Implement a county-wide, humane, animal control program in Johnson County

Currently, there is no county-wide animal control program in Johnson County, and Tennessee state laws regarding mandatory rabies vaccinations for pets are not enforced. This situation promotes animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment because the residents of the county have no source of help with problems of feral, stray, threatening or unwanted dogs and cats.

The reproductive rate for dogs for one breeding pair is 192 puppies in five years. This does not take into consideration the puppies produced by any of the male puppies from this breeding pair. The reproductive rate for cats for one breeding pair is 12,680 kittens in five years. The county is crowded with an over-population of cats and dogs, with many kind-hearted people trying to care for 10 or more pets that they have trouble supporting.

The county is at risk of a heavy penalty law suit from a vicious or rabid dog/cat. So many roaming animals are unprotected by rabies vaccinations, and there is no one to patrol for animals at large, or to enforce the state required vaccinations, or to respond to calls for help. The county is subject to law suits claiming negligence.

Johnson County needs to establish an animal control program now! One that complies with Tennessee requirements, uses a humane system of care, and supports a strong adoption program.