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Resident asks county for guidance after rescuing stray dog; commissioners point to SPCA and leash law
Summary
A resident who rescued a stray dog asked commissioners what the county provides for stray animals after local shelter operators said they were full. Commissioners cited Tennessee leash law, a contract with the SPCA, and advised the resident to contact SPCA or post on social media; staff said they would follow up.
Jim Duboc, a county resident, told commissioners he found a stray dog in his yard and was told by animal-control staff that he could be charged with animal neglect if he released the animal. “What does the county have in place for stray dogs?” Duboc asked, describing the dog as large and noting the animal had wandered into a roadway and could have caused an accident.
Commissioner Thompson and other commissioners responded that Tennessee has a leash law and that the county maintains a contract with the SPCA to handle stray animals, but that the shelter was reportedly full. Thompson said the county’s options are limited and offered to “take it under advisement” and contact the SPCA on Duboc’s behalf: “I can contact SPCA myself and what we could do. And if you don't mind, give your name, phone number, Laurie there before we leave so I can get back in touch with you.”
Commissioner Winters suggested leaving the animal at the SPCA’s facility if possible and noted the county provides annual funding to the SPCA: “That's the only group that we have that we put a quarter of a $1,000,000 in about every year, for for them to keep moving forward.” Winters and other commissioners also suggested posting on social media and leaving contact information so staff can follow up.
Duboc said he had already contacted the animal-control officer and the SPCA, and that SPCA staff told him they were full. Commissioners discussed the options available to a county resident who finds a stray animal in the county versus the city shelter and recommended the resident continue to pursue SPCA assistance, consider posting online to find the owner, and provide contact information so county staff can follow up.
The commission did not enact a new animal-control policy at the meeting; staff agreed to contact the SPCA and follow up with the resident.
