Dwain Land

Staff Photo by Ben Benton Dunlap and Sequatchie County officials have appointed a board to study the community's animal control problem. People say cats and dogs run unchecked in some areas, like this pooch passing through on Elm Street in Dunlap on Wednesday.

DUNLAP, Tenn. -- Animal control problems in Sequatchie County have spawned a joint effort to study solutions.

Jean Bryant of the Dunlap-based Animal Welfare Network of East Tennessee said the new nine-member Animal Control Study Board is "a good start," but she hopes officials focus on animal control more than sheltering facilities.

The county now has no animal shelter or animal control department.

"I think (government leaders) really need to educate themselves as to the problem and what the best long-term solution should be," Ms. Bryant said. "My suggestion is to put their money into low-cost spay-neuter programs."

A shelter building always will be needed for strays or dogs that have been lost, she said.

"But let's put the money where it's most effective until we determine what the real need is," Ms. Bryant said.

Dunlap Mayor Dwain Land said the area needs a shelter, but it's not necessarily the only solution. He said he's open to all ideas and invites residents to send their suggestions to City Hall.

County Executive Michael Hudson said the solution must be cost-effective.

Members of the study board are looking at how other communities tackle the problem, Mr. Hudson said.

"Sequatchie County has never dealt with this issue before, and I want all the information I can gather, and I want all the options laid out on the table," he said. "Once we do come up with a solution, I'll approach the County Commission."

Mr. Land said seven stray kittens have shown up at his home in the past two years. Left unchecked, those animals could produce hundreds more, he said.

Six of the mayor's seven cats are spayed or neutered.

"We have one new tomcat," Mr. Land said. "He's just old enough. I'm going to have to have him fixed."

That's the best decision for any pet owner who isn't intent on breeding, he said.