Animal Committee: New Board Proposed, Budgets Still Unknown, Ordinance Changes

By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor

The second Trenton-Dade Animal Control Committee meeting of the month on May 20 focused heavily on the revisions being made to three documents: the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the City of Trenton and Dade County, city animal control ordinances, and county animal control ordinances. The meeting also included a handful of minor discussions that might cause some citizens to have concerns.

When talking about the IGA, Gidget Knight (county clerk) noted that Bob Woods (District Three county commissioner) was the only one to provide feedback or edits since the previous meeting.

Woods explained his concern about the opt-out clause, saying, “I don’t like either party being able to say they don’t want to play anymore.” Alex Case (city mayor), Monda Wooten (city street commissioner), and Melissa Bradford (District Four county commissioner) voiced agreement that after all the time and energy going into establishing the agreement, it should outlast the current commissions.

Don Townsend (county executive) noted that it’s typical to have an opt-out clause in an IGA, saying, “It’s hard to say what could happen that would cause us to have to get out. It doesn’t necessarily have to be bad. It may just be that you want this rewritten and something added.”

Wooten noted that most of the people in the room are familiar with situations where a staffing change or newly elected official caused dissension between governing entities. “We could have a new mayor come in who says, ‘You know what? I just don’t like the county executive, and we can’t agree on this, and I’m done.’”

In the end, all agreed to remove the language that could end the IGA, but they kept the language that would terminate just the automatic renewal. This confusing latter portion seemed to mean that the IGA would not end, but if one of the entities saw something that needed to be changed, that entity has 120 days before the automatic renewal to opt out.

Bradford then noted that she would like to see some kind of regulation or standards for the existing animal control committee. (Case had also earlier mentioned the idea that this committee should exist as long as the facility exists.) Bradford said, “There’s too many boards that we have that don’t operate in good ways because there were no rules and regulations.”

Therefore, Townsend suggested that a new board between the city and county be established to govern the Trenton-Dade Animal Center (TDAC).

Wooten explained her reason for supporting this idea, saying, “We could get a commission or a council that really has no idea about animal control,” but Case noted that regardless of a separate board’s existence, the county and city are responsible for upholding animal control ordinances.

He said, “We’re the holders of the taxpayers’ funding to do this. I think what’s wrong with some of the boards now; we don’t have commissioners involved with these other boards who can report back.”

It seemed to be decided that the existing committee would establish the needed procedures and see the building brought to fruition. Then, the TDAC board will maintain responsibility in perpetuity. This new board will be separate from the 501(c)(3) that will collect donations toward the facility, but Townsend suggested that the chair of the nonprofit might also serve on the TDAC board.

In summary, we have this existing committee, the first few employees making up the TDAC staff team, a Friends of TDAC 501(c)(3) with its own board in the works, and a future TDAC board to replace the existing committee in the works.

Woods brought up the question of how long animals will be housed in TDAC. He thinks two or three months is too long, saying, “I don’t want it to be where we’re babysitting animals for a long period of time.”

Wooten said the largest investment comes during the intake process (especially taking care of animals’ medical needs). She said, “Food [costs are] really irrelevant. Most shelters get that donated. I’d hate to see an animal put down just because it’s been there 60 days if half the shelter is open.”

Therefore, Wooten feels that these decisions should be left up to Emily Richards (TDAC manager). The others agreed, so Richards will be recommending a capacity/euthenasia policy for the committee to approve.

The committee then commenced a lengthy discussion about financial commitments and budgets. To simplify it all, finances are a bit of a complicated, unknown mess.

One complication is the animal control officers. The committee has not clarified the salary/benefit costs for these positions at any of the recent meetings. Many were in favor of hiring as quickly as possible so enforcement can begin in earnest, but Tommy Bradford (Dade County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy) reminded everyone that the academy is switching from an 11-week program to a six-month program, and no current officers have expressed interest in the new role.

Townsend reported that the county currently budgets $2,400 per year to reimburse the city for animals picked up out in the county. The county’s contribution to TDAC will certainly exceed this amount, and Wooten made it clear that she thinks this is nowhere near the amount needed.

Case had to leave the meeting early, and when Townsend asked the remaining city commissioners what the city’s annual animal control budget is, neither Wooten nor Terry Powell (parks and animal control commissioner) knew the answer. They estimated that it’s at least $100,000. Per the approved 2025 city budget document in the Sentinel’s files, it is $77,490.

