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By Becky Watts
ZEBULON - Animal control has been a long time in coming to Pike County. While we still do not have a complete animal control facility like many of the surrounding counties, but the process has begun; and that in itself is a big step for Pike County.
Commissioners and members of the public were invited to go to the county animal control facility after the regular morning meeting last week. This was an opportunity to see what has been accomplished so far on this journey toward animal control.
Pike County now has a facility where dangerous and vicious dogs can be held pending their court hearings, and dogs that are suspected of rabies could be quarantined as well. At this time, there is only room for four dogs in this outdoor facility, but the county is looking toward the future because there are plans to purchase more pens for a later time.
It is important to note this is facility is ONLY for dangerous or vicious dogs that the county will be dealing with through citations and the court process. It is NOT a facility that will take in unwanted animals from the public at this time. Cameras will be installed on this property before the project is complete to ensure that no citizens dump unwanted animals at the facility.
The area in the back of the building is fenced in. The concrete pad that sits beneath the dog cages drains directly into the sewer. The building itself has plenty of room for growth as needed for office space. The Department of Agriculture has examined the facility and is expected to sign off on it very soon.
Discussions have been held at length for many years here in Pike County along with separate meetings to discuss what was wanted versus what is needed. There have also been many discussions about how to pay for animal control and how the county would take steps to achieve mandated animal control for dangerous and vicious dogs through a state mandate. Click here to read this legislation.
The county continued its effort toward animal control with the passage of an ordinance that would address specific types of dog behavior. Pike County passed an Animal Control Ordinance earlier this year that contains dog restraint districts and penalties for owners of dangerous and vicious dogs. Dog owners who are not responsible with their animals can face penalties that will go through Magistrate Court and could result in fines and misdemeanor charges. Click here to read more about Pike County's Animal Control Ordinance.
David Allen, Director of Planning and Development, said that this facility is sufficient to handle threats to public safety. He said that there will be a back panel added to the pens that will provide protection from the elements. He also added that if there is a need for euthanasia, this can be handled on the premises. The county has partnered with a veterinarian in a neighboring county to provide this service if it ever needed. "This is about serving the people and making sure that quality of life is not affected by other people's dogs," said Director Allen.
"This has been a long time coming," said Commissioner Tamra Jarrett. She pointed out that commissioners have been responsive to animal groups and citizens in the county and have worked hard on animal control for the past four years as well as voicing the need for citizens to maintain control of their animals--sentiments that were heard several times during the time that we were at the facility.
Thanks were expressed for Friends of Pike County Animals, Coco's Cupboard, and all of the citizens and other groups who have spoken out on the need for animal control. The commissioners heard that plea and are working toward that goal for the county.
Commissioner Bass pointed out the financial benefits of working toward animal control in stages. "Look what we're accomplishing without raising taxes. We can do it and do more economically."
The Building and Grounds Department was praised for their tireless efforts to prepare the facility for county use. Brandon Rogers and Jonathan Smith did all of the work except putting up the fence around the facility. County Manager John Hanson advised that it was more cost efficient to have that fence installed. Sonny Watkins also helped in the project by buffing out the carpet in the building. "This shows what can be done professionally without blowing the budget," said County Manager Hanson.
While the services offered at Pike County's Animal Control Facility will be limited to dangerous and vicious dogs at this time, there are plans for the facility to expand "as the economy and the citizens dictate."
The state license for the facility was applied for last week and County Manager Hanson advised that the facility is expected to be operational by the end of the month.
