LETTER: Barrow Animal Control is needed

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Wednesday, January 28. 2009

Comments (23)

Dear Editor:
Having lived in Barrow County for many years, and living here before animal control, I can assure you although not perfect, we do need it. Gwinnett is not perfect, but they do have volunteers!

It is not a job for the faint of heart and the better the pound, the more people that are willing to help.

If you want to be the best one that others go by, you have to be willing to volunteer and make it better for the county.

If you want to see something that is far from perfect, but working reasonably well, look at the Athens pound website.

They have animals pictured there because the volunteers picture them there. The site is www.athenspets.net.

Instead of being part of the problem, be a part of the solution. You can go to the meetings and come up with projects that help pay for the shelter.

A good place to start is with fines and fees for dogs and cats that are carelessly not neutered. There is no excuse for that with the low-to-no-costs places to have it done.

The laws can be put in place by the commissioners.

The outcome lies in the hands of the people and the more fosters and volunteers the better our county will be in the end. I have always heard that good animal owners are not born, they are made. Educating the public is a step in the right direction.

There will always be the ones who won’t listen, but then you just start, one step at a time.

We have a wonderful group in this county that are trying to build a no-kill shelter.

I am sure they would be thankful for projects to help realize that dream.

Sincerely,
Judi Byler
Statham

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#1 Crystal Terry on 01/28/09 at 04:30 PM [Reply]

I think that the Barrow Animal Shelter would do a lot better if they were open on the weekends instead of just Monday thru Friday.

#1.1 Tracy on 01/29/09 at 07:21 AM [Reply]

I absolutely agree...many people can not make it out there during the week because of work and if they were open on the weekend it would be much easier!

#2 anonymous on 01/29/09 at 06:28 AM [Reply]

How do you conduct a meaningful adoption service if you are not open at least on Saturday? Do we need to conduct a marketing class for this department?

#3 Jackson7 on 01/29/09 at 04:13 PM [Reply]

On another note, is there or is there not a leash law in Barrow County? One neighbor it would seem has an electric fence- but in reality her dogs (its a wonder have not gotten hit by a car) wander the streets of our subdivision daily. I can not walk my dogs without dealing with hers. The same neighbor's yard backs up to mine, and they continue to leave their pets in their backyard (even when it is 25-30 out), which is fenced, but the dog is so aggressive, that I went out one day to get my dogs back in my home, and their 85 pound boxer had gotten into my yard UNDER the chain link fence, actually pushed its body through it at the bottom near the ground and bent it up. Luckily there were just small cuts and nothing too serious..... I think the only resolution I have it to put up wood privacy on my side, but what else can I do? The lady was afraid of her own dog when I went over to tell her he got in our yard.

#3.1 Anonymous on 01/29/09 at 09:31 PM [Reply]

I called animal control a week or so ago concerning a stray dog. She had a short rope tied around her neck, leading to my belief she had been tied up. She was extremly poor, and searching for food. I left a message on the machine, and some time later got a phone call. I was told someone would get in touch with me later.. I am still waiting.

#4 Animals Watcher on 01/30/09 at 06:44 PM [Reply]

These are all good points, but what everyone in the County is NOT aware of, is how most of the issues and problems stem from the actual Director of Animal Control. How can someone be a leader and there be this many problems, if we (as a county) are having all these concerns, whether good or bad, would speak up and talk to our elected officials, then maybe some these concerns/problems would be fixed.

#5 Jackie on 01/31/09 at 11:02 AM [Reply]

If you were open on weekends it would be nice. I came by on a weekend and you all were closed. When did that change, I needed information on volunteer work on weekends. I know friends who volunteer at animals shelter in other counties. When is the new animal shelter opening, anyway? Is it in progress?

#6 In Defense of Animals on 01/31/09 at 10:32 PM [Reply]

I live just outside Auburn. A few years ago I tried to get Animal Control to do something about a dog that was being neglected. By the time that finally came out the dog had unfortunately died.

A few months later animal control showed up at my house because a neighbor called saying my cat came into their yard. They didn't have the time for a dog that was being starved, but a cat that walks through someone's yard??!!

Remember this is the agency that was exposed a few years ago for beating animals to death with a board that were in their care.

