Friends of Anson County Animal Shelter detail operations, raise repair and funding concerns

Representatives from Friends of the Anson County Animal Shelter presented the board with a quarterly operational and financial update during the Feb. 3 meeting.

Christine Morton, president of the Friends group, reviewed intake and outcome statistics and noted the shelter’s December expenses totaled $39,914.16, information Treasurer Stephanie Phifer provided to the board. The report said the shelter remained open for aggressive or bite animals while kennel repairs continued and that staff or volunteers completed 170 spay/neuter surgeries, handled 109 intakes, and sent 112 animals to rescue partners during the reporting period. The group also described direct resident assistance through a pet-food bank and temporary sheltering aid.

Morton provided liability-insurance documentation to county staff and suggested the county explore a licensing or dog-tag fee model used in neighboring Stanly County as a potential revenue source. Chad Phifer highlighted continued problems with a previously used wall paint product peeling from kennel walls; the Friends group provided photos and requested further repairs. Parks & Recreation Director Wendell Small and others explained a 48-hour contractor-notice requirement tied to ongoing work and state inspection schedules and said maintenance cycles have recurred about every four years in similar county facilities.

Commissioners thanked the volunteers and asked county staff to follow up on maintenance timelines and any options for funding repairs. The board also received a written list of Friends’ future goals, including using grant funds to replace flooring, resurfacing bathtubs, pursuing licensing, and providing additional staff training.