At urging of advocacy groups, county will review animal rules

By Mike Conley
Published: October 14, 2008

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County officials will take another look at the animal control ordinance for McDowell. When they are done, more rules could be in place that would better protect animals from cruelty and mistreatment.
At the regular Monday meeting, the McDowell County Commissioners agreed to ask the county's Planning Board to review the existing animal control ordinance, which was adopted in 1999. The existing ordinance covers how animals can be adopted at the shelter.
County officials said local animal welfare groups like McDowell County Animal Outreach, the Mercy Fund and the Humane Society have all asked them to take another look at the rules and see if more can be done to protect animals. Working with animal control officers, they have suggested that new rules be adopted that would cover cruelty or neglect of animals, the keeping of dangerous ones, rabies vaccinations and other matters.
"I appreciate the work these folks have done," said Commissioner Michael Lavender.
The commissioners met with Susan Menard and Joy Harklerode, both representing the Mercy Fund, at the historic Carson House. They said the old ordinance doesn't cover cruelty and providing the proper shelter for animals.
The commissioners agreed to let the Planning Board review the animal ordinance and come back later with a recommendation. The Planning Board will next meet on Monday, Oct. 20.
In other business, the commissioners approved the financing from RBC Centura for the renovation work at the new Ford Miller Employment Training Center, which will be located in one part of the old Marion Manufacturing plant. The county will also submit the project to the state's Local Government Commission for approval.
When it is completed, the former office section of the old textile plant will be renovated into a job-training center. Ford Miller, who owns the plant complex on Baldwin Avenue, donated a building to McDowell Technical Community College and the county. It will become the Ford Miller Employment Training Center. JobLink and the N.C. Employment Security Commission will have personnel there to help jobless people.
MTCC President Bryan Wilson said the center is needed now more than ever.
"This whole project is to serve the people in need right now," he said. "It's quite a challenge."
He added it would help revitalize the Baldwin Avenue neighborhood.
"We feel it's a worthwhile project, especially now the plant closings," said Matt Smith, chairman of the college's board of trustees.