McMinn County Animal Control Groups Say They’ve Made Significant Strides Despite Concern From Some Residents

MCMINN COUNTY, TN, (WDEF)-Despite letters of complaint from some residents Athens Public Works say they are making steady progress in animal control.

Shawn Lindsey, City of Athens, Public Works,"For the first time this past year seeing a decrease in the amount of animals that we intake, we have been on the increase about every year, started plateauing a year ago and now its starting to decrease"

Lindsey believes the long awaited final formation of a county wide shelter  last month has been crucial.

"Englewood opted out for a while but they came back on and now all the cities are partners with our animal shelter and we can accept animals from Englewood, Niota, Calhoun, Etowah or any part of the county"

The County shelter works closely with other local organizations when handling spay and neutering.

"Here at McMinn Humane Society they say they have just taken in 31 cats and are doing all they can to help with neglected animals not only in this county but other counties in East Tennessee"

"One not spayed or neutered animal can turn into hundreds, a cat have multiple litters per season and they can get pregnant as young as four months old"

The Humane Society animals are spayed, neutered and held for three days before being put up for adoption.

Dr Dols feels its vital that members of the public understand that many of those involved in animal control in McMinn County do so out of their own time and often for no pay.

For More Information:

http://www.cityofathenstn.com/publicworks/animalshelter.html
http://www.mrhumane.org/