HOUSTON – A Houston City Council member is working to bring renewed focus to a chronic problem in a part of north Houston grappling with stray dogs.
During Wednesday's council meeting, Council member Karla Cisneros used Melrose Park as an example of the need for responsible pet ownership. The park is located off Canino Road in a neighborhood bounded by Airline and the Hardy Toll Road.
"I am appalled at what is occurring at Melrose Park," said Cisneros.
KPRC has been reporting for several years on the issue of sick, dead and abandoned animals at the park.
"Don't want kids getting in any danger, especially with stray because you don't know -- rabies, anything they could have," said Rodrigo Garcia.
Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care officials said they have picked up 14 strays at the park since April of last year. However, that number only includes the strays animal control officers are able to capture.
Cisneros is hoping to institute an annual Spay and Neuter Month in Houston, starting in February.
BARC has been working to bring down the stray animal population by hosting free spay/neuter and pet wellness clinics across the city.