The Tri-County Journal
& Chattahoochee Chronicle
PO Box 850, 71 Webb Lane
Buena Vista, GA 31803
229-649-6397
tjournal@alltel.net

By RICHARD HARRIS
(From the April 12, 2006 issue)
   Marion County has drafted a new animal control ordinance, which requires rabies vaccinations, forbids owners of female dogs from allowing them to “run loose” when in heat, allows officials to pick up stray animals, and outlines punishments for violators of the ordinance.
   Local animal control advocates have expressed their appreciation for the county commissioners taking an interest in the issue and say the new ordinance is a nice step in the right direction. However, they hope that it is only the first step.
   The ordinance does not specifically establish the position of a county animal control officer, but notes that if the county contracts with an animal shelter or association, then the shelter or association may provide an officer. However, the ordinance stipulates that the county will not pay a salary to such an officer. Neither would the county contribute funds for the upkeep or operation of the shelter.
   “I congratulate the commissioners for taking the time to complete the animal control ordinance,” said Peggy Woolam, local resident and member of the local Claws & Paws Rescue, Inc. “It did not include everything that I would like to have had, but it is a beginning. As the county continues to grow, this ordinance will need to be reviewed and adjustments made accordingly.”
   If a shelter or association decides to help the county by voluntarily helping to enforce the animal control ordinance, guidelines are also in place for the minimum time stray animals must be kept before being offered for adoption or killed. Each stray animal would have to be kept for 14 days and an ad would be placed in the county’s legal organ (currently The Tri-County Journal & Chattahoochee Chronicle) describing the animal in case someone wanted to pick it up. After 14 days, if unclaimed, the animal could be put up for adoption or destroyed in a humane manner.
   Persons found in violation of certain sections of the new animal control ordinance (including having pets that are not vaccinated for rabies or allowing female dogs to run loose while in heat) could be fined from $50 to $500 or sentenced to a jail term of less than 60 days.
   Woolam and the Claws & Paws organization note that while they certainly want the county government to continue to address animal control issues, the public also has a responsibility to help.
   “Marion County residents need to understand that the commissioners have made the first move to making this problem one they feel can be controlled if we all get involved and follow the rules,” said Woolam. “This is a problem that everyone needs to be involved in.”
   Woolam said one very simple way to help lessen the number of stray and wild animals in the county is for pet owners to have their pets spayed or neutered, preventing them from reproducing.
   “If you are not going to breed your animal, there is no reason not to have the animal spayed or neutered,” she said. “…Some dog owners will make the remark, ‘I have a male dog and he stays in my yard and he does not need to be fixed.’ Give me a break. If a female dog is in heat, the male will wander from his yard.”
   Woolam thinks the second biggest problem is “irresponsible breeders allowing excessive breeding,” noting that the USDA says anyone whose dog has more than one litter per year needs to be licensed.
   “I realize accidents happen,” added Woolam. “However, the dog owner needs to take responsibility for the spaying and neutering of their animals and this accident will not happen. This only creates further problems, because the dogs are given away without spaying or neutering and the vicious cycle is never broken.”
   While she is disappointed with some animal owners, Woolam also acknowledges that there are many animal lovers in the county who take care of their pets – and sometimes others – very well.
   “I know we must have at least 25 or more families taking care of stray animals and probably 100 individuals feeding animals at the dumpsters where dogs and cats are being dropped off,” she said.
   Marion County’s “Claws & Paws, Inc.” is a non-profit organization. Its members are seeking the help of others to make it a functioning animal rescue unit. Presently, they have three group homes with a total of 28 dogs and one cat. So far in 2006, they have rescued 38 dogs and four cats.
   “In order for us to adopt through Pet Smart in Columbus, each dog or cat must have all shots and be spayed or neutered,” noted Woolam.
   Claws & Paws plans a bake sale to raise money for these purposes. It is set for April 15. To preorder a cake, contact Peggy Woolam (649-5224) or Shirley Bryan (649-7128). The cakes will be baked by volunteers Char Alexander, Shirley Bryan, Carol Herring, Mary Porter, Martha Wells, Elaine Whitley and Peggy Woolam. Those who would simply like to make a donation may mail their checks to: Peggy Woolam, 1008 Ronnie Rd, Buena Vista, GA 31803.