#6.1 Love For Animals on 02/02/09 at 10:03 PM [Reply]

I have also tried to get animal control to help with a very sick animal last year. I found a stray cat starved, nasty looking.It's hair was so bad madded around its whole body that it was like a hard shell. It would not eat and it couldn't even use the rest room. The guy for animal control wouldn't even hardly look at the cat and said it was a sanitary problem. The next day we took it in to a vet and they called animal control because the cat was so bad. They took pictures but that man who is supposed to help animals didn't do his job. I guess sitting at home watching tv was more important. I lost my trust with them that day. That man is still working there and supposed to be helping animals. I feel sorry for any animal they get a hold of.They can't help when it is needed but if they want to write a ticket to get money they are there in no time. Go Figure!!

#7 Robert on 02/01/09 at 12:56 AM [Reply]

Just a quick note. I had a man flag me down as I drove through our neighborhood. He had been walking and was being chased by a stray dog. I called animal control during their so call business hours Monday through Friday and got the recording as well. I then called the Winder police and finally got some action taken. So if all else fails call the police. My wife and I have saved a dog from the Barrow Animal Shelter. Just like adopting a child they make you go through so much red tape and pay them $100 dollars to take the animal off of their hands. Maybe if they made it easier and not cost so much more would help. Does not make much since to me.

#7.1 Anonymous on 02/06/09 at 04:46 AM [Reply]

Why don't they give the animals to a good home? It's like they get mad if we won't pay the ransom and kill them. I know it costs to keep them, but it'd be less if they gave them away. They wouldn't stay as long. A free dog is getting really hard to find. The last time I tried to get a dog, it cost almost as much as buying from a breeder.

#8 Rich on 02/02/09 at 09:34 PM [Reply]

Yeah I too, have noticed this. I had my blind dog go AWOL, and a volunteering neighbor took care of him because the AC is just not up to par.
Have any of you noticed they have been building a new building on 211, with fancy drive way and all hopefully not the three rooms it was currently in(OMFG it was awful). It looks like they need a little help both finance wise, and people wise and they'd be ok.

Luckily someones voting in the right direction....

#9 Carol Sanders on 02/03/09 at 04:46 AM [Reply]

I Had a Cat that got killed by 2 greatDanes, that came in my yard got my Cat under my car killed her, and amimal control did nothing and said, that i need to get a ticket and i said for what my cat stayed in her yard for over 5 years and she dead. so now if any thing happiens, I will call peta on them, and have.

#10 T on 02/03/09 at 07:52 AM [Reply]

What is the name of the group trying to open a no kill shelter, and how do we contact them? It makes me angry to see an animal tied to a tree in 95+ degrees or when it is below freezing. Why get a dog if you are going to treat it like that?

#11 Anonymous on 02/06/09 at 04:39 AM [Reply]

Our animal control has always been a joke. I have tried many, many times over the years, and I have never been able to get any help with strays or even potentially dangerous animals. Have you ever read the "leash law"? It just says the animal should be "under control". There is no definition of under control. The people in my neighbor hood seem to interpreet it as "as long as it stays in the county". How many stories have we heard of a dog going into a yard and attacking an animal or a child?

My question would have to be how do the animal control employees earn their pay? They won't pick up dogs, so how many could they have to take care of? And I know where and how often I see the truck parked for hours and it's not at the office. Doesn't the person in charge wonder where this person is?

A question to the workers: How are you going to feel if that dog you won't pick up kills a child?

#12 EJC on 07/17/09 at 08:45 AM [Reply]

Is it illegal to have dogs tied up outside...with runner or rope/chain...no fence? I think in Gwinnett it is leagal...as long as they are provided shelter & food/water? Was wondering about Barrow. I guess even if it was & I called...nothing would get done.

#12.1 Rich on 07/18/09 at 03:08 PM [Reply]

I dont think the anti-tethering laws have been passed yet in barrow. Most of the animal friendly counties in metro area have, so its a matter of time. I have to pass this trailer on Countyline-Auburn rd that has slept on the roof of his dog house now for awhile chained to a trailer, and no shade...etc

I have given in to trapping cats as well and paying cat snip and then giving away healthy kittens...to family or friends, in other HUMANE areas of GA.

It seems somewhere, somehow Barrow county is special,

But GA did pass a law, no dogs in pickup trucks without a special harness, or your charged misdemeanor...

