May 25, 2013
Jennifer Squires recently called the Geneva County Sheriff's Department about having stray animals in her neighborhood picked up. She said she was told to destroy the animals herself.
Not only is that a felony, but it's what her neighbor has been doing for months.
People in Geneva County are being forced to deal with the problem themselves because the county has no animal control system.
But according to state law, any county that has more than 5,000 residents must have a pound and an impounding officer.
2001 figures show Geneva County has more than 25,000 residents. Geneva County Commissioners said they know the county is in violation of the law but right now they just do not have the money to change the problem.
Jennifer Squires said that's no excuse.
State Senator Harrianne Smith said she's willing to help the county commissioners resolve the problem.
But for now, the only way the county will be forced to open a pound is if someone takes them to court.
