Citing a lack of manpower at the Escambia County Humane Society, the City of Brewton will begin handling its own animal control operations Aug. 1.
Brewton Standard archives show the city entered into a $65,000-per-year agreement with the ECHS to provide animal services inside the city limits in 2012. Monies were to be used to operate the ECHS shelter and to help fund two employees.
However, complaints have prompted the city to resume the services inside the city limits, and now, that responsibility will fall on the Brewton Police Department, said Chief Monte McGougin.
“The city has opted out of the agreement with the humane society after it became clear the organization did not have the manpower to respond in a timely manner to the city’s needs,” McGougin said.
In 2012, the city cited growing costs as the reasoning behind executing the agreement with the ECHS; however, McGougin said he is confident he can provide the services in the budget that is already established.
City workers will be operating an animal control facility at the former shelter on Ala. Hwy. 31 South, McGougin said. The service will be available only to residents within the city limits.
“We’ll have two animal control officers tasked with animal control in the city,” he said. “The officers will be personnel reassigned from other duties within the city and will not be certified police officers, but rather animal control officers working under the supervision of the police department.
“The city’s facility will be reopened as the Brewton Animal Control and Adoption Center and will have space for 24 large canines, a feline area and a holding area for six small canines or puppies,” he said. “Outdoor enclosed areas are available if needed, but will be monitored. No animals will be accepted at the center outside regular hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays.”
McGougin said animals will be held at the shelter for seven days before being considered for euthanization. He stressed that the center will be “managed with common sense” and the police department will be responsive and reachable for residents 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
Stray animals picked up by officers or surrendered by residents will be available for adoption on Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the facility. Adoption fees will be $40, while surrender fees are $30 per animal. Residents can report nuisance animals to the police dispatcher at 251.867.3212. Anyone who wishes to donate to help defray the cost of the service can do so through the City of Brewton’s business office, McGougin said.