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Volunteers and residents press Clermont County over shelter policy; board tables volunteer policy to Jan. 15
Summary
Volunteers and residents demanded changes to a proposed Clermont County dog‑kennel volunteer policy—criticizing holiday and Monday restrictions, background‑check costs and restrictions on volunteer tasks—after which the board sent the policy back for revision and legal review and set further consideration for Jan. 15, 2025.
Dozens of residents and volunteers urged the Clermont County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 18 to revise a proposed volunteer policy for the county dog kennel, arguing the draft would discourage longtime volunteers and limit care for shelter animals. After extended public comment and a staff response, commissioners voted to table the policy for further review and legal consultation and set it for reconsideration Jan. 15, 2025.
“I think our goal is to bring us together,” said volunteer Lisa Gottschlich during public participation, while pressing the board to allow volunteers to work on Mondays and public holidays and to retain flexibility over tasks such as dog walking and enrichment. Gottschlich also asked whether the county would pay for mandatory background checks and how the policy would treat people with prior convictions who have completed their sentences.
Resident Deanna Smith recounted individual animal welfare concerns and asked the board to provide financial support where rescue partners had incurred costs after taking dogs from the shelter. Tracy McCullough displayed graphic photos she said show animals kept in distressing conditions and told the board those images help explain why volunteers have left.
Shelter management responded in the meeting. Deputy Assistant County Administrator Angie Livesay said many shelters adopt one day each week for a deep clean and that Monday was chosen because it is already closed to the public; she also said holiday closures are driven by limited staffing. Registered veterinary technician Christine said the specific graphic photos shown to the board were from before she joined the kennel and “have not happened since I have been at the shelter.”
The board removed the volunteer policy from the table, discussed public comments and legal review, and then voted unanimously to table it again so staff and counsel can consider the submissions and possible edits. The board set the next opportunity for formal consideration on Jan. 15, 2025.
What’s next: The policy will return to the board agenda Jan. 15 after staff review and consultation with legal counsel; volunteers and rescue partners said they plan to continue raising concerns and offering to participate in focus groups and other collaborative efforts.
