliance,” the post states.

Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell also posted a statement to Facebook Thursday, explaining that the shelter has been under the direct management of the city manager’s office since June, when the city council learned about staffing issues at the shelter.

O’Donnell reiterated the details of the inspections and the plans to address issues there were shared by the shelter, and also stated that the city is working on hiring for two additional positions at the shelter and that city staff have been volunteering to support day-to-day shelter needs.

“As Mayor, I will continue to advocate for a safe, healthy, and compassionate environment for the animals in our care — and for the people who serve them. This is about accountability, transparency, and doing right by the most vulnerable in our community,” the post reads.

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