MONTGOMERY COUNTY — Community members attended the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday night to share their concerns about the large stray dog population.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, people told the commissioners that they feel helpless when it comes to this issue.
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One woman said she picked up a stray dog on her way home from work on Tuesday. She made 14 calls to the Animal Resource Center (ARC), police, and local rescues, but no one could help.
Montgomery County Administrator Michael Colbert said there are about 140,000 to 160,000 stray dogs in the county.
“We have more dogs than deer,” he said.
The county’s Animal Resouce Center is set to house around 80 dogs. They have more than 100 dogs there Tuesday night.
“As you heard from our administrator today, there are other entities that should be at the table and taking some help and responsibility in this issue,” Commissioner Mary McDonald said.
“So when the staff tell you that the ARC is full, they are serious. It’s been a perpetual state of fullness, just like the rescues are full,” Colbert said.
>>RELATED: ‘We feel helpless;’ Community discusses stray animal, cruelty problem in Montgomery County
Other rescues, residents, and even people experiencing homelessness are doing their part to take care of strays.
Jeremy Holland is experiencing homelessness and stays in Dayton with his dog Boomer.
“I promised my friend I would take care of it,” Holland said. “I’m struggling here.”
He said everything he has for his dog came from good samaritans. If he didn’t take care of Boomer, he’s not sure who would.
“I think those are the kind of issues that go with that conversation. When that task force comes together, how can we help in that area?” McDonald said.
That specialized task force was brought up Monday night at a town hall in Dayton. Residents and rescue employees shared their concerns with State Representative Phil Plummer (R-Dayton).
County administrators think part of solving this problem is changing laws surrounding animal crimes.
“Our citizens have really been burdened with this. People who really care and love animals are really hurting around this issue, and I think again, bringing everyone to the table with the willingness to tackle it together is going to be our best route to be able to solve this challenge,” Montgomery County Commissioner Mary McDonald said.
Plummer has legislation ready to go and hopes to put it in front of other lawmakers in the coming weeks.
News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.
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