Jean Bryant

DAYTON, Tenn. — Rhea County Sheriff Mike Neal said Monday he would like a special fund set up that could help pay to maintain the new county animal shelter.

He said the money could come from fines related to animal cruelty or other animal-related charges that go through General Sessions Court.

“It won’t be a whole lot,” Sheriff Neal said. “Maybe $2,000 to $3,000 a year.”

Construction started in December on the 2,400-square-foot animal shelter. It will have 16 dog stalls, a puppy and cat room, an office and euthanization room, officials said.

Sheriff Neal said it should be completed within 30 days. He said he will ask Rhea County commissioners tonight to consider diverting animal-related fines from the general fund to a special fund to help pay for operations.

“We just want the money specifically for the animal shelter,” Sheriff Neal said.

Chairman Terry Broyles could not be reached for comment Monday.

Last year, the sheriff budgeted $4,000 for animal control without a shelter. He said he doubled the budget this year.

“Hopefully, another $2,000 will put us up to about $10,000 for animal control,” he said. “It’s not a lot, but it’s something.”

Jean Bryant, president of The Animal Welfare Network of East Tennessee, said rural counties throughout the region struggle with funding for shelters

Though animal shelters usually come last in line for public dollars., food, utilities and employees all cost money, she said.

“It takes so much to run a shelter,” she said.

Donna Deweese, community outreach coordinator for the McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center in Chattanooga, said using fines to pay for services is a good idea for a rural county.

“It would ensure a steady source of income,” she said.