Dog problems heard by council

By
MARY ANN ANDERSON
During last Thursday night’s meeting of the Hazlehurst City Council, the agenda was fairly routine until the citizens’ comments section began.
Karen Bowen, a part-time employee who works and also volunteers at the city’s animal control shelter, explained to the council that while she was out of town, she received a call that an injured dog that was found on King’s Lane. The dog had been “at large” for a while, she said, and was paralyzed, dragged his hind legs and had wounds so great that they were maggot infested.
Bowen stated that the call came in at 12:51, and she was told – though she did not specify by whom – that Steve Faught, who oversees the animal shelter and is a certified animal control officer, had been called to pick up the dog. She was also told that he said it wasn’t his job to pick up dogs.
“It suffered for another four hours while, I believe, the police department and animal control debated about whose responsibility it was to get that dog somewhere,” Bowen said. “It ended up that a police officer put that maggoty, smelly, terribly in pain dog in the back of his police car and transported it to be euthanized at 5 o’clock, right before the vet’s office closed.”
She then asked the council to make clear where the responsibility lies for picking up dogs within the city limits and during normal working hours.
Mayor John Ramay explained to her that within city limits, the responsibility is placed on animal control, but since another city employee was involved that personnel issues couldn’t be discussed during an open meeting.
Police Chief Captain James Mock then said that Officer Dusty Vernor had picked up the dog, but, he added, “My police officers are not qualified to be picking up dogs, handling dogs, transporting dogs or anything like that.”
But Bowen countered, “Neither do we need a dog out there four hours.”
She also noted the dog was “too far gone” to be a threat to anyone, before stating to the council, “You have to respond to a call in a timely manner, and we need to clarify protocol, know who’s on and who’s going to respond so that this kicking it back and to doesn’t continue.”
Ramay explained the council is currently revising the animal control ordinance but also said the police department, along with the street department, shares responsibility of animal control. Ward Four Councilman Landon Chavis chimed in that the ordinance will be “heavily outlined” as to who will oversee euthanasia.
With Ward 1 Councilman Dywane Johnson and Ward 3’s Chris Jones not present at the meeting, in further action, the council ….
…. in a heartfelt pinning and promotion ceremony, looked on as Fire and Rescue Chief Charles Wasdin bestowed upon Shawn Killi the title of captain and saying of him, “He’s really doing a great job. He’s a good guy, a really good guy.”
…. after hearing a detailed lengthy presentation given by Josh L. Bean, RN, BSN, a benefits consultant with Partner Benefit Group of Tifton, agreed in a 3-0 vote, with Ramay also voting in the absence of Johnson and Jones, to switch employee medical insurance from MSI Benefits, a company doing business under the umbrella of Georgia Municipal Association, to Partner Benefit Group and United Health Care. The city will save more than $135,000 annually with the switch, and as in the past, will fund 100 percent of the employee health coverage unless an employee selects a lower deductible, with the employee paying the difference in cost.
…. listened as Wood Smith of the city’s law firm of Smith & Smith gave the first reading of an ordinance governing the “effective and efficient” usage of signs on city streets and corners.
…. okayed a proposal given by Municipal Court Clerk Saundra Toler to install a dedicated telephone line and webpage for the Municipal Court.
…. tabled until November’s regular meeting a discussion on standard operating procedures for billing creation dates, due dates and disconnection dates.
…. listened as Chavis updated the council on the Downtown Trick or Treat event occurring on Oct. 28, noting that myriad businesses will participate and that updates will be provided on the city’s Facebook page.
…. approved September’s water and sewer adjustments, department reports and check register.
…. in Citizen’s Comments, heard an update on the Hazlehurst Animal Shelter by Janet Corcoran of Voices of Hazlehurst Animal Shelter volunteer group.
…. in the closed session of the meeting, returned into regular meeting with a vote of “no action taken” on an unnamed matter.