Leechburg Council approved a new two-year contract with Delmont-based Hoffman Kennels for animal control services.
The vote was 4-0-1 Tuesday night, with Councilman Chuck Pascal abstaining. Councilwomen Ruth Bender and Megan Goedicke were absent.
Pascal said he was uncomfortable voting for the contract because Hoffman occasionally euthanizes dogs, but he noted there were limited options for animal control.
“No one else does this service,” he said.
Other council members said Hoffman Kennels has served the borough for decades without issue and its owner, Gary Hoffman, is very professional.
“Gary’s awesome,” Councilman Alan Tarr said. “His kennels are as clean as people’s houses.”
The current deal expires at the end of this year.
Solicitor James Favero said the new contract runs through December 2024 and maintains the monthly cost of $130.
Hoffman Kennels provides animal control services for numerous communities, among them Oakmont, Penn Hills, Arnold and New Kensington.
A call to the kennel Tuesday night was not returned.
But Hoffman talked about his business at an Arnold Council meeting, in which his services were selected instead of Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley.
He said they have been in business for more than 42 years. He and his employees answer about 60 to 70 calls per day and write 150 to 200 dog citations per month.
