Swain County tabled a draft animal control ordinance for the second time after about 100 citizens showed up at a county commissioner meeting where it was to be discussed.

The citizens showed up at the commissioners’ Aug. 13 work session. Commission chairman Jim Douthit told the crowd that even though public comment period for the ordinance had passed, the board would take comments during the work session.

Once again, local farmers and hunters said they felt the ordinance was too restrictive and was not applicable to Swain County.

“If this ordinance is adopted as written, I can’t turn my dogs aloose in Swain County,” said local hunter Ronnie Griggs.

Shawn Brooks said he purchased 100 acres in Swain County for the express purpose of raising farm animals.

“If you pass this, you’re gonna hurt people like me,” Brooks said.

Bobby Crisp of PAWS Animal Shelter lobbied for an ordinance. She said PAWS, a volunteer organization with Crisp as the only paid employee, had carried the brunt of animal control (unfunded) in the county. She said the county regularly calls on the shelter to hold stray animals.

Crisp said she didn’t feel the county had a problem with farm animals, but licensing and regulations for dogs and cats was needed.

“I can’t believe we don’t have some sort of animal control,” Crisp said.

J.H. Lawton and his wife, who live in Ela campground, told commissioners of three rottweilers that roam the campground and have been aggressive toward residents.

“If one of those dogs attacks someone, it’ll be too late,” Mr. Lawton said.

During the regular session the ordinance was tabled. People wishing to comment on the ordinance should do so in writing to Swain County, P.O. Box 2321, Bryson City, NC 28713.

During the regular session commissioners voted 3-2 to approve a $1,000 disbursement to Valley River Humane Society Inc. to help purchase a pathological waste incinerator to dispose of euthanized animals. Commissioners Austin Greene and Jeff Waldrup opposed.

Commissioners also voted unanimously to rescind a November 2000 resolution opposing a purposed land swap between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The reversal came after a discussion led by commissioner Dick Ensley, who is a liaison between the board and the EBCI. The motion rescinded the old resolution and extended the support of Swain County to the Tribe in its efforts to acquire the 168-acre Ravensford tract from the GSMNP for the construction of new schools. The county’s support is contingent upon the tract being used for educational purposes only.

 

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The Smoky Mountain News