Animal services advisory committee reports survey results, urges focus on access to veterinary care

Angela Produrek, presenting the Animal Services Advisory Committee’s annual update, told the council that a Henderson County animal-welfare survey produced more than 1,000 responses and that 37% of respondents identified as City of Hendersonville residents.

Produrek said the survey identified access to veterinary care and affordability as the committee’s greatest concerns. Respondents highlighted needs for affordable spay/neuter services, vaccinations, microchips, preventive care and education. The committee reported shifting its focus from establishing systems to evaluating effectiveness and identifying priorities for future work.

Produrek noted the city now has the region’s first animal enforcement officer and observed that the committee has strengthened partnerships with veterinarians and local nonprofits to expand outreach and access to services. She said the committee plans to continue ordinance reviews, public education initiatives and collaboration with county-level animal-welfare planning.

Council thanked Produrek for six years of service and asked no substantive follow-up questions in the meeting record.