A dog stares from inside a kennel at the Cleveland Animal Control Shelter in Cleveland, Tenn.CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Bradley County’s search for a nonprofit solution to its animal shelter needs has generated mixed feelings among Cleveland leaders.
The establishment of an animal shelter facility separate from the Cleveland Animal Shelter would be “a duplication of efforts and a waste of city taxpayer money,” Cleveland City Councilman Richard Banks said.
“We definitely don’t need two shelters,” said City Manager Janice Casteel, citing evaluations that indicated that the city’s animal shelter could serve all the county’s animals.
Until recently, the Cleveland Animal Shelter has provided animal pick-up and drop-off services to Bradley County residents who live outside of city limits according to agreements between the city and county.
Bradley County’s quest for its own animal control service began after the Bradley County Commission and the Cleveland City Council failed to reach an agreement on the county’s portion of the Cleveland Animal Shelter budget.