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Draft MOU for county dog pound reviewed; commissioners flag rabies‑vaccination and adoption policy questions
Summary
Hart County Humane Society presented a draft memorandum of understanding governing volunteer services and adoptions at the county pound. Commissioners and the presenter said the MOU needs clearer adoption fees, insurance language, and an explicit requirement that animals be vaccinated for rabies before adoption.
Steve Pendleton of the Hart County Humane Society presented a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would govern volunteer work and adoptions at the county dog pound. Pendleton said the draft is intended to take effect before volunteers begin donating services and before the adoption process starts.
Commissioners and Pendleton identified several areas that require clarification before the MOU can be adopted. Commissioners asked that the MOU specify (1) the agreed adoption fee and how fees will be used to support pound operations, (2) insurance coverage for volunteers and the county, and (3) a clear definition of what “engage in partnership” means for processing adoptions.
Multiple speakers stressed a public‑safety concern: commissioners and staff said animals should be vaccinated for rabies before they leave the pound. Pendleton said the Humane Society has applied for West Virginia Department of Agriculture spay‑and‑neuter funding ($17,500 requested) and hopes to use program funds to help get pound animals to a veterinarian for vaccinations and spay/neuter work once the award is announced.
A member of the public raised legal and liability concerns and asked the county’s custodian of records about public‑records procedures; commissioners said the county’s newly retained outside counsel will review the MOU language. No formal action was taken; commissioners accepted the draft and directed that the county attorney review and refine the language.
