Resident urges county action on backyard breeding, proposes licensing fees and sterilization assistance

During public comment on Oct. 21, resident Dina Kristen of 215 Eagle Cove Drive, Cherryville, presented photos of recently rescued dogs she said were in poor condition and urged the board to take action to deter backyard breeders and reduce the county’s stray and intake burden.

Kristen described multiple animals she said appeared to be unchipped, emaciated, injured or in danger of being discarded. She referenced historical measures — differential licensing fees, low-cost sterilization and microchipping — that reduced shelter intake and euthanasia rates in other communities and urged Cleveland County to implement deterrents and assistance for low-income owners to reduce the rate of unaltered, roaming dogs. Kristen offered an illustrative example from commonly cited multiplication statistics and said even a small percentage change in breeding behavior could have an exponential effect on future dog populations.

Kristen said backyard breeders use public resources and limit capacity for citizens who need to surrender pets. She also addressed common objections to fees, calling available assistance for poorer residents a remedy and noting that pet ownership carries costs. In closing, she said, “It is cruel and unfair for them to be put in that position.”

Chair thanked the speaker and indicated staff would take the comment; no specific county action or ordinance was proposed or voted on during the meeting.