Clay County residents presented a petition with 193 signatures to county commissioners Monday night, calling for animal control services to address the county’s growing stray animal problem.
Resident Caitlin Fishburn addressed commissioners urging them to pursue funding and establish a way to care for abandoned animals.
“Everyone knows that there is problems in Clay County with strays,” Fishburn said, “What we don’t know is what to do about it. The problem is only getting worse and we as citizens have come up with a plan for controlling our pet population. We need our commissioners to locate grants.”
The petition organizer said the signatures came from Clay County residents over three days, with another 40 collected online. One resident said neighboring counties have historically accepted animals from Clay County but are no longer willing to continue doing so.
Residents proposed seeking grants, contracting with neighboring counties or developing a county-operated facility. They also urged commissioners to consider the public safety concerns created by loose and potentially dangerous animals.
Commissioners acknowledged the problem but cautioned that securing a grant would not eliminate the ongoing expense of operating a shelter, including feeding and caring for animals. They also discussed the difficulty of enforcing leash laws when owners refuse to claim stray animals.
Residents suggested a spay-and-neuter program as an immediate step toward reducing the animal population. One speaker offered to help organize volunteers and pursue funding, while another identified a potential grant-writing resource with experience establishing animal shelters.
The commission was also asked to consider forming a committee to study animal control options, including the possible use of the former jail building. Commissioners took no formal action on the request.