Swain County accepted state and federal grants to help with the $27,000 salary for a new dog catcher position. An anonymous national foundation will contribute $7900 to equip the officer. However, there is no money to buy a vehicle for the officer or to build a shelter. Currently, if an animal is deemed by authorities to be potentially dangerous, they may get a decree from the health director saying so and requiring the pet’s owner, if it has one, to leash and muzzle or fence in the animal.
It is hoped that somebody will partner to pay for the capital improvements. Bryson City is a candidate because, although citizens are already taxed, the county could withhold dog catching services. The sheriff says his office receives about six complaints a week about threatening animals.
