Volunteers tell commissioners Washington County animal shelter lacks quarantine area, working equipment and contingency plans

During the public forum on Jan. 3, 2023, volunteers and residents urged Washington County commissioners to address multiple operational and safety concerns at the county animal shelter.

Volunteer Jeannie Miesse said she had sent a letter to commissioners and described an inspection-like visit by the state earlier that day. Miesse told the board she is "a volunteer but doing the work of a paid person," and said the shelter has no quarantine area, rusty fencing and inadequate air conditioning (a small window unit that she said "doesn't do anything for the shelter"). She also reported that pipes froze over Christmas and asked the Animal Control Officer about the shelter's emergency plan; according to Miesse, the officer did not have one.

Resident Sandra Floyd, who addressed the board the same night, said she had raised similar concerns two years earlier and that donated items such as the AC and washer/dryer are now not functioning. Floyd recommended hiring a part-time paid staff member rather than relying solely on volunteers.

County Manager Potter said the county's IT person inspected the shelter's connectivity and suggested that boosting signal strength could improve internet service; commissioners said they would look into the issues raised.

The board did not take immediate formal action on the shelter during the Jan. 3 meeting but acknowledged the concerns and directed staff to follow up.