Animal Control on Commission Agenda

By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com

A Knox County Charter amendment that would transfer animal control to the Young-Williams Animal Center is on the commission agenda today but questions remain for some commissioners. The City of Knoxville Council has already questioned the joint city-county proposal before passing it last week.
Commissioner Carson Dailey quizzed the center’s director, Janet Testerman, last week about who would pick up dead animals.
“We can certainly talk about it,” Testerman replied, adding that discussion should take place after the county votes to approve the idea. “It would be an additional service,” she added.
Dailey said that if Young-Williams takes over all animal control in April then the center’s responsibility to recover dead animals should be part of that agreement.
“You are getting dollars, equipment and trucks,” Dailey added.
Both the Knox County Sheriff and City Police Chief Paul Noel support the idea of giving up their duties concerning animal control. The transfer of animal control is on the commission’s agenda today.