Overreach of power

To the editor,

I am appalled at Greer City Council approving the Animal Ordinances Changes. 

Limiting households to three pets. Requiring pet foster homes to “register” with Animal Control. Giving AC Officers authority to “enter upon private property” if they think an animal has “inclination to attack.”

I honestly never thought that such an overreaching document would get through our city council.

Greer’s Animal Control Officer was not at either reading for the council to directly question.

No research was shown to prove these control tactics would work. 

I begged the council to please spend more time on the changes needed to help animal control but as stated to me, “They just wanted it to be over.”

Our shelters are already overburdened. Greer’s old catch and “remove” tactic uses tax dollars to dump more into the system and it hasn’t been working. 

Why can’t we implement low cost spay/neuter options and TNR programs with all the private funding available?

City population has grown over 40% since the AC officer was hired. How do these changes help him do his job?  

Myself and several dedicated animal welfare educators and pet population control experts sat together at the meeting. We were extremely disappointed with the vote and worried about the future of animals and pet owners in Greer.

This overreach of power is concerning.

Since many residents are just hearing about the vote after it happened, please encourage readers to reach out to their Council Rep and the City Administrator  with their thoughts about the changes. 

Jessica Monroe 
Greer