Olney resident urges Richland County Board to go no-kill at Animal Control

An Olney resident discussed the possibility Thursday of having a no-kill animal shelter during Richland County Board's monthly meeting.

Mike Dawson asked the board to have a goal of a 90 percent no-kill rate at the pound for the upcoming fiscal year. He said the rate is currently at 85 percent.

More than 4,000 dogs and cats were killed in the county between 2004-2011, he said. In a letter to the board that was read by his wife, Janet, he said he finds that figure "unacceptable."

He does not blame anyone for what happened in the past, but wants to "move forward from this point." He praised Animal Control Officer Sandy Millman for reducing the kill rate from 85 percent eight years ago to 39 percent.

Board member and Animal Control liaison Melinda Hunt said later in the discussion that the kill rate is currently at 18 percent.

Dawson said the no-kill movement began approximately 15 years ago and there are 1,400 no-kill shelters nationwide. There are approximately 80 in Illinois, including several in Southern Illinois.

Adoptions of animals need to increase and the number of animals coming into the pound needs to decrease, he said. He suggested a citizens advisory board could be created.

Chairman Leo Ledeker said the goal would be great, but that the way Animal Control operates, it would be difficult to meet.

Dawson said he is not looking for promises or guarantees, but he wants to work with the county board.

Board member Mary Spillman said the county does not operate a shelter, but she agreed that reducing the number of animals euthanized at the pound and increasing adoptions would be good.

She suggested Dawson and supporters of the no-kill movement approach Olney City Council about the city's leash law and requirement that residents only have a maximum of four dogs per household. She said there is concern with that rule for people who want to serve as foster parents for animals before they are adopted.

Marie Riggs said to make the no-kill movement work, there needs to be volunteers, property to use and money.

Janet Dawson said education and organization are also necessary.

Mike Dawson said he realizes he needs community support. "If we don't get the community behind it, it won't work."

He said there are currently no plans to build a shelter.

Board member Greg Amerman said the group could establish a citizens advisory board.

Ledeker asked Dawson to report back to the board early next year.

Dawson said he will "throw the challenge back to the community and see what happens."

(Note: All votes are unanimous unless otherwise indicated. Board members include Chairman Leo Ledeker, Greg Amerman, Bill Clow Jr., Dennis Graves, Melinda Hunt, Mary Spillman and Rev. Gary A. Wachtel.)

Kevin Ryden can be reached at kryden@olneydailymail.com.