County wants Animal Services advisors
By Robert A. Marotto

Residents are encouraged to join a group that communicates animal control issues to county leaders.

The Animal Services Advisory Board is a citizen advisory board created by Orange County’s Board of County Commissioners that serves as a bridge between the community and commissioners.

The ASAB advises the BOCC on public policies and also helps Animal Services staff on matters such as resource allocations, operations and programs. Recent topics of discussion have included tethering, public safety in relation to at-large and dangerous dogs, whether noises from roosters should be defined as a nuisance and whether exotic animals should be kept in the county. The ASAB has also helped to develop a community spay and neuter program to further reduce pet overpopulation.

The 13-member ASAB is structured to reflect the sentiments of a cross-section of the community. Positions for the advisory board include representatives from various municipalities, veterinarians and animal advocates. Other positions are designated for at-large and non-municipal residents. This variety of representation allows the ASAB to act as a diverse sounding board on existing and future Orange County government policy issues.

All ASAB appointments are made by the BOCC. Members serve three-year terms and may only serve two consecutive terms. Current vacancies include a township position and a position for a “certified animal handler/trainer/technician,” and there may be other vacancies in the coming year. For more information on the ASAB (which ordinarily meets one evening each month) and the application process, visit www.co.orange.nc.us/animalservices.

Robert Marotto, director of Orange County Animal Services, can be reached at bmarotto@co.orange.nc.us.

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