Davenport Ends Agreement With Humane Society Of Scott County

The City of Davenport has announced the end of an agreement.

**Latest: the Humane Society of Scott County has released a statement, reading in part:

The Humane Society of Scott County learned of the City of Davenport’s announcement regarding the ending of contract services on December 31st, 2026 at the same time as many of the public. Although HSSC has been engaged in ongoing discussions with the City—including responding to their verbal request in January to extend services while Davenport planned its own animal control and sheltering operations—no formal agreement has been executed, and the City did not provide feedback to HSSC prior to issuing its public statement.

The Humane Society's full statement can be read at this link.**

Original Story

According to a press release from the City of Davenport, they will be ending it's animal control and sheltering service agreement with the Humane Society of Scott County by the end of 2026.

The release said that after "extensive negotiations", the City and Humane Society couldn't reach an agreement.

The Agreement History

Back in August 2023, one year into a 3-year service agreement, according to the latest press release, new leadership at the Humane Society said the contract was no longer sustainable. They requested a funding increase from $400,000 per year to $1.2 million per year.

The Humane Society of Scott County has taken in dozens of dogs and cats since, filling to capacity at times.

The City agreed to pay $800,000 for a year plus $50,000 for a fundraising consultant, along with the creation of a task force to "evaluate necessary ordinance changes for operational efficiency". The task force had recommendations from the Davenport City Council for ordinances to support the Humane Society's mission, including:

• Adjustments to hold periods
• Increased claim fees
• a Trap-Neuter-Return program for cats

The City says they didn't get "detailed operational cost information" as to where exactly the money would be spent.

Now, the City says they'll work with the Humane Society to "transition services in a way that balances compassionate animal care with fiscal responsibility". If you're thinking about adopting a pet (which you for sure should, by the way), no worries. The City doesn't anticipate any interruption in services and will continue to provide animal care through the rest of the year.