071725
Animal Services
Advisory
Board Meeting
6:00 pm, July 17, 2025
The Randolph County Animal Services Advisory Board met in regular session on July 17, 2025
at 6:00 p.m. in the Randolph County Office Building Meeting Room A, 725 McDowell Road,
Asheboro, NC. Chairman Kenny Kidd, Lisa Sparks, Jennifer Layton, Cynthia Grantham, JR Beard,
and J. Brandon Merrell were in attendance. Also present were County Manager Zeb Holden,
Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco, and Animal Services Director Jonathan Moody.
Call to Order and Opening Comments
Chairman Kenny Kidd presided calling the meeting to order and welcoming Board members
and guests.
Public Comment
Chairman Kidd asked if anyone had signed up to speak. Ms. Crisco replied no.
Approval of Minutes
On motion of Beard, seconded by Latham, the Board voted 6-0 to approve minutes of July 18,
2024, January 16, 2025, and April 24, 2025.
Animal Services Operational/Department Updates
Jonathan Moody, Animal Services Director, thanked everyone for attending the meeting. He
provided the Board with statistics of the 2025 year to date (YTD) versus the 2024 YTD. He said
intakes are up by approximately 800 animals but euthanization is down by approximately 500
animals.
Mr. Moody said that Animal Services has been present on social media to promote more public
education and awareness of the department and services offered. They are working on enhanced
Pet Adoption.
Mr. Moody reported on some past and upcoming events. Animal Services participated in
adoption opportunities at Pinnacle Bank in High Point and the Katie Bunch Memorial Run. They
continue to partner with Best Friends, Happy Hills, RSPCA, and Ruff Love.
Mr. Moody had participated on a panel in Asheville to talk about Hurrican Helene and the care
of animals that was necessary after the hurricane. At a conference in October, he will be speaking
on rabies prevention. There will be a vaccine clinic held at Happy Hills and Animal Services staff
will assist.
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Mr. Moody will be working with Associate County Attorney Aimee Scotton on a more strict
policy geared towards owners that pay their fines yet continually allow their pets to be a
nuisance. The hope is to keep these owners from creating constant complaints. He has a copy
of the policy used by Guilford County. The policy for Randolph County will be modified to better
suit the needs here. He will bring back more information as it progresses.
Appointments/Reappointments
Chairman Kenny Kidd asked Dana Crisco to explain the appointments and reappointments.
She stated that the Board terms needed to be reset so the whole Board would not be up for
reappointment at the same time. In order to do this, she recommended that Lt. Merrell have a
one-year term then upon expiration, that will go back to a two-year term. Reappointments of
those willing to serve another two-year term are JR Beard, Cynthia Grantham, Jennifer Layton,
and Lisa Sparks.
Ms. Lou Wilson will not be able to serve any longer. Mr. Beard asked that a Thank You letter
be sent to her for her service to this Board.
The terms of Renee Bryant and the two vacant positions will expire in 2026.
On motion of Beard, seconded by Grantham, the Board voted to recommend to the Board of
Commissioners appointments and reappointments as presented.
Board Discussion
Ms. Sparks asked about shelter capacity as well as enforcing the tethering restrictions in the
Ordinance. Ms. Sparks feels like it is a lose/lose situation.
Ms. Grantham stated that the Board needed to be positive and supportive of Animal Services.
Mr. Beard said that the Board could help offer education to the citizens.
Lt. Merrell suggested using online resources more fully.
Mr. Holden stated that the Board was created to advocate for Animal Services.
Lt. Merrell stated that the processes need to be transparent to the public.
Ms. Grantham said the Board should work as a team to support Animal Services.
Ms. Layton asked that the Animal Services staff use the Board members to help them.
Lt. Merrell stated he was happy to be here to serve.
Ms. Grantham said she is still a Nurse and a Vet Tech. She can administer rabies pre-exposure
vaccinations among other duties.
Ms. Sparks stated that Happy Hills had received a grant for vaccines with the anticipated
outcome in 2 years to be fewer animals with very serious diseases. In 2024, Happy Hills had a
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grant of $25,000 for spay/neuter vouchers for low income owners. They are hoping to get that
grant again for 2025.
Adjournment
Chairman Kidd thanked the Board members, the Animal Services staff, and audience
members for their work and dedication.
At 6:40 p.m., on motion of Layton, seconded by Beard, the Board voted 6-0 to adjourn.
7/17/2025