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Animal control warns owners to winterize shelters after euthanasia spike; county groups offering straw donations
Summary
Bedford County animal control reported a December euthanasia rate near 9.7% and urged residents to follow new state sheltering rules, seek heated water buckets or bring animals indoors, and consider donated straw from local animal groups.
Bedford County animal control on Monday urged residents to protect pets and farm animals during a period of extreme cold, and reported a December euthanasia rate of 9.7 percent while saying the shelter’s 2024 annual euthanasia rate was 5.9 percent.
“December was a tough month for us. We did end the month at 9.7 percent euthanasia, which is still under our 10%,” the Animal Control Officer said. “We did end 2024 with a 5.9% total euthanasia rate.”
The officer walked through winter-sheltering guidance and cited a Tennessee law that took effect July 1, 2023, setting minimum shelter requirements for outdoor animals in certain months: three sides, a floor and a roof, with enough room for the animal to turn and lie down comfortably. The officer warned against blankets, sheets or towels as bedding during subfreezing temperatures because such materials can collect moisture and freeze, and encouraged the use of straw or similarly nonfreezing bedding.
“State law will now require shelter consists of 3 sides, a floor, and a roof. The dog has got to be able to go in, turn around comfortably, and lay down comfortably,” the Animal Control Officer said. The officer recommended heated water buckets for animals kept outdoors in single-digit temperatures and suggested that owners bring animals into warm buildings or provide wire or plastic crates when wind chills are extreme.
The Animal Control Officer also asked residents to consider donor resources: the Bedford County Humane Association and private donors had supplied straw bales the shelter could distribute. The officer said New Destiny Dog Rescue had pulled some animals from the shelter to free kennel space.
The officer cautioned residents who pick up loose animals: physically capturing an animal may create longer-term responsibility for the finder because the person who takes custody may also assume care obligations while an animal is part of an investigation.
No ordinance or new county policy was proposed during the report. Animal control invited residents to call the shelter for assistance or to learn about available resources.
