THOMASVILLE- The Thomas County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the building plans for the Thomas County Animal Services shelter on Tuesday, February 14, despite multiple objections from taxpayers. 

The approval also ratified the 2023 Budget amendment, allowing Commissioners to take $960,000 out of the SPLOST 2017 Capital Projects Fund to construct the approved shelter. 

Sharon Johnson was one of the many residents in attendance to speak out against the construction of the shelter. 

Johnson provided the Commissioners with a petition signed by 279 individuals, asking the Commissioners and Thomasville- Thomas County Humane Society to put their personal feelings aside and do what is best for the taxpayers and animals. 

“Without unity between our County and Humane Society, there will be safety risks for our citizens and our pets and abandoned animals,” Johnson said. “There will most assuredly be loss of life.” 

Johnson went on to question why the County would spend such an amount of money to build a new animal shelter, when there is one in Thomas County that has been working for years. She also questioned why Thomas County is using 911 operators to field calls about stray animals, when there was a previous working system already in place. 

“Please find common ground,” she pleaded. “If you have concerns, voice them so they can be fixed. Find a mediator if necessary to help you overcome your differences, just talk to each other and please work it out. Spend Thomas County’s tax dollars wisely.” 

Johnson was dismayed at the fact two working groups of adults could not find common ground to do what is best for the County and stray animals. 

“I’m not going to accuse the County of creating a kill shelter, because I know that is not your intent,” she assured them. “But, what are you going to do when the animal rescues you’re working with are full? If you’re not planning to adopt out animals, you might want to open up lines of communication with the Humane Society to see if they can adopt them out.” 

Johnson pointed out the Humane Society’s euthanasia rate is down, while their adoption rate is up. 

“Why not work with them,” she questioned. “Why not leave these responsibilities up to someone already in the business?” 

Johnson’s final question was if a short-term contract could be looked into during the interim period, while the shelter was being built, so the 911 operators could focus on true issues. 

Other attendees also questioned the 10-year contract, pointing out that an increase in funds from $400,000 to the requested $900,000 did seem unfeasible. 

Kathy Vino was the final speaker in regard to the animal shelter. 

“I, along with many other residents in the County, am very dismayed that you have decided to separate from the Humane Society,” she said. 

Vino shared concerns about who to call in the event her animal goes missing, as she understands the County is currently utilizing shelter space in Grady and other surrounding counties. 

“If I’m missing my dog and you pick him up, because you think he’s elderly, who do I call?” she questioned. 

Vino found this issue to be of upmost importance, especially if the County is sticking to the state rule that allows five days for an owner to call, before the animal is euthanized. 

“If they’re in another county or a kennel somewhere, how are we going to find them?,” she worried. “It’s very concerning the direction this is heading.” 

Vino said she hoped the contract could be negotiated, so owners could feel safe knowing their animal hasn’t been euthanized if it escapes. 

Once all public input had been heard, a representative from the Humane Society said they are open to continuing discussions and negotiations and to please consider that before taking the vote. 

Chairman Zippy Vonier then asked for a motion to close public input, before hearing a motion to approve the shelter plans and ratify the budget. 

All the commissioners voted in favor, closing off any current ongoing negotiations with the Thomasville- Thomas County Humane Society.