Knox County Dog Warden Brian Biggerstaff reported to the Board of Commissioners on May 15 that the county dog shelter took in 45 dogs in April.
According to a video of the Knox County Board of Commissioners' May 15 meeting, Biggerstaff said 16 of the dogs were owner surrenders, 22 were strays, five were seized or custody dogs, and two were returned adoptions.
Biggerstaff said that 48 dogs left the shelter during April. Those included 17 adoptions, 10 that were euthanized, 20 that were returned to owners, and one transferred out or sent to rescue. He explained that nine of the 10 dogs euthanized were at the owners' request due to aggression, bite history, or medical reasons. One dog had caused serious physical harm, including disfigurement.
Biggerstaff mentioned that the dog shelter charges a fee as part of its owner surrender policy: $120 if the dog is licensed and $160 for an unlicensed animal. The fee to surrender for euthanasia is $50 if licensed and $90 for unlicensed dogs.
As of May 14, Biggerstaff reported that 23 dogs were at the shelter and all were available for adoption. Sixteen of those dogs were owner surrenders, and one was seized from its owner because of animal neglect. Five dogs had been on the adoption floor for more than 60 days.
Nineteen citations were issued in April. Seventeen citations were for failure to confine, and two citations for failure to license, according to Biggerstaff. The shelter remains open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
