I have found several grants that can only be used by public entities and came up with a proposal for the county to implement that will cover part or possibly all of the ongoing costs.  These will be presented with this petition. 

Petition for an Animal Shelter in Scott County, Tennessee

To: The Scott County Commission, The Mayor of Scott County, and Local Government Officials

We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Scott County, Tennessee, believe it is time for our county to take responsible, compassionate action by establishing a publicly supported animal shelter within Scott County.
Currently, there is no county-operated facility to house, protect, and care for abandoned, neglected, or stray animals. This lack of infrastructure places a heavy burden on citizens, law enforcement, and local
animal advocates who are often left without the proper means to help animals in need.

Why an Animal Shelter Is Needed
• Public Safety: Stray and aggressive animals can pose risks to our communities, school zones, and roadways.
• Animal Welfare: Countless dogs and cats suffer from neglect, abandonment, and starvation without a place of refuge.
• Community Health: Proper sheltering, vaccination, and adoption programs help reduce disease and improve overall public health.
• Law Enforcement Support: A shelter would provide a safe, legal place to take animals in cruelty,
neglect, or abuse cases.
• Education & Responsibility: A shelter can promote spay/neuter programs, responsible pet ownership, and community volunteer opportunities.

Our Request
We respectfully call upon the Scott County Commission and Mayor to:
1. Allocate funding or seek state/federal grants to establish an animal shelter.
2. Partner with local rescues and veterinarians to develop sustainable operations and adoption programs.
3. Designate a working committee to plan, develop, and oversee the shelter’s creation.
Scott County has shown compassion and community pride in so many areas — this is an opportunity to extend that same care to our four-legged residents. A county animal shelter is not just about animals; it’s about public responsibility, safety, and compassion.

Sign the Petition
By signing, we express our support for the creation of a Scott County Animal Shelter and urge our elected officials to make this a county priority.