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Columbia County staff warn of full kennels as humane society changes intake model; county may need its own impound facility
Summary
County staff told commissioners the humane society has altered its intake model and county-built kennels that were intended as temporary holding space are full; staff said the county may need to consider an impound facility or other changes to meet legal holding requirements for seized animals.
County staff reported that kennels the county built to support animal enforcement are full after the county’s sheltering partner changed its intake model. The county’s animal enforcement director told staff he is "not sure what to do," county speakers said, and commissioners discussed options including revising the contract with the humane society or creating a county impound facility for short-term holding.
A staff member summarized the situation: the county had constructed eight kennels intended for nights, weekends and holidays and relied on the humane society to accept animals; with the humane society’s business-model change, "Our kennels are full, and they won't have any room," the staff member said. The staff member and county commissioners explained the county must hold seized animals for statutory periods (three days minimum, often longer for code and statutory procedures) to comply with state law and to allow due process for owners.
County staff emphasized that they do not seek to interfere with the humane society’s operations but said the county has a legal responsibility to provide an ability to hold animals so code enforcement can function. "If there's nowhere to put them, we can't pick up animals because we can't comply with the law," a county staff member said.
Commissioners discussed contracting and facility options. One commissioner noted the county may need an impoundment facility with minimal daily-care capability rather than a large shelter. The county attorney and staff said they will review existing contracts with the humane society and will return with options for short- and longer-term solutions.
Public-safety emphasis: commissioners cited examples of public-safety incidents involving loose animals and said they want to ensure county enforcement can continue. Staff said steps will include reviewing contractual obligations and whether to fund a small impound to hold animals for required statutory periods.
Ending: County staff said they will return with contractual and budget options for board consideration; commissioners said timely action is necessary because animal enforcement already reports operational limits.
