Calhoun County, AL – The Calhoun Journal had a chance to sit down with Commissioner Terry Howell and Calhoun County Animal Control Director Naomi Richards. Ms. Richards moved to Calhoun County in August of 2022 and took on the arduous task of getting the animal control facility running and in a good state. She also had the job of building trust in the county and in establishing new policies, procedures, and staff. While Mrs. Richards credentials couldn’t be questioned she still had a large task in front of her. After roughly six months the facility is running virtually like new. Mrs. Richards acknowledged that everything isn’t where she wants it to be, but she is very happy for the progress that has been made. She also stated the commissioners have been supportive of her and the changes she has wanted to make and she is very appreciative of that. She is looking forward to expanding the facility and adding quarantine and puppy room.
One of the more vocal champions has been newly elected Commissioner, Terry Howell. He was eager to talk about the first open adoption event that will be held on Saturday, 2/25/23 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Animal Control is also offering sponsorships for the dogs. Any individual or business can sponsor a dog for $125. This sponsorships covers the adoption fee of one dog including spay/neutering, current vaccinations, flea and tick treatment, as well as microchipping.
As reported in earlier stories the facility is no longer performing euthanasia on site. Any medical or aggression issues would be treated offsite by a contracted veterinarian. Mrs. Richards stated the goal was to give all the dogs that come through the doors a fair chance to have a happy life. To help accomplish this there is a large network of rescues that are used as well as local fosters. There are always willing to accept applications for new fosters if adopting isn’t the right fit, but there is still an interest in helping a dog.
Upcoming events and programs that are on the horizon are of course more adoption events like the one on Saturday and working with PetSmart, Picketts, and Hooligan Harley Davidson for more adoption days. Staring on March 1st the Animal Control will offer microchipping for any dog for $20. They will be welcoming volunteers into the facility soon as well. They are also looking at the possibility of a doggy day out to allow volunteers and interested parties the chance to get the dogs out of the facility. This program is not formalized and is still in the conceptional stage. There is also an upcoming canine biathlon that they are working to coordinate with Paul Hammonds at One World Pet Resort to get some of the dogs to participate in.
Currently they are adopting out dogs at a rate of four a week, but the goal is to get up to ten a week. There are roughly 57 dogs currently housed and most are puppies. “There have been a lot of momma dogs come into the facility recently” stated Director Richards.
When asked why this was such and important issue for Commissioner Howell he explained that this was one of the positions he campaigned on. He acknowledged this wasn’t just a Calhoun County issue or even just an Alabama issue, but he wanted to start here. He also plans to take his concerns to Montgomery and continue to work for changes in the way animals are treated and the laws surrounding animals in this state. He also explained he is an animal lover and always has been so this issue is near and dear to his heart.
Please contact the Animal Control Office if you are interested in adopting or fostering. Also if you do come to an adoption event they are currently accepting cash and checks only.
*All dogs seen are available for adoption.
