Officials in Hillsdale County are continuing to explore options for housing stray animals ahead of the expiration of an agreement with Branch County.
Commissioner Brad Benzing and Sheriff Scott Hodshire recently met with representatives of the Jackson County Animal Control Shelter to explore whether their center would be willing to house dogs from Hillsdale County. According to Benzing, the manager was initially receptive to the proposal, but the municipality ultimately declined.
The discussion was part of a broader effort by local leaders to determine how best to handle animal control services after the conclusion of an existing partnership with Branch County in December.
Hillsdale County has relied on the animal shelter in Branch County for years under a long-term agreement that saw the former contribute funding toward the latter’s shelter construction.
However, officials have reassessed that partnership amid concerns about costs and long-term sustainability. Branch County officials have said the arrangement has become unbalanced, with animals from Hillsdale accounting for a significant share of those housed.
Hodshire has previously said transporting dogs to Branch County has become an increasing burden for officers trying to balance animal control responsibilities with other public safety duties. Still, officials are expected to continue discussions with Branch County about a possible extension or new agreement.
Officials have also had preliminary discussions with the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society, but the local shelter already often operates at or near full capacity and may not be able to handle the additional caseload.
The matter is expected to be revisited in the coming months.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hillsdale County continues search for long-term animal control housing
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
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