The committee discussed potential ways to establish a first-year budget estimate, such as looking at Luck’s Rescue current cost-per-animal or the city’s last three budgets and actual expenses. One interesting side conversation was about whether or not Luck’s Rescue would continue once the facility is open.

This topic is important because it’s a question of whether or not volunteer groups and nonprofits (that aren’t tied to the government) will continue their work once the government provides improved animal services. It’s also a question of government growth. Is the government sticking to animal control, or is it taking over the much broader animal welfare and medical care needs?

Bradford said, “Audray does a whole different thing than what the county’s going to do.” Luck contradicted Bradford, saying that what she does is similar to what the county will do and includes animal control.

Townsend said, “When we get up and running, we’ll be doing everything she’s been doing. She’s been doing it for free.”

Bradford said, “Well that’s her service. That’s what she does.” Townsend asked Luck if she will continue Luck’s Rescue after the facility is up and running, and she said she will.

Wooten and citizen/volunteer Jimmy Stewart noted that over the many years of discussion about an animal facility, some people have organized fundraisers. Without anything having been accomplished until this year, donors became frustrated.

Wooten shared an account of one woman who said, “Do you know how many fundraisers I’ve been to for the Dade County animal shelter over the past 20 years? Do you know how many thousands of dollars of checks I wrote?”

Stewart said that Jeff Mullis once gave $10,000 to the project, so he asked where that money is now. Wooten said, “It went to the general fund, and I’m sure it’s long gone.”

Moving on to ordinance amendments, Richard’s main recommendation is to bring the city and county ordinances into alignment with each other. As covered in the previous meeting, she recommends establishing a tagging license in the county.

Wooten had wanted to add a “sidewalk sale” ordinance, but that is now covered by state law: Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 331 into law on May 9, preventing the sale or trade of dogs, cats, or domestic rabbits in public places like parking lots, sidewalks, parks, and flea markets. The bill intends to cut down on backyard breeders and puppy mills due to the unfortunate prevalence of animal cruelty in these situations.

However, the bill does not prevent giving away animals for free, so Luck would like to add a local ordinance preventing giving away animals in these public spaces. She (and Stewart) noted that often, these animals aren’t vaccinated or fixed.

Townsend and Bradford did not agree with Luck. They cited instances where they themselves or family members have given away accidental litters of puppies or kittens.

From the Sentinel’s perspective, Luck’s idea would be a major infringement on personal freedom. (Some may already feel that HB 331 is an infringement on freedom, but there is substantial evidence about cruelty at puppy mills.) Luck’s concern for animal welfare is certainly admirable, but concerns about government overreach are also at play.

When a family’s cat or dog accidentally or intentionally has a litter that they choose to give away, recipients are responsible for ensuring proper vaccinations, spay/neutering, etc. Compare it to buying a used car from a dealership or from an individual. Would you not do your due diligence to review its history and/or have it inspected?

Another brief topic that came up was putting down animals. Wooten, Luck, and Richards were quick to remind people that you legally cannot shoot dogs in the state of Georgia (unless they are on your property actively hurting people, animals, or property). Even in cases where an animal needs to be put down, the three reminded the committee that people are not allowed to shoot their own dogs on their property. Richards said many municipal animal facilities provide low-cost euthanasia services. Bradford believes this would be a helpful service for TDAC to offer.

As for a spay/neuter ordinance, Richards said, “It’s just not feasible to force people to fork out all that money yet.” Bradford agreed. She and Richards believe that once TDAC offers a low cost spay/neuter option, an ordinance may be justified.

Richards continued, “What I’m recommending right now is an ordinance that enforces the Department of Agriculture requirement: If I have a male and female dog and I want to breed a litter of puppies, or if I have a litter of puppies one time per year, that’s fine. But the second you make a second litter of puppies that year, you require a breeder’s license with the Georgia Department of Agriculture.”

Dylon Floyd (Trenton Police Department captain) had some good clarifications for the city ordinances, and all agreed with his common sense suggestions. They were minor changes, such as clarifying that vicious dog decisions would still go before municipal court.

Wooten added that she would like an ordinance that addresses hoarding situations. Richards asked if she wants a limit on how many animals someone could have, but Wooten said, “I wouldn’t say that.”