PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9th, 2025
CANYON COUNTY, CITY OF NAMPA, AND CITY OF CALDWELL RESPONSE TO COPPER QUILL HAVENS NOTICE TO STEP DOWN FROM SHELTER SERVICES
Caldwell, ID- Last year, Canyon County, in partnership with the Cities of Caldwell and Nampa, conducted a competitive bidding process in response to increasing costs for animal shelter services. The process was designed to ensure responsible use of public funds while increasing the standards of animal care and public safety.
Following the completion of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process in December, Copper Quill Haven (CQH) was selected as the applicant best suited to operate shelter services. Since that selection, the agencies have been collaborating closely on final contract negotiations. They anticipated finalizing the agreement at a meeting scheduled for this morning, where they were prepared to accept the key terms proposed by CQH and advance the contract to their respective governing bodies for approval. Prior to the meeting, Copper Quill Haven informed Canyon County of its decision to withdraw from further negotiations and cease pursuit of the contract.
Our community depends on reliable animal shelter services. Canyon County, along with the Cities of Caldwell and Nampa, is working diligently to ensure continuity of services while evaluating available options to determine the best long-term solution.
After all entities received notice that CQH had ceased negotiations, the purpose of the scheduled meeting shifted to developing a path forward that prioritizes animal welfare and the needs of the community. Concluding this meeting the Board of County Commissioners and representatives from the Cities of Caldwell and Nampa agreed to meet again as soon as possible to discuss the next steps and explore viable paths moving forward. In the meantime, the facility will continue to be available for law enforcement agencies, but expanded services to the general public are paused until a long-term solution can be identified.
All entities remain committed to acting in good faith and to finding a responsible, sustainable solution that balances animal welfare, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. Most importantly, we are united in our commitment to achieving outcomes that benefit the animals in our community and the residents we serve.
COMMISSIONER BRAD HOLTON
COMMISSIONER ZACH BROOKS
COMMISSIONER LESLIE VAN BEEK
MAYOR ERIC PHIILLPS, CALDWELL
MAYOR RICK HOGABOAM, NAMPA
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For more information, please contact Aaron Williams at (208) 614-5011 or by email at aaron.williams@canyoncounty.id.gov.