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Resident criticizes animal control board changes; commissioners nominate hunter-applicant for required slot
Summary
A resident urged the board to reverse recent Animal Control Advisory Board bylaw changes and resist appointing a hunter who uses dogs; commissioners later nominated Ken Severe to the hunting-organization slot (application period remains open).
During public comment on Aug. 25, Kathleen Edwards urged Stokes County commissioners to oppose appointing a hunter who uses dogs to the Animal Control Advisory Board. Edwards said the board’s bylaws were changed recently to reduce membership to five, that the county lost a licensed veterinarian and law-enforcement representation on the advisory body, and that public records show no cruelty prosecutions since a recent hire.
“She said: “These people have no animal cruelty training and no animal welfare training,” and argued the advisory board should include more voices advocating for animal welfare rather than fewer members dominated by hunters.
Later in the meeting staff reported the board had advertised the new, hunting-organization seat and received one application from Ken Severe by the Aug. 22 deadline. A commissioner moved to nominate Severe and a second was recorded; the board approved the nomination by voice. Staff told commissioners they would keep the position open for an additional two weeks to allow more applications and that the final appointment would follow the full application period.
Commissioners did not take further action on bylaw changes that day but thanked Edwards for raising concerns and noted there are options for the public to provide input once the formal appointment process concludes.
Next steps: staff will keep the application period open per policy, report any additional applicants, and schedule the formal appointment for a future meeting if needed.
