041824
Animal Services
Advisory
BoardMeeting
6:00 pm, April 18, 2024
The Randolph County Animal Services Advisory Board met in regular session on April 18,
2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Randolph County Office Building Meeting Room A, 725 McDowell
Road, Asheboro, NC. Commissioner David Allen, Lisa Sparks,J.R. Beard, Jennifer Layton, James
Moore, and Renee Bryantwere in attendance. Also present wereAssistantCounty Manager
Williams Johnson,Clerk to the Board Jenny Parks,and Animal Services Director Jonathan
Moody. Other members of Animal Services that were present wereSarah Brower Business
Operations Manager, Erin Masterson Animal Services Manager, and Savana Wilson Adoption
Rescue Coordinator.
Call to Order and Opening Comments
Commissioner David Allen called the meeting to order and welcomed Board members and
guests.
Public Comment
Commissioner Allen opened the floor for public comment and closed it after everyone who
wished to speak had done so.
Bonnie Nelson said she takes care of feral cats and transfers them to Greensboro. She asked
why the Randolph County Animal Shelter is not a non-kill shelter and feels it should be. Ms.
Nelson stated she feelsthere should be a program and more funding availableto assistpeople
with the trapping and neutering offeralanimals. She is also concerned about the animals being
left outside in direct sunlight during the dayby their owners.
Approval of Minutes
On motion of Renee Bryant, seconded by James Moore, the Board voted 6-0 to approve the
minutes from the October 19, 2023, meeting.
Animal Services Operational/Department Updates
Johnathan Moody, Animal Services Director, thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.
He gave an update onthe shelter as follows: between January 1, 2024,and April 15, 2024, the
total intake of dogs was 424; 105were adopted; and 77were rescued. Three hundred six cats
were processed intake; 45 were adopted; and 48 were rescued. A complete report isattached
as part of these minutes.
04/18/2024
Jennifer Layton inquired about the 156 Best Friends grant. Mr. Moody said this grant is for
TNR’s. Lisa Sparks asked if the 156 animals are going through non-profits. Mr. Moody stated
some are being processed through rescues, and others are being released in their found
locations.
Mr. Moody stated the animal shelter needs space and additional staff. Ms. Bryant said she
volunteers at the shelter and they do not have enough staff to operate efficiently. Twice a day
the staff is required to clean their kennels, which requires the animals to bemoved around for
this. With limited staff, cleaningkennels twice a day on top of getting the animals ready for
adoption and/or rescue is a struggle. Ms. Bryant shared that several rescues will not assist
Randolph County Animal Shelter due to the animals not being in single stalls. She feels they are
not equipped with enough space for the number of animals in Randolph County being taken
into the shelter. Mr. Moody said there are currently four dogs per kennel which causes health
concerns and fighting.
Mr. Moody stated they still have several of the Great Pyrnese onsite, but there still is no
word on a court date at this time, so the animals remain on hold at the shelter. Ms. Sparks
asked how many animals were in protective custody currently. Mr. Moody said there were less
than 20.
Mr. Moody thanked Happy Hills for the vaccines that were donated. He also thanked the
SPCA for their assistance, as well with the transportation of animals and the many hours at the
shelter they have volunteered.
Mr. Moody shared the following events Animal Services has held recently:
Adopt and Play, Mutt Strutt, Christmas Parades, Pet Smart Adoption with Happy Hills and the
Humane Society (354 vaccines were given that day), Dog Fest, Vaccine Clinic with Happy Hills,
and the Subaru Event.
Mr. Moody stated there will be a rabies clinic with Happy Hills coming up, as well as their
continuance of the Adopt and Play event, which is the first Saturday of each month.
Board Discussion
Chairman Allen stated he is aware there are concerns about space at the shelter. He said the
budget for the county this year will be tight, but there could be the possibility in the future for
extra funds to assist with this. The County has special funds they are allocated, but those have
specific requirements of what those funds can be used for. He encouraged the Board to
contact their representatives and share their thoughts on a new facility.
Ms. Bryant stated that the Randolph County Animal Shelter is at the point where if
adjustments are not made, they could suffer fines from the state. She also said with there only
being four Animal Service Officers on staff, it becomes difficult for those four to cover the entire
county. She feels the shelter needs more employees.
04/18/2024
Mr. Beard stated the main issue at the Animal Shelter is manpower and they need more
employees. He said there needs to be a plan in place for a new shelter so they will know how
many acres would be needed. Mr. Beard would like to invite all of the County Commissioners
to these meetings so they can get an understanding of what the needs are. Chairman Allen said
they are welcome to attend the County Commissioner’s meetings and speak during public
comment to these issues.
Chairman Allen asked what is being invested in education. Mr. Moody stated that other
counties have a community relations employee who covers education and actual events to
educate the public. Ms. Sparks explained the voucher system she uses, and she said education
does work, but there needs to be a plan for it as well as resources to go along with the plan.
Ms. Bryant agreed there needs to be more education. She hopes to see a spay/neuter
program one dayin Randolph County.
Mr. Moody stated he and Commissioner Hope Haywood met with Tara Aker, Randolph
County Health Director about Animal Services giving vaccines in the community, so this process
is currently in the works. More information will be shared once it becomes available.
Chairman Allen stated there needs to be a work session with the Advisory Board to discuss
what goals need to be set. A date will be sent out by Ms. Parks to check the Board’s availability.
Ms. Bryant stated there are issues with email traffic at Animal Services. There is a
breakdown of email delivery between rescues and the shelter. William Johnson said he would
contact IT and have this issue looked into.
Adjournment
Commissioner Allen thanked the Board members and the Animal Services staff for their work
and dedication.
With there being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
04/18/2024