community meeting seeking animal control solutions scheduled for Jan. 23rd
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Iwill state again that I am the only one who has stepped forward in Fisher County in the last 182 days and said, ‘I want to help,’” Simon Wade
Fisher County Sheriff Simon Wade is set to host a community meeting at the Fisher County Courthouse next week, seeking input from residents who are concerned about finding a solution to the county’s growing animal control problems.
When meeting with commissioners last week, Sheriff Wade made good on promises made in October when he said he would be looking for community involvement to build upon his ideas for controlling stray animals. Various animal-related incidents have occurred throughout the county ranging from calves being killed to dogs attacking residents, often requiring treatment at local hospitals.
When initially acknowledging the widespread problem and announcing his goal of hosting a community meeting, Sheriff Wade said a solution would take the input of residents, as well as county and municipal officials. During his first meeting with commissioners in 2024, Wade added that despite the criticism he has received since his July appointment, he has been steadfast in addressing the problem.
“I will state again that I am the only one who has stepped forward in Fisher County in the last 182 days and said, ‘I want to help,’” said Wade, calling on officials and the public at large, encouraging all Fisher County residents to attend a meeting next week to begin devising what he hopes will be a countywide solution.
The Rotan City Council approved updated animal control ordinances also in July, however, the council has been unable to establish the necessary protocols for enforcing or adjudicating violations. When meeting with Rotan officials late last year, Wade felt that properly addressing the growing population of strays was a problem that was larger than any one community.
Wade said he believes through the collective efforts of Rotan, Roby, and county officials, as well as the citizens they represent, a blueprint for successful animal control could be established. Although the initial costs — and possibly contribution to ongoing costs — Wade proposes could be divided according to an interlocal agreement between entities, he said the program should be largely county-funded.
With the Fisher Commissioners recently approving the application for SB-22, which will help fund salary increases and equipment purchases for rural sheriff’s departments, Sheriff Wade said he would be coming to the court with many ideas for how to improve the department. One of the priorities for Wade will be to purchase the necessary equipment for operating a proper animal control program.
However, he said the best way to achieve success with a program is going to be by getting city leaders, including Roby and Rotan city council members, veterinarians, and county officials to come together to find an answer. Wade is calling for residents interested in working toward a permanent solution for animal control to join him on Tuesday, January 23 at 7 p.m. at the Fisher County Courthouse.