Clinton City Council Considers New Animal Control Agreement with Humane Society

The proposed one-year deal focuses on addressing dangerous dog cases, but some council members have concerns about the limited scope and costs.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:20am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a dog park, with blurred shapes of people, dogs, and trees in soft, warm tones, conveying a sense of community and care for animals.As Clinton works to rebuild its animal control partnership, the community hopes for a renewed focus on pet welfare and responsible ownership.Clinton Today

The City of Clinton, Iowa is moving closer to approving a new one-year agreement with the Clinton Humane Society for animal control services, after ending its previous contract with the organization last October. The proposed deal would have the city pay the Humane Society $48,000 to handle the most extreme cases involving public safety threats, abuse, or neglect, particularly related to dogs. However, some council members worry the agreement doesn't adequately address the city's full animal control needs and budget.

Why it matters

Animal control has been an ongoing challenge for the City of Clinton since it ended its contract with the local Humane Society last year. This new proposed agreement aims to at least address the most serious cases, but some officials are concerned it doesn't go far enough to solve the city's broader animal welfare issues and costs.

The details

The proposed one-year agreement between the City of Clinton and the Clinton Humane Society would have the city pay the organization $48,000 to handle extreme cases involving public safety threats, abuse, or neglect, particularly related to dogs. However, some council members worry this limited scope doesn't account for other animal control needs, such as cat hoarding cases, that the city may still have to handle and fund on its own.

  • The City of Clinton ended its previous contract with the Clinton Humane Society in October 2025.
  • The Clinton City Council discussed the proposed new agreement at a committee of the whole meeting on April 15, 2026.
  • The Clinton City Council is expected to vote on the new agreement and appoint a liaison with the Humane Society at its next meeting.

The players

Celeste Robbins

A former volunteer and board member of the Clinton Humane Society who has been advocating for the organization at city council meetings.

Rhonda Kearns

A Clinton City Council alderman who expressed concerns about the limited scope and costs of the proposed agreement with the Humane Society.

Patrick O'Connell

The Clinton City Attorney, who suggested the city could address animal control issues through a new ordinance that would put some of the costs on repeat offenders.

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What they’re saying

“This is not going to be enough to meet the city's full needs, but it can take the biggest, most dangerous cases and get those stray dogs off of the street.”

— Celeste Robbins, Former Humane Society volunteer and board member

“We're pinching pennies everywhere else. We have to pinch it where we can.”

— Rhonda Kearns, Clinton City Council alderman

“My concern is we're going to be vetting some of these animals before they go to the Humane Society, that's a cost. There are no cats involved here, so if we have a cat-hoarding case, that's a cost.”

— Rhonda Kearns, Clinton City Council alderman

“We can certainly do that. We can address it in that way. And it gives you another way to recover costs and get the courts involved if we have irresponsible owners.”

— Patrick O'Connell, Clinton City Attorney

What’s next

The Clinton City Council will vote on the proposed agreement with the Clinton Humane Society and appoint a liaison with the organization at its next meeting.

The takeaway

While the proposed one-year, $48,000 agreement between the City of Clinton and the Clinton Humane Society aims to address the most serious animal control issues, some council members are concerned it doesn't go far enough to solve the city's broader animal welfare challenges and associated costs.