Bradley County Commission Chairman Louie AlfordCLEVELAND, Tenn. — Cleveland Animal Shelter pickup and drop-off services have been limited to city residents since July 1, and the resulting problems have Bradley County law enforcement and animal rescuers seeking alternative solutions.
“I can charge the owner with animal cruelty, but what can I do about the dog?” Joe Renner, the county environmental officer, recently asked the County Commission.
He said he did not want to leave an animal stranded in a situation in which it was in distress or danger.
“[This] could become a very real problem in the future,” Commissioner Terry Caywood said.
Animal services outside the city were discontinued after the County Commission and the Cleveland City Council could not reach an agreement on the county’s share of the animal control budget.