The St. Clair County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday, May 21 to table a proposed rewrite of the county’s animal control ordinance until June 4 after commissioners cited ongoing amendments, late revisions and requests for additional public review.
Commissioners had been scheduled to consider final action on proposed Ordinance 26-13, a rewrite of the county’s animal control ordinance.
The proposal would shift criminal animal cruelty and neglect investigations to law enforcement agencies while allowing Animal Control to continue handling shelter operations, licensing, dangerous dog complaints and other civil enforcement matters.
The proposal stems from a legal opinion issued by county counsel Gary Fletcher, who argued portions of the county’s current ordinance exceed authority granted under Michigan law.
Earlier this month, the ordinance advanced out of committee in a 5-1 vote despite extensive public opposition during the May 7 committee meeting. Commissioner Kerry Ange was absent from that meeting.
Public comment during Thursday’s meeting lasted just under an hour, with the majority of speakers addressing the proposed ordinance and concerns over training, transparency and animal welfare enforcement.
Courtney Protz-Sanders of the nonprofit Michigan Pet Alliance encouraged additional cross-training between sheriff deputies and animal control officers related to abuse and neglect investigations.
“We represent pet owners, professionals in the industry, and they contact us when they have concerns,” Protz-Sanders said, adding the organization had heard from “hundreds” of St. Clair County residents regarding the ordinance and broader animal welfare concerns.
Animal Control Officer Rachel Welch defended the county’s current response model, arguing Animal Control should remain the first responder for animal-related complaints while law enforcement handles cases meeting criminal thresholds.
“This is why Animal Control must remain the first responder for animal related calls, with law enforcement only being involved when criminal thresholds are met,” Welch said. “That model keeps our communities safer.”
Resident Chavena Hernandez questioned whether sheriff’s deputies would have the specialized livestock knowledge needed to properly assess animal welfare complaints and urged commissioners to release the revised ordinance publicly before taking final action.
Resident Tonya Compton criticized commissioners for continuing to move the proposal forward despite repeated public opposition during earlier meetings and threatened recall efforts against officials supporting the ordinance.
Before the board voted to delay action, several commissioners said additional revisions and amendments had been made shortly before the meeting.
Commissioner Joi Torello said she had not yet had time to review revisions and recommendations sent earlier in the day.
“I would like to ask for myself that I would take a minute to read what differences were made on this ordinance before we vote on it,” Torello said.
County administrator Thomas Hull also told commissioners an additional amendment was not reflected in printed copies distributed during the meeting.
Commissioner Lisa Beedon said tabling the ordinance would also allow residents more time to review the updated language and provide feedback.
“I actually think it’s a good idea to allow the community a chance to view it and maybe provide additional feedback,” Beedon said.
Board Chair Steven Simasko said Animal Control Director Melissa Miller had sent commissioners and Fletcher a detailed email on May 18 containing annotated recommendations and legal citations regarding the ordinance. Simasko said Fletcher reviewed the recommendations and determined some revisions were necessary.
Ange said she supported tabling the ordinance because of the “flurry of amendments” and ongoing collaboration with Miller.
Commissioners are expected to revisit the proposed ordinance during the board’s June 4 committee meeting.
The St. Clair County Board of Commissioners holds committee meetings on the first Thursday of each month and full board meetings on the third Thursday, both beginning at 6 p.m.
Meetings are held in the County Administration Building, 200 Grand River Ave., Port Huron, and are livestreamed on the county’s YouTube channel.
Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: St. Clair County commissioners push pause on animal control ordinance
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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