Something is missing from Grand Traverse County’s 2016 budget: its Animal Control Department. The county shut down the entire department, and the responsibility for animal control was shifted to the Sheriff’s Department, which lacks the same resources and training the Animal Control Department had. Moreover, the Sheriff’s Department will only handle serious animal issues, such as animal neglect, abuse, and barking dog complaints.
What does this mean for Grand Traverse County residents and animals?
Heidi Yates says much of the burden has been placed on the Cherryland Humane Society.
Yates, executive director for the organization, joined us to discuss how Grand Traverse County has been affected by these budget cuts.
We reached out to the County Administrator regarding this situation. Listen to what Deputy County Administrator Jennifer DeHaan had to say in our conversation below.
* This post was last updated at 4:08 pm on June 14, 2016.
GUESTS Heidi Yates is the Executive Director for the Cherryland Humane Society. Jennifer DeHaan is Deputy County Administrator for Grand Traverse County.
