Commissioner proposes written animal-control visit reports; board refers request to administrator

Commissioner Bair introduced a motion asking that Jackson County animal-control officers be required to provide animal owners with a written report within 48 hours after a site visit. The proposed report would include: the date of the visit; the reason for the visit; observations of animals and their physical condition; observations of animal facilities; expectations for improvements and a date for the next visit.

Bair said the county officers “are already doing 1 through 4” in their reports but that owners were not being told in writing what must be changed before a follow-up visit. He said verbal instructions “don't stand up anywhere,” and asked that expectations be conveyed in writing so owners could prepare.

Commissioner Kennedy asked whether “within 48 hours” meant after the visit (Bair confirmed it did) and said the animal-control director should be consulted before the board adopts a policy that affects the department. Commissioner Williams said he would withhold a second until the director or the animal-control officer could respond.

Rather than vote on an immediate policy change, the board voted to direct the administrator/controller's office to review the request, consult animal-control staff, and return answers to the board. The referral passed by voice vote. The administrator will report back with the department response and clarifications about implementation and timing.