William Borrelli, a resident of 599 Smoke Road in Griffin, told the Spalding County Board of Commissioners during citizen comments that animal-control responsiveness is failing and described an incident in which he said he called 10 times and no one came to pick up a stray dog.

Borrelli said the animal-control director refused to come to the scene until “2 sworn animal control officers and 4 Spalding County deputies were there,” and described that as “very intimidating” and “borderlines bullying.” He said he has emailed members of the board multiple times and has not received a response.

The complaint prompted extended comment from Commissioner Flowers Taylor, District 1, who said, “The animal control is not good. I cannot say this enough.” Flowers Taylor described staffing shortages, workers quitting after being followed by residents and called for more proactive enforcement, including door-to-door checks of licensing and spay/neuter compliance.

“She told me the only animals that are prioritized right now is animals that are biting or doing harm to others,” Borrelli said, describing the department’s stated prioritization. Flowers Taylor added, “We don't have a dog or cat problem. We got a people problem,” and said abandoning animals is criminal: “And it's a felony, and it needs to be prosecuted.”

Commissioners pressed County Manager Steve for follow-up. Flowers Taylor asked the manager to return with options for “bucking up enforcement,” including staffing changes or other measures to reduce the shelter’s caseload. Commissioner Reginald Watts separately asked the county manager to look into trash on South Pine Hill Road, a separate neighborhood maintenance request.

No formal vote was taken on animal-control policy at the meeting. Commissioners said they expect the county manager to develop recommendations — including staffing and enforcement options — for the board to consider at a later date. The board also noted an intention to discuss longer-range items at a planned January retreat.

The public comment segment that brought the matter to the board took place during the scheduled citizen comments portion of the meeting; commissioners addressed the issue during commissioner reports and direction to staff.

Ending: The board did not adopt an immediate staffing or budget change at the meeting. Commissioners directed the county manager to return with options and recommended steps for improving responsiveness and enforcement; no timetable for that follow-up was set on the record.