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The staffers asked the Council to pass two bills: One would give the shelter the ability to ; would allow the shelter to accept donations and services.

And the shelter staff brought guests: half a dozen adoptable dogs. They panted and wiggled as staffers asked the council for help.

Waiving fees incentivizes adoption of large dogs, said Dr. Kanika Cunningham, director of the county health department.

“A strong adopter is not defined by the price they pay, but by the love and commitment they’re ready to give,” Cunningham said.

Council Chair Rita Heard Days, a Democrat from Bel-Nor, has expressed concern about waiving fees. She has said she worries about the quality of homes or the ability to afford keeping a pet.

Shelter population manager Olivia Kovac brought Kenny, a 5-year-old dog from the shelter. He came to the shelter with a gunshot wound, and lost his front left leg as a result. He also had heartworm. Treating animals like Kenny is costly, and the shelter needs to be able to accept donations to pay for care.

“Without donations, these lifesaving efforts are limited,” Kovac said.

County Executive Sam Page has also asked the council to dedicate a total of $21 million in NFL Rams settlement money to the shelter for improvements. The requests are pending before the council.