Residents press commissioners on animal control staffing, shelter care; county leaders promise review

Multiple residents, former employees and rescue volunteers used the Spalding County Board of Commissioners’ public‑comment period Oct. 20 to press for changes at the county animal shelter, saying staff shortages and shelter practices have harmed animals and undermined public trust.

Julia Maloney, a former shelter employee, told the board she worked at the shelter from June 2024 to June 2025 and described “six staff members [who] quit or transferred” during her tenure because of shelter management. She said dogs with heartworm had not been consistently tested or treated and called that “a violation of the animal protection act.”

Other speakers echoed those concerns and described operational problems they said have left animals and citizens at risk. Heather Goforth said the group of residents, rescue volunteers, veterinarians and former staffers had offered evidence that “local ordinances and state laws have been broken,” and that they had sometimes been treated disrespectfully at public meetings. Ginger Barelli described a recent call reporting a loose dog in a senior living community and said callers were told dispatch did not answer, leaving residents without a response. Rachel Sims warned that citizens’ desperation over slow responses can lead to unsafe self‑help measures.

County Manager Dr. Ledbetter and other county officials responded during the meeting. When asked about the specific call at Sun City Peachtree, Dr. Ledbetter said he had “taken a note of that” and agreed to have staff look into whether dispatch and animal control failed to respond. Dr. Ledbetter also said he had contacted state inspectors about shelter protocols and that state inspections indicated the county was following state protocol.

Commissioner Reggie Watts offered to take a lead role, saying he would “take the lead on working with the citizens and animal control” and asked staff to collaborate. Watts said he wanted “county resources to be involved” and instructed Dr. Ledbetter to get involved in the reform effort. The board did not adopt a formal resolution during the meeting, but multiple commissioners and the county manager signaled support for a coordinated county‑led review and for better community engagement.

Speakers representing rescues and former staff said they will continue submitting written grievances and asked the board to pursue reforms and accountability. County staff noted the recently formed Spalding County Humane Society and said its membership and governance had been updated after earlier concerns about conflicts of interest.

The commissioners did not announce specific policy changes at the meeting but committed to follow up. Dr. Ledbetter and commissioners asked staff to prepare reports and to work with citizens and the county attorney as needed. Residents said they will continue to monitor shelter practices and submit further documentation to the board.

Ending: The board allocated no immediate funds or personnel changes during the Oct. 20 meeting. Commissioners asked staff to report back and Commissioner Watts said he would convene county and citizen participants to seek practical reforms.