By Becky Long
Publisher
The need for organized animal control in Clay County was illuminated by the account of a woman who was recently attacked by two pit bulls in her neighborhood.
Dana Heidbreder appealed to commissioners during their June 2 meeting to organize and create an animal control entity to target what she says is a “serious problem,” in the county.
“I am asking you to create a true animal control department with their own facility, staff and dedicated animal control officer,” she said.
Heidbreder recounted an attack that recently happened to her.
“On May 7, my world started as an absolutely beautiful morning,” recalled Heidbreder. “The mountains were lovely, the temperature was perfect. It was an opportune time to strap a leash on my puppy Rosalee and take her for a walk through the neighborhood.
“The walk through my neighborhood was perfect until two pit bulls charged at us from their driveway. Have you ever experienced being held on the ground with a vicious dog’s teeth in your shoulder while you’re helplessly watching your 11-month old puppy being chased down by a second dog then grabbed and shaken like a rag doll. That was my experience on May 7.”
What stands out in my memory today is that I believed I was going to watch my puppy be shredded and that I was living my very last moment on this earth,” she continued. “That is the memory that replays in my mind every single night. Thanks to a neighbor who heard my screams it was not my fate. I left by ambulance that day while my husband took Rosalee to the emergency veterinarian in Blue Ridge.”
“We have a serious problem in Clay county with stray and unrestrained dogs destroying property. The two dogs were owned dogs who were allowed to roam off their property while their keepers were not even home. This family has a history of owning vicious dogs allowing them to roam and antagonize and attack people in our neighborhood,” she said noting that the dogs’ behavior is well documented.
“Yet nothing has been done to prevent my attack. I lay the blame for this avoidable attack at the feet for this inadequate animal control at the hands of the health department and the sheriff’s office,” Heidbreder said. “I am lucky to be alive.”
Commission Chairman Rob Peck noted that he learned about the incident via email on May 10.
“It’s important that everyone out there understands we took this very seriously,” said Peck “I received an email on Monday, May 10 and spoke with Clarissa Rogers and Debbie Mauney. Further steps have taken place to try and minimize any further incidents.”
Health Department Director Clarissa Rogers responded to the comments. “The health department has been in contact with the sheriff’s office. Our goal is to establish a local relationship with law enforcement.”
On Tuesday, Sheriff Bobby Deese confirmed that his office has temporarily taken over animal control duties.
“The county asked if we would assume the duties from the health department temporarily with the vacancy of the animal control officer,” said Deese. “I agreed to help them until they make permanent arrangements so right now the sheriff’s office is doing animal control in the interim.”
Calls regarding animal control for now should be made to 389-6354.
While Heidbreder said something should have been done to prevent the attack, she commended Rogers and the health department for how they handled the situation after the attack.
The dogs were removed from the property, taken to a shelter, tested and euthanized. They had not been vaccinated against rabies.
“We need to look at something we can live with and do to keep everybody safe,” noted Commission Scotty Penland.
Peck said the commissioners would take the matter under consideration.
In an unrelated matter, related to public health, commissioners heard a presentation from Marculs Lindsey regarding the recent contract renewal of Air Methods.
Air Methods was the first of two free medical flight services offered to county residents with no out of pocket expense.
In the agreement, Clay County’s maximum responsibility for Air Methods cost sharing fees will not exceed $26,587.50.
County residents are covered anywhere Air Methods provides air ambulance services.
In 12 months, Lindsey said Air Method transported 54 reesidents in need of advanced medical care.
Lindsey said over the past four years, it could be well in to the millions that residents have saved through this service.
In April, the commissioners renewed their agreement with AirMedCare Life Flight which covers county residents flown from Clay, Cherokee, Towns and Union counties for no out of pocket expense.
The cost to the county for this service is $27,199.14 per year. During the last year, Life Force conducted 48 flights of Clay County residents.
Other matters considered during the meeting were:
• Reappointed Rehnaye Talley as tax collector and Bonnie Lyvers as county assessor, per general statues.
• Appointed Jim Saltz to serve out the term of Bryan Hedden on the Tri-County Community College board. Term through 2025.
• Approved the increase of per diem for county employees when traveling from $30 to $46 dollars per day . Hotel rates will be reviewed by the county manager.
• Granted the variance of a reduction of a 30 feet easement to 20 feet on two separate parcels of family-owned property. The 20-feet will allow a fire truck to enter the property and is legal. The road is private.