Hundreds Rally At Collinsville Meeting To Save Animal Shelter After City Announces Eviction

Hundreds of people in Collinsville showed up to the City Commissioners meeting Monday in support of an animal shelter after the city decided not to renew the shelter's lease.

The city owns the land where Ward Wiseman Animal Haven sits, and the city does not charge for rent or repairs.

Related: City Of Collinsville To Evict Nonprofit Animal Rescue On City Property

Both the city and the shelter helped fund the cost of the building.

It was an emotional meeting for both sides.

Supporters of the shelter say the City Manager isn't willing to work with them on a solution, and the City Manager says it doesn't make sense for the city to spend taxpayer money on the shelter.

People supporting Ward Wiseman Animal Haven protested outside before the Collinsville City Commissioners meeting and again afterward.

The commissioners voted last month not to renew the city’s lease with the shelter, which has operated on city property rent-free, for nearly two decades.

Many people at the meeting say they think the city should reverse their decision.

“What the city is doing is wrong," said Louise Tounzen. "I’ve lived here all my life. But I feel like this is worth fighting for. That’s why so many people are out.”

Chuck Ralls, the Collinsville City Manager, says legally, the city can’t give property to a non-profit.

The group said at the meeting it would be willing to pay utilities and rent if it would be allowed to stay open.

Ralls says that the shelter isn’t meeting the city's needs.

“The numbers that we are sending through Ward Wiseman versus the other facilities in the region," said Ralls. "They just do not have the space or the capacity to serve the city’s needs.”

Ralls says he appreciates all the people showing up and speaking out and hopes citizens will continue to be involved in city matters.

“We are here for you," said Ralls. "We do represent the citizens. Your voice was heard. Both in numbers and vocally. That will be taken into consideration, and we will bring back those options to the commissioners and I thank them for the attendance.”

Coza Huffman, the board president of the shelter, says she appreciates all the support.

“It means the world to us," said Huffman. "We know that we’ve always had strong supporters, and I think this has just reminded us of that support that we’ve had for all these years.”

If no action is taken by the commissioners, the shelter will have to be out of the building by January 1st.