Resident urges Platte County to develop coordinated animal‑welfare program

Marlene Black of rural Weston spoke during public comment to ask the commission to start a dialogue on animal welfare in Platte County. She said the county relies primarily on law enforcement for animal control and compared Platte County to other counties that have publicly run shelters, nonprofit partnerships, or dedicated animal‑control officers.

"My name is Marlene Black and I live in rural Weston and I'd like to start a dialogue concerning animal welfare in Black County," Black said. She described difficulty finding placement for stray or surrendered animals, cited a recent incident involving two dogs, and said she researched comparable counties that use a mix of sheriff's office, municipal shelters and nonprofit partners to provide animal services.

Black asked commissioners to review County Ordinance 205 and to work with municipalities and nonprofits; she said she plans to return next month to continue the discussion. A county official responding during the meeting said the sheriff's office has been consulted and that animal‑welfare work is ongoing.