December 12, 2024 |
Photo – Bigfoot 99’s Matt Copland
Hanna officials discussed the possibility of reopening the town’s shuttered animal shelter. The matter was tabled until the cost to the town can be determined.
On top of policing the town, Hanna marshals were also tasked with running an animal shelter to house stray pets. As the staff of the marshal’s department dwindled, the animal shelter became less of a priority until, roughly five years ago, it was shut down completely. From that point forward, stray animals caught in Hanna were transported to the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter.
Marshal Dan Starr is looking to reopen the town’s animal shelter. At Tuesday’s Hanna town council meeting, Marshal Starr said he would like to house run-away pets in town instead of taking them to Rawlins, which would allow owners to reclaim their animals more quickly.
Right now, the Hanna Marshal’s Department consists of three part-time officers, Marshal Starr and Deputies Roger Hawks and Trent Wozniak.
Marshal Starr told the governing body that the shelter is clean and ready to reopen. However, with only part-time officers, Marshal Starr said he lacks the manpower to take care of any stray animals.
While he figures out how to staff the animal shelter, Marshal Starr mentioned that he is considering posting found pets on social media. That way, pet owners will have a chance to pick up their animals before they are taken to Rawlins.
Marshal Starr said registering your dog with the town ensures a swift return if they escape. This registration process requires proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccination, which, Marshal Starr explained, also helps him and his deputies feel safer when handling stray animals.
To help enforce the town’s animal ordinances, Marshal Starr suggested hiring a part-time animal control officer. This officer would work in conjunction with the Marshal’s Department to ensure that all residents comply with the established dog and fowl regulations.
The proposed animal control officer would have the ability to issue citations to residents who are not following the town’s animal rules. Marshal Starr said because the officer would have access to private information, it is important to ensure the town selects a trustworthy individual to fill the position.
The money needed to run the animal shelter, including utilities and dog food, would come out of the Marshal’s Department budget. Marshal Starr said the town already has rules in place to collect fines from residents, which can be used to cover the cost of care.
Marshal Starr said he expects to set the animal impound fees at $20 a day.
The governing body of Hanna voted to postpone a decision on the animal shelter and instructed Marshal Starr to prepare an estimate to reopen the shelter and hire a part-time animal control officer to present at a future town council meeting.
All dogs must be registered with the Hanna town hall by December 31st. Registration fees are $5 for fixed dogs and $10 for those that are not spayed or neutered. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required
