TO THE EDITOR:
A common phrase stated by successful individuals of all ranks is to question everything and to never allow the mindset of “but that’s the way we’ve always done things around here” enter your mind.
That seems to be the general idea of the complacent Michael Martin, Health and Welfare Committee chair for Warren County.  He states, when discussing changing the name of Warren County Animal Control to Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center, “We aren’t supposed to be in the adoption business at all really. We’re supposed to be in animal control.” 
When questioned on the definition of animal control and the goals of the county animal control, Martin states, “Read the book. What does the book say? It’s animal control. That’s all I’m saying.” At the end of this very odd questioning, Martin finishes with, “It’s always been that policy.”
Well, Mr. Martin, I do believe the book you are referring to is the Warren County Animal Control Rules and Regulations revised July 21, 2014 found on the Warren County government website. I read the book. According to the duties specifically stated on page 2:
“Animal Control shall include the following:
• (2) To provide animal safety and educational programs;
• (3) To attempt to resolve animal-related problems by education or advice;
• (4) To provide emergency and rescue services for animals;
• (7) To maintain an animal shelter in accordance with the provisions of this act and the policies of Warren County Animal Control that will include, but not be limited to, sheltering of animals impounded under this act, quarantine of rabies-suspect animals, and disposition of animals by adoption, redemption or humane euthanasia.”
Now, clearly I skipped around a bit and left out unnecessary information, but you understand that, don’t you Mr. Martin? 
Moving on, Article XI states, “Any dog or cat impounded that is wearing a current rabies vaccination tag shall be kept for a period of five (5) business days and if not redeemed within such a period may be placed up for adoption or humanely destroyed or otherwise disposed of. 
Article XIII discusses the procedures with respect to redemption or adoption of animals in its entirety with eight specific statues on how to adopt and redeem a companion animal.  I will not take the time to restate this very large policy I am sure you know as you have “read the book.” 
In the Warren County Animal Control Rules and Regulations handbook, the word adoption is mentioned a total of 12 times.
Another common term found quite often in “the book” is education. Now, like most voting, taxpaying, Warren County residents, I enjoy our low taxes and allowing government agencies to earn money rather than spend money. By the incredible figures stated by Kim Pettrey, Warren County Animal Control is not first in line to put the county in debt. In fact, she is doing her best to raise money by adoptions. 
Now, by listening to the meeting and attempting to analyze your very unclear statements, I assume you simply want to do away with adoption and “all that stuff,” whatever “stuff” may be in your mind. Now, in order to euthanize companion animals by way of Tennessee State General Assembly Legislature, while not strictly regulated, the most affordable euthanasia technique is inoculation. Inoculation costs money. Needing money means raising county taxes. We, as in county taxpayers, do not like increasing taxes. I much prefer Ms. Pettrey’s goal of adoption and rescue as she is allowing for some income to the center.
Now, let me just point out the absolute silliness of this nature. The concern is changing a facility’s name from Warren County Animal Control to Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center. First, changing the name recognizes animals are being controlled (as stated in the clear duties of the Warren County Animal Control Rules and Regulations Article 1) as well as being adopted (also clearly stated). 
Personally, I think it works well after reading the book. And, honestly, if changing a name to a center is the biggest issue a county has, well, I reside in a pretty great county.

Alicia N. Abney
Bill Webb Rd.
McMinnville