HomeMy WebLinkAbout030116
January 16, 2003
Hagerstown, Maryland
A special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 7:00
p.m. by Vice President William J. Wivell, with the
following members present: Commissioners James F. Kercheval
and John C. Munson.
CONCERNS – ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS
Commissioner Wivell opened the meeting to hear concerns
from citizens and various animal rescue groups about
enforcement of the Animal Control Ordinance.
Ruth Rowe, representing KitKat & Critter Rescue, Inc.,
expressed concerns that they were not able to resolve some
issues with the Humane Society. She stated that they hope
to open the lines of communication with them. Ms. Rowe
indicated that 70% of the funding for the Humane Society is
from County government. She also stated that she would
like to see incentives for the number of animals adopted
rather than euthanized as well as a more aggressive
spay/neuter program.
Christine Clark, former member of the Humane Society Board
of Directors, stated that she resigned from the Board and
gave her reasons for doing so. She questioned whether the
Humane Society is following State guidelines for non-profit
agencies.
Mary Haines suggested that adoptions at the Humane Society
should be pre-approved.
Penny Nigh, City Councilwoman, distributed pictures of her
niece who was mauled by a pit bull. She stated that the
City of Hagerstown is attempting to adopt a Pit Bull
Ordinance and has been waiting for an estimate from the
Humane Society on the cost to enforce it. She asked that
the Commissioners urge the Humane Society to get the cost
estimate to the Council as soon as possible.
Ken Welch informed the Commissioners that his mother and
his dog were attacked by a pit bull.
(Commissioner Nipps arrived at 7:37 p.m.)
Angie Harsh expressed concerns about the spay/neuter
program and suggested making changes in the program. She
suggested that the County consider providing animal
control.
Marie Wampler expressed concerns about the qualifications
of the Executive Director of the Humane Society and the
process used to distribute the spay/neuter certificates.
Lisa Thomas stated that her dealings with the Humane
Society have been unpleasant and related an incident which
occurred regarding an animal at large.
Chief Arthur Smith of the Hagerstown Police Department
provided clarification of the proposed Pit Bull Ordinance.
He stated that the City feels that the ordinance could
withstand a test if challenged.
Ruth Rowe then discussed problems they have had in using
the food bank at the Humane Society.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
,
County Administrator
,
County Attorney
___________________________,
County Clerk