To: Board of County Commissioners
From: Jay Parker, Animal Control Director
title
RE: Approval of a request to rename Genesee County Animal Control to Genesee County Animal Control and Care
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a request to rename Genesee County Animal Control to Genesee County Animal Control and Care
BACKGROUND:
Genesee County's Animal Control (GCAC) has fought the stigma of being the dog pound/ Animal Control for years. Historically this was the department where animals were brought to be euthanized and incinerated. This was the end for tens of thousands of Genesee Country animals. The stigma started in the early 1900s for dog pounds and Animal Controls for the cruel archaic practices done before humane euthanasia took place.
DISCUSSION:
Since 2015 Genesee County, with the backing of the county commission and our residents, has turned GCAC into so much more than the stereotypical dog pound. GCAC has become a place of hope and animal care. We are here to assist residents with education and shot clinics, we offer a food pantry when we have food available. We provide straw for residents that have outside animals to keep them healthy and warm. We offer resources and information to residents about where to find additional help if needed. Our save rate is as good or better than any local shelter in the area, keeping us in a no kill status. This allows us to apply for grants that helps to offset the cost of our operations. Our current staff is what makes our shelter great. They truly care about these animals. Our current name carries the weight of the negativity of our old practices. We are eager to remove that weight, even symbolically, to change the perception of the public of who we are and what we do. We have taken great strides forward in caring for the animal's welfare and I believe our new name should reflect this. Respectfully, we would like to officially rename our facility Genesee County Animal Control and Care.
I...
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