County animal-control staff report mobile spay/neuter pilot progress; commissioners pledge help with staffing

Mary Lou Ward and Dr. Zoe McKenzie presented an update on the county’s mobile spay/neuter program, reporting that early outreach events have delivered dozens of services to rural residents.

Dr. McKenzie said the mobile RV program completed 22 surgeries, administered 17 vaccines and implanted 20 microchips during initial outings in Oregon and La Mesa, and that the department will publish a one-year schedule shortly. Commissioners praised the outreach and discussed staffing shortages; Ward said the program remains about three positions short but that training plans are underway to bring new officers online.

Commissioners asked for clearer public scheduling (post to the county website) and support to fill open positions. Ward said the initial pilot will help the county refine logistics before scaling to additional townships.

Outcome: Program continues; county staff will publish schedules and commissioners offered assistance with staffing and funding where feasible.