Lumpkin County says no to stray pets from White County

Cleveland- White County officials have been told by Lumpkin County animal shelter officials they can no longer accept stray animals from their county.

That information was released this week during a work session by the White County Commissioners. In September 2007 following a disagreement between the commissioners and The Charles Smithgall Humane Society, the humane society stopped accepting stray animals at the facility north of Cleveland that were picked up by the county. In turn, the county had to find a place that would accept them. The commissioners were able to secure an agreement with Lumpkin County to take the animals at that time.

The commissioners reported they have now arranged for Habersham County to take the animals on a temporary basis. The commissioners must come up with plan to handle the animals that the county animal control officers pick up, but Commission Chairman Travis Turner says he is not ready to say what direction that will be. He did say they are very hesitant about using tax money for any new facilities at this time.