Sumner County creates ad hoc committee to study moving animal control out of sheriff’s office

Sumner County commissioners voted Feb. 3 to form an ad hoc committee to study whether animal control should be operated outside the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.

The committee will consist of between three and seven members and will ‘‘explore’’ options for separating animal control from the sheriff’s department while continuing to coordinate with the sheriff’s office, Chairman Teachner said. Commissioners voted by voice to create the group and asked residents who wish to serve to email the chairman; the panel will be named at next month’s meeting.

The vote followed extended public comment and commissioner discussion. Several residents, volunteer shelter workers and members of an ad hoc review group urged the county to consider a stand-alone, professionally managed animal-services agency, citing operational concerns and the ability to access private funds and volunteer support.

Donnie Silva, who identified himself as a member of the ad hoc committee and a Hendersonville resident, told commissioners the committee had compiled 16 years of data and recommended a professional, stand-alone animal-control operation. ‘‘Get your best and…