Residents urge investigation of Anderson County Animal Control; public commenters call to pause $6 million shelter project

Several residents used the public-comment period to press the commission on animal-control practices and the county's approach to building a new animal shelter.

Heather Kaiser, a livestock owner from Lake City, described the December removal of her goat and said the Tennessee Department of Agriculture investigation found no neglect. "What has been done about it?" she asked, calling for "a formal and independent investigation, an internal audit of the Anderson County Animal Control and Animal Shelter, and a review of policies, procedures and oversight." Kaiser said she had submitted records requests and received unsatisfactory answers.

Donna Height Manic later urged the commission to pause the planned modern shelter, which she described in testimony as a roughly $6 million project, and criticized the sequence of planning. "You do not move to a $6 million facility until the system is stable, functional, and supported by data and collaboration," she said, arguing that the county should complete operational assessments and secure expert involvement before committing to construction.

Commissioners acknowledged the concerns and directed that procedural questions and permitting be brought to the Operations Committee for further review. The law director advised following committee processes when reviewing permits and compliance questions. No formal motion to pause construction was made at this meeting; speakers requested an independent investigation and a public record entry of their statements.