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Screven County residents and advocates press commissioners to form animal-shelter advisory board
Summary
Residents and outside advocates urged the Screven County Board of Commissioners to create an Animal Control Advisory Committee and expand outreach, citing high use of neighboring Bulloch County services and stray-dog problems; Commissioner Allison Willis proposed forming a committee and raising adoption fees to offset spay/neuter costs.
Dr. Richard Marz of Statesboro told the Screven County Board of Commissioners on March 14 that an Animal Shelter Advisory Committee in neighboring Bulloch County helped increase adoptions, engage rescue groups and launch a Trap-Neuter-Return pilot he described as transformative for that community. His presentation was part of a series of public appearances focused on local animal-control challenges.
Rebecca Ross of Buttermilk Road told the board she has brought photos of stray and deceased dogs and said many Screven residents rely on Bulloch County for the Snip Clinic and shelter services. According to testimony presented to the board, more than 1,200 Screven County residents have used Bulloch County’s Snip Clinic and about 40 residents pursued adoptions through that shelter; advocates said those figures indicate local demand but limited local capacity.
Tallulah Trice, who oversees animal control for the Beaufort/Hilton Head area, provided an "Administrative Ticket Form" used as a "Fix It or Ticket" enforcement tool designed to reduce violations without requiring court appearances. Several residents, including Nadine Loits, described strays at dumpsites scattering garbage and posing disease and nuisance concerns.
Commissioner Allison Willis proposed forming an Animal Control Advisory Committee to mediate between the public and county staff and suggested increasing adoption fees to help fund spay-and-neuter efforts. The board discussed repair and operational constraints and received no formal motion to establish the committee during the meeting.
County Code 11-3, #4 was cited by speakers as the provision that requires Animal Control to pick up strays; speakers asked the board to clarify enforcement practices and increase local outreach so residents need not rely on neighboring counties for basic services.
The board did not take a formal vote to create the advisory committee during the March 14 meeting. Commissioners asked staff to consider the proposal and follow up in a future meeting.
