Advisory Board accomplishments in 2012

The St. Joseph County Animal Control Advisory Board had a long list of accomplishments in 2012, its first full year.

Former board chairperson Lynda Molter presented the panel’s inaugural annual report to members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Tuesday. Molter said a major accomplishment was the animal shelter getting rid of its gas chamber, a euthanasia chamber the agency previously used to put down dogs and cats.

Molter said other highlights included extended hours on Wednesdays and limited hours on Saturdays during the summer; the use of injections by any of the department’s three trained members to put down dogs and cats not adopted; and the creation of a job description for a kennel staff member. Funding for the position, however, was denied by county commissioners.

In addition, Molter said a policy was put into effect where individuals with a record of domestic violence or other violent crimes could be denied adopting an animal.

Long-term-plans eyed by the seven-member Animal Control Advisory Board include visions of a new shelter.