Deeper problems this week for Birmingham-Jefferson County Animal Control.  The Birmingham city council *did not* discuss funding for the financially plagued operation.
City council member Johnathan Austin says the city's not satisfied with the service it's getting.

"We're continuing to receive the same amount of complaints.  We have made little or no progress on really working to address those main issues and then the humane treatment of animals at that facility we have concerns about that."

Owner of animal control Steve Smith says although some people are not pleased with their service, he says they're doing the best job they can, and he remains steadfast in their committment to the animals. 

"Until a new RFP comes out and until a new contract is awarded be that to me or somebody else there's still a responsibility in place to provide funding as long as the services are being provided."

A request for proposal has already been written, and bidding will soon open up for animal control contractors.  Council member Valerie Abbott says the issue needs to be a top priority for the city.

"We're expecting improved services because it is completely different from what we have right now, so we're expecting the city of Birmingham to pay for the service we get instead of subsidizing everyone else's service."

Without money from Birmingham - animal control has lost more than 60-thousand dollars to operate.  But the issue's not over yet, it's scheduled to be discussed at Wednesday's public safety committee meeting.