Robyn McGeorge, the founder and director of Robyn’s Nest animal rescue, told the commission that she receives one phone call “after another from animal-loving citizens” who come across stray animals.
They call the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center and are told ARC workers will not pick up the animal. Desperate, these citizens then turn to local rescues for help. Then they find that every rescue is full.
“Our stray dog problem has been out of control for years,” she said. “It is getting worse and worse, and it is time that we do something about it.”
The commission meeting followed a town hall meeting on Monday where local lawmakers Phil Plummer, R-Butler Twp., and Tom Young, R-Washington twp., among other local officials, asked citizens for input on what could be done legislatively.
At that meeting, McGeorge suggested a task force including rescue leaders, lawmakers, law enforcement, judges and other county officials should be formed to find solutions.
“What we need is tough laws and enforcement,” McGeorge said on Tuesday. “There have to be consequences, or this problem is never going to end.”
Montgomery County Administrator Michael Colbert said the Animal Resource Center estimates more than 140,000 dogs live in Montgomery County. ARC only has space for around 80 dogs, and is over capacity as of Tuesday.
“We have more dogs than deer,” he said. “This is not a problem that one area is going to solve. It’s going to take a community-wide effort. We’re very much supportive of a collaborative effort or a task force.”
Colbert said Ohio communities need laws that hold pet owners accountable, and local cities and townships should also reinforce pet ownership.
Commission President Judy Dodge said she adopted her dog from ARC. He experienced a hard life before coming into her home, but now he’s the light of her life.
“I get all of this, trust me,” she said.
Commissioner Mary McDonald said she has reached out to local lawmakers to see if they would serve on a task force, and she’d like to see the commission also have a role in that effort. She recalls having citizens voice concern over stray animals during her time as Trotwood mayor.
“Many of us absolutely love animals,” she said. “Having a task force, coming together, I believe will be extremely helpful.”
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