Thomas County, Georgia (WCTV) – Negotiations between Thomas County and humanitarian organizations remain stalled. Both organizations now operate under a new protocol as their 10-year contracts expired on December 31.
On January 1, the Thomas County Humanitarian Society transitioned to operating solely as a nonprofit, instead of continuing as a nonprofit under contract with the local government.
The county, with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office, provides limited emergency animal services under an interim protocol plan called the E-911 Animal Care Protocol.
The separation stemmed from months of negotiations for a new contract between the county and human society, but neither party was able to agree on the terms proposed by the other.
Since WCTV last reported on the negotiating woes in December, County Manager Michael Stevenson said there had been no other meetings between the two sides.
Instead, the sheriff’s office is now specially responding to calls regarding domesticated cats and dogs.
“We are not at a point where we can accept animals unless they are dangerous dogs. I hope there are some means by which we can provide that service, but at this point the only thing we can do for stray and nuisance dogs is issue a subpoena. It’s just a matter of getting there and going from there,” said TCSO Captain Chuck McDonald.
He said the sheriff’s office had already provided some services to wildlife and livestock. Subject to the ability to issue specific summons and subpoenas against animals showing signs of rabies.
“We are venturing into new areas that we are unfamiliar with, but we have been inundated with support from the community wanting to provide resources. I am happy to use my land,” said Captain MacDonald.
There are county committee meetings twice a month. One he held at 9am in January. Humanitarian Association officials say they plan to participate, but it is not clear whether the parties will use the opportunity to negotiate a new agreement.
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