County needs to work with BTAA to help stray dogs

It’s recently come to my attention that Bonner County is in the process of renegotiating its contract with Better Together Animal Alliance to intake stray dogs. I’m writing to express my support for choosing BTAA to continue to provide this service.

The statutory requirements of the county (Idaho Code 25-2804) to seize and impound stray dogs and ensure their humane treatment (Idaho Code 25-3504) are met through the longstanding contract with BTAA. In addition to providing 24/7 accessible, climate controlled, facilities for law enforcement to bring in stray dogs, BTAA holds the dogs for five days (not including holidays or weekends), makes extensive efforts to reunite lost dogs with their owners, and provides emergency veterinary care to sick and injured stray dogs. And, as a matter of public safety, BTAA can also euthanize dangerous dogs when they are a threat to public health or safety.

It is my understanding that BTAA has increased the cost associated with the intake of stray dogs and that donors of BTAA have been subsidizing the cost of the stray dog contracts for the City of Sandpoint, the City of Ponderay, and Bonner County for decades. The management of stray dogs is a statutory requirement of these jurisdictions, and it is inappropriate for private donors to subsidize these costs.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

STEVE CAROTHERS

Sandpoint