Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners say animal shelters, dog pound overwhelmed as abuse cases surge
Summary
Trumbull County officials and animal-control staff told commissioners the county's dog pound and regional shelters are at capacity amid a recent spike in animal-abuse cases and stray intake; staff urged coordination with Warren officials, prosecutors and local shelters and discussed funding and staffing needs.
Commissioners and animal-control staff described a surge in animal-abuse cases and stray intake during the June 16 workshop, saying the Trumbull County dog pound and local shelters are overwhelmed.
Dog-warden staff (Matthew Dubon) said the pound and partner shelters are at capacity and that operations are being managed day by day. "We're figuring it out one day at a time," Matthew said, noting recent events had created an uncommon volume of intake and strain on staffing resources.
Commissioners and other speakers urged coordinated action with Warren city officials and local shelters, stronger enforcement in court and expanded spay/neuter programs. One commissioner said prosecutors and judges should more vigorously apply existing laws in abuse cases to deter repeat offenders, which would reduce shelter strain.
Speakers noted that a new facility would be only a partial solution unless courts, prosecutors and regional partners also enforced penalties and supported prevention programs. Several commissioners said they expect to meet with Warren city officials and shelter partners to seek short-term relief and longer-term funding and staffing solutions.
Next steps: Staff said they will continue outreach to Warren and other shelters and will report back with recommendations, which may include requests for additional staffing or funding and coordinated regional responses to court-handling of animal-abuse cases.
