The Ascension Parish Animal Control Center could be closed if parish officials determine they can't continue to swallow $177,000 in deficit costs each year.
The Advocate reports that the parish operates the control center with a six-person staff on call 24 hours a day to pick up aggressive and injured animals. The shelter also accepts animals brought in by residents of Ascension and St. James parishes.
The Ascension Parish Council's Strategic Planning Committee is considering whether to continue funding the shelter.
The annual $400,000 operation is funded primarily through the parish's general fund as well as some service fees.
Supporters of the shelter say closing it could quickly lead to an overpopulation of stray animals in the parish.
