Inaugural animal control meeting

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Animal Control and Shelter held its first rescue coordination meeting with local animal rescue groups on Thursday. This initial gathering follows updated policies adopted by Smith County last week, aimed at improving communication and coordination with rescue organizations.

Local animal groups previously raised concerns about communication and coordination, particularly when the shelter operates at or near capacity. Part of the meeting’s conversation centered on the county’s two-tier system for animals.

This system categorizes animals into a “highly adoptable” tier and a “rescue and reclaim” tier. The “rescue and reclaim” tier includes animals designated for euthanasia. Rescue groups believe the “rescue and reclaim” list should be made public so they can identify which animals require immediate assistance.

Desiree Stokes, owner and operator of Pawsitive Place Rescue, emphasized the importance of collaboration in saving animals.

“The more rescues that are involved, the more we can work together, the more we can move dogs and the more we can save lives,” Stokes said. “90% of the dogs at that shelter are more than great animals.”

Both sides agreed that this meeting represents a positive first step toward finding solutions. Smith County stated its goal for these meetings is to strengthen partnerships and achieve better outcomes for the animals in their care.

The rescue coordination meetings are expected to occur weekly.