HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93010_1227 (2)5. A staff that was adequately trained
6. Methods to humanely euthanize animals
7. A good working relationship with local veterinarians
8. An effective education program
Mr. Mashburn said it was evident the animal control department had support and
commitment, and the county had an ordinance that had been updated several items. He
said there were sterilization programs, but unfortunately, citizens with low -incomes still
had problems paying to have their pets spayed or neutered. Mashburn said the shelter
had educational programs, but for the last few years these had mostly centered on rabies
control. In conclusion, Mashburn said his recommendation would be for the board of
commissioners to authorize the staff to work with the Humane Society on the
development of a proposal to create an effective low-cost spay and neuter program.
Mashburn said he further suggested that the staff and Humane Society seek additional
private funding to make the service available to all citizens, regardless of income.
Commissioner Norman asked about the projected costs.
Mashburn said the county could start with just the funds available.
Dr. Diana Bowman, a local veterinarian, said the sterilization of a dog would
cost around $100.
Lane said $50 or more would be needed to sterilize a cat.
Mashburn again said the spay -neuter program would depend upon the funds
available. He said he was not recommending that the board allocate additional funds
for this purpose. He mentioned the possibility of initiating the program using grants.
Chairman Johnson said the fact that so many animals were being killed was not
due to any irresponsibility on the part of the board of commissioners, Joel Mashburn,
Sidney Weisner, or any of the animal control employees. He said the reason so many
animals were being killed was due to so many people being irresponsible with their
pets. Johnson said that due to recent newspaper articles about animals and the different
methods of euthanization, that he recently visited the local shelter and witnessed a
carbon monoxide euthanization. He said that what he saw was unpleasant, but he
wouldn't consider it as being inhumane. Johnson said the media had published articles
saying the animals fought for their lives, and it took minutes for them to die. Chairman
Johnson said that from the time the gas was turned on, it took 20 seconds for the
animals to collapse, and within 45 seconds, they were unconscious. He said that during
the euthanization, he didn't see any animals fighting.
Chairman Johnson said it was only fair to state that he would not be able to
support any proposals or recommendations that would (1) endanger the employees at
the animal control shelter (2) compromise the public's health and increase their
exposure to rabies and (3) dramatically increase the costs at the animal control shelter.
OTIO by Commissioner Madison to authorize the county manager and staff,
to work with the Humane Society in pursuing grants for the recommendations as were
submitted by the county manager.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PUBLIC HEARING
Chairman Johnson declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Consideration of an Economic Development Incentive for the Ingersoll
Rand Corporation: Mr. Ron Leech, the manager of the Charlotte office for the
North Carolina Department of Commerce, along with Jerry Moran, corporate counsel