Berrien County officials have brought in a consultant to help resolve the ongoing overcrowding at the Berrien County Animal Control shelter. Part of the problem is caused by dogs lodged at the shelter as a result of pending court cases against their owners. We’ve reported such animals are up to a third of the dogs in the shelter, and they sometimes stay there for as long as six months. Berrien County Administrator Brian Dissette told commissioners Thursday some progress is being made.
“We have contracted with Outcomes for Animals,” Dissette said. “That consultant has put together a pretty extensive report with recommendations on proposed improvements. One of the key points she has really pushed is the length of stay the average animal is staying with us just being way too long.”
Dissette said in most places, the longest a dog will stay at a local shelter as a result of a court case is two weeks. He and the consultant are looking at making that the case in Berrien County. Michigan Humane is in contact with the prosecutor, the sheriff, and others to develop a more efficient system.