Here are some goods though,

Statham has passed a law,
http://www.unchainyourdog.org/Laws.htm

and for all Georgians, I suggest keeping up with

http://www.lexis-nexis.com/hottopics/gacode/default.asp

We use this lock people up everyday, its the laws of Georgia, Title 4: Chapter 8 is on Dogs...

#12.1.1 delores harper on 07/27/10 at 05:16 PM [Reply]

Rich, I have just now read your comment on the dog chained at the trailer park on county-line and carter rd. I have called Barrow County Animal Control three times and also wrote a letter to Rob Pitts (representative of Fulton Country who is against tethering. There has been no responses and this dog is suffering in 104 degree temperatures. This is animal cruely but no one seems to care..Why does folks even have an animal?

#13 Rich on 07/18/09 at 03:20 PM [Reply]

Also now that we have your attention, municode.com has an online library to check your local laws, according to the city you live in which varies ofcourse by whether your City director is not a shark...I have placed a link at the bottom to show yo barrow laws on animals/dogs...

http://www.unchainyourdog.org/documents/Photo_sheet.pdf

This is why we dont leave dogs out...esp big ones

http://library7.municode.com:80/default-test/template.htm?view=browse&doc_action=setdoc&doc_keytype=tocid&doc_key=c5f5a9aae1f972e6e609298413f0eff3&infobase=14226

#13.1 Jack Legg on 07/27/10 at 09:23 PM [Reply]

I love dogs and have always had at least one ever since I was a little kid. Dogs belong outside though, thjey are animals and its not sanitry for humans and animals to live togethr and eat the same food,hell,the dog might get sick!.When I was a kid growing up around here we let our dogs roam,thats what dogs do. Nowadays to many city slickers have moved in and want to instill there backwards ways on decent country folk.I do now and always will (unless I move to the country) keep my dog on a tether with plenty of shade and cool water. I walk him for about an hour each day.I dont like keeping him tied up but if I let him loose somthing would happen to him.

#14 Anonymous on 07/27/10 at 07:32 PM [Reply]

I have never had a problem with animal control. When I've asked them to check on an animal, they have. When I've called them to pick up an animal someone dumped on my property, they have.

The one change I would LOVE to see -- foster homes and volunteers. When I asked about this I was told they were not set up for that. I would like to see that change.

#15 Debra on 06/27/12 at 10:27 AM [Reply]

Here it is 2012 and it seems as if Animal Control in Barrow is the same. In my subdivision 3 people let their cats roam they kill baby birds in my yard. My dog and I just walked around our neighborhood. He was rushed by 2 unleashed dogs,he doesn't understand why?.Caesar is 9 yrs.young,weighs 68 pds, well mannered and was recently diagnosed with a nasal tumor(cancer). He has lost his sense of smell this leaves him vulnerable. Hes not mean.We have called Barrow Animal Control several times about dogs running loose. No reply.If they would enforce the leash laws fines they would better serve the public.
My worst experience with Barrow Animal Control was in 2005. Caesar and I were in our yard he was tied out on a rope(200 pd rating). My neighbor came into my yard to yak. His wife and i were talking plants. He was no stranger to my dog,Caesar. In his excitement,Caesar jumped up in greeting and scratched my neighbors thigh with his toenail. In order to check his thigh for injury he had to pull pants leg up (pants weren't torn). There was a scratch on his leg. He & his wife both assured me he was o.k. Two hours later the Sheriff & BAC were knocking on my door. My neighbor called them,he told them my dog attacked & bit him. When the officers saw that my dog was a pit bull they issued 2 citations. The cost of this non-incident was 9000 for a Lawyer, a Privacy fence, and a 75.00 emergency room bill for a band aid. The lose of 2 friends, or were they?
Citations were dismissed. NOTE: You can still be charged(vicious dog) even if your dog is on a rope on your property, and someone enters your yard.

#16 Anonymous on 06/27/12 at 02:10 PM [Reply]

Auburn, has a dog festival "For the Love of Dogs"and every year for the festival Barrow Animal Control is not there showing some adotable pets.Other counties are .

#17 Richie on 06/27/12 at 02:17 PM [Reply]

Hmm maybe I shall apply and over take the BAC for the better, we deserve better at these tax rates...

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LETTER: Barrow Animal Control is needed

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