BRANSON MO NEWS: Formation of a Taney County-wide animal control program took a step forward Tuesday.
The Branson Board of Aldermen approved a resolution to participate in the Taney County Animal Control Partnership.
The formation of a multi-jurisdictional agency comes in the wake of an announcement that the Taney County Health Department will no longer offer animal control services. The health department has operated the Taney County Animal Care and Control Shelter since 2008. However, citing rising costs, the department’s contract to provide animal control services will end on Dec. 31.
“We have joined together … to not let care of our animals go unheeded,” said Stan Dobbins, police chief and interim city administrator.
According to Dobbins, Taney County has agreed to take over the animal control facility.
“The building needs some substantial upkeep and definitely some expansion,” Dobbins said. “Taney County, ourselves, Forsyth as well as Hollister and Merriam Woods have joined together to come up with solutions.”
Animal control services within each community will be the responsibility of each jurisdiction, Dobbins said.
“As far as the building goes, Forsyth, Hollister, Branson and Taney County are the four major players at this point,” he said.
According to Dobbins, the partnership will be looking to partner with outside groups such as the Humane Society of Missouri. In a press release from the health department, Director Robert Niezgoda said they would aid in the transition process.
“The Taney County Health Department has a wealth of animal control and sheltering knowledge and is looking forward to working with the jurisdictions to ensure that our county continues to have a quality animal care and control program,” Niezgoda stated in the release. “We recognize the importance of quality and compassionate animal care and control and will be available to assist throughout the transition process.”
Branson aldermen spoke in support …
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