Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Shelter topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press Fayette County on new animal shelter; county says 82% of suggested fixes implemented
Summary
Multiple residents criticized the new Fayette County animal shelter’s design and operations on June 13; County Administrator Steve Rapson said 48 action items were logged (33 implemented, six in progress) and confirmed an RFP and RFI process was underway, while Chairman Lee Hearn noted a recent Georgia Department of Agriculture inspection returned a clean bill of health.
Multiple residents and volunteers criticized Fayette County’s recently opened animal shelter during public comment on June 13, 2024, citing kennel sizes, limited outdoor space, staff treatment concerns and a desire for greater community input on design and operations.
Speakers including Lotte Commerford, Taryn Prestidge, Cynthia Saracino and other volunteers described concerns about the RO/holding area and the need for more outdoor runs, volunteer access and programming such as service-dog training. Commenters also proposed lower-cost kennel alternatives.
County Administrator Steve Rapson responded that the county had logged 48 action items to improve shelter operations: 33 had been evaluated and implemented, six were in progress, six under evaluation and three rejected; Rapson said those figures equated to 82% of suggested improvements being implemented. Rapson added the county issued a formal RFP on May 17, 2024 (responses due June 11) and an RFI to gather additional information; he said the county would evaluate commercial kennel options and that any donations or volunteer proposals must follow procurement and county policies.
Chairman Lee Hearn said he visited the facility and found kennels clean and staff working; Rapson noted a surprise inspection by the Georgia Department of Agriculture earlier that day also returned a clean bill of health.
The Board approved a separate SPLOST action that allocates $500,000 to Animal Services Phase 2 for walking trails and a livestock building; Rapson said staff would review commercial dog kennel information and evaluate feasibility during the procurement process. County staff committed to ongoing review and additional action items identified in the meeting’s public comments.
