SWA PAWS Provides One-Year Update to Nashville City Council

During Monday’s meeting of the Nashville City Council, representatives from SWA PAWS provided a one-year update on the organization’s work with the Nashville Animal Control Department.

Jenna Pope of SWA PAWS reported on adoption and euthanasia rates at the Nashville Animal Shelter over the past year.

Pope reported that 41 percent of the dogs and cats taken in by Animal Control were picked up in Nashville, while 32 percent were picked up in Prescott.

Mayor Larry Dunaway said Prescott has not paid its animal control dues since June. He said the area mayors could discuss removing Prescott from the Animal Control Program.

Pope also asked the City Council to amend the city’s Banned Breed Ordinance. She requested that the wording in Section 5, Line E, be changed from “will be” to “may.”

Pope said 125 dogs had been sent to rescue organizations in northern states, adding that some of those organizations accept dogs considered to be banned breeds.

Pope reported that SWA PAWS paid all spay and neuter fees to help ensure the adoption of dogs and cats.

Pope also asked the council to consider completing the fencing at the Animal Control shelter. She said additional fencing would allow dogs to move around more freely and give potential adopters an opportunity to interact with individual dogs away from the other animals.

She also asked the council to consider extending the fencing in the future.

Council members voted to approve the requested change to the Banned Breed Dogs Ordinance.