Following a Chattanooga Times Free Press story on the city of Chattanooga’s Animal Control Board going defunct, Mayor Tim Kelly’s office is planning to work with members of the City Council to potentially reactivate the panel.
According to city code, the nine members of the Animal Control Board are appointed by the City Council and tasked with voting to approve, disapprove or revoke animal-related permits following a hearing. The board has been inactive for at least eight years, according to city spokeswoman Kirsten Yates.
Kennel businesses are required to annually submit an application and fee to McKamey Animal Center, the nonprofit organization that provides animal control services to the city, and an animal services officer completes an inspection to ensure compliance with requirements. McKamey grants or denies the permit before it is brought before the Animal Control Board, which votes to approve or disapprove McKamey’s grant or denial of the permit, according to section 7-304 of city code.
“No permit applications have been brought to the attention of the city staff manager for the board under the current administration, but upon further review of the ordinance, mayor’s staff is planning to work with City Council to evaluate the reconstitution of the board so that there is an active venue for appeals, approvals and denials of kennel permits moving forward,” Yates said by email.
Lauren Mann, McKamey Animal Center’s director of advancement, said in an email that McKamey does not issue permits to animal-related businesses or provide inspections for such permits.
When asked if the city’s contract with McKamey includes issuing kennel permits and completing inspections for those permits, Yates said the city’s request for proposal for animal control services included a broad provision for the provider to be “solely responsible for all duties and staffing … for all animal care and control services for the city, in compliance with all applicable laws and procedures relating to animals in the city.”
McKamey’s proposal to provide the services also included the provision using the same wording.
As the city works toward finalizing the next year’s budget, Yates said officials will consider modifications to the annual animal control contract to include language that more specifically addresses kennel permitting and processes for working with a reconstituted board.
The City Council discussed the Animal Control Board at its strategic planning meeting Tuesday, Chairwoman Raquetta Dotley, of East Lake, said by email.
“We are currently accepting applications for those who are interested in being a member of the Animal Control Board,” she said, adding that each council member will appoint a representative on the nine-member board.
Applications are available at bit.ly/ChattBoards.
Contact Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6508.