City Council approves new Animal Control facility [Video]

The body ultimately voted 7-2 on Tuesday in favor of the $2 million purchase of a 10,000 square-foot building located at 2310 West Cary Street, which, after roughly $1.5 million in repairs and upgrades, will be converted into an adoption center for RACC. But that vote was preceded by a debate that touched on race, the budget process and whether the city is prioritizing animals over people.

Stephanie Lynch, who represents the 5th District, passionately opposed the project, arguing that it is a sign the city is putting pets over people facing homelessness and poverty.

“My heart is breaking right now,” Lynch, a social worker, said. “(With) that $3 million, … we could build a family and children’s walkup shelter” — which the city currently does not have.

“We need to invest in an animal shelter. There’s no question that the work that RACC does is amazing,” Lynch continued. “But …