Implement animal control in Stone County, Missouri

582

Let’s get to 1000 signatures!
Petitions with 1,000+ supporters are 5x more likely to win!

The Issue

As a passionate animal advocate living in Stone County, Missouri, I have witnessed firsthand the dire need for a dedicated animal control service in our community. The absence of such a service has led to numerous cases of neglect, abuse, and abandonment of animals, leaving them vulnerable and without the protection they deserve.

In our county, there are countless instances where animals roam the streets unsupervised, often becoming victims of traffic accidents or falling prey to predators. Without animal control, there's no systematic way to rescue, rehabilitate, or rehome these creatures. This not only poses a threat to the animals but also to the residents, as stray animals can sometimes pose safety risks to humans, especially children.

According to the Humane Society, communities that lack animal control experience higher incidents of animal-related issues, which can range from nuisance calls to health hazards. Effective animal control services reduce these incidents by implementing regulations, promoting responsible pet ownership, and providing shelter to animals in need.

We propose that Stone County establishment of an organized animal control unit that is well-funded and staffed by trained personnel. Partnerships with local veterinary clinics and animal welfare organizations will assist in creating a network that supports spay/neuter programs, microchipping, and adoption events.

Implementing this service will not only ensure the safety and well-being of countless animals but will foster a sense of responsibility and compassion within our community. It will create a safer environment for both animals and people, and educate residents on humane treatment and care of animals.

I urge you to support this petition to create an effective animal control service in Stone County, Missouri. By signing this petition, you join me in making our community safer and acting as a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Together, we can make a difference for the animals in our county. Please sign to show your support!

The Decision Makers

Gordon Weathers
Gordon Weathers
Presiding Commissioner, Stone County
Responded
After speaking with several residents over the past few weeks and following a public comment at a recent commission meeting, I have begun researching potential Animal Control solutions for Stone County. To ensure we are exploring this thoroughly, I have consulted with several experts: Dawn Davis at the Stone County Health Department (who has a background in animal control), Kristen Rae at the Tri-Lakes Humane Society, and Dawn Gardner, City Administrator for Kimberling City (who specializes in feral cat management). I met today with Sherry Simpson, the Animal Control Manager for Taney County, and toured their facility. Speaking for myself as Presiding Commissioner, I want you to know, I am actively searching for a sustainable path to establish Animal Control in Stone County. My next step is to facilitate a meeting between the Tri-Lakes Humane Society, the Stone County Health Department, the Stone County Commission, and representatives from our local municipalities. As I learned today, an effective animal control program is a significant undertaking with many moving parts. It requires a dedicated 24/7/365 facility, including on-call animal control officers every night. Additionally, the operation relies heavily on volunteers for fostering, daily animal care, and fundraising for special projects. For context, Taney County invests roughly $400,000 annually from their General Revenue budget to operate their facility, which processed over 1,000 animals last year—ranging from dogs and cats to an iguana and a couple rats. Thank you for your passion for Stone County. I am confident that by working together, we can find a viable solution to this challenge. Gordon Weathers Presiding Commissioner Stone County Missouri
Stone County Associate Commissioner
2 Members
Wayne Blades
Stone County Associate Commissioner - North District
Hank Smythe
Stone County Associate Commissioner - South District

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates