RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
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ELLIS COUNTY – At an Ellis County Commissioners Court meeting last month, it was announced the notification of termination of Ellis County by the SPCA of Texas.
A response has still not been received for more detailed information regarding the abrupt end to the county’s relationship with the SPCA, but Ellis County Judge Todd Little’s short email last month said, “Thanks for reaching out. This is a very tough subject.”
The issue had been related to “animal control ordinances,” but no ordinances were identified.
During Commissioner’s Court meeting last week, commissioners went into executive session on a variety of items and upon return voted unanimously on an item to adopt the minimum standards for rabies control under Chapter 826: Rabies of the Texas Health & Safety Codes as Ellis County’s local rabies control program.
A second item to designate the Ellis County Sheriff as the Local Rabies Control Authority under Chapter 826.017 of the Texas Health & Safety Code was also on the agenda.
Little made a motion after seeking advice from counsel and discussing with Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman, who was in full agreement with the appointment, “to appoint Dr. Susan Heath, a veterinarian in Ellis County to be the local rabies control authority.”
The item passed unanimously and Little concluded, “This will start the process of us entering into discussion with folks who can provide the services that are required by law.”
He added further information would be forthcoming as he “works with the sheriff and staff to bring solutions forward.”
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