Letter from Steve Smith, Director of BJC Animal Control

At BJC Animal Control, many developments have occurred within the month of January. We’ve assisted T.E.A.R.S. by taking in more than 60 dogs; worked with Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) to plan two joint Adopt-A-Thons; hired a wonderful new veterinarian, and continued our efforts in protecting Jefferson County residents from the risk of rabies. I’ve included a few details about these happenings below so you can learn more about the latest at BJC.

In early January, BJC was notified of the accusations claiming then T.E.A.R.S. Director Terra Contramano was allegedly mistreating animals and mishandling funds. Following the dismissal of Contramano by the T.E.A.R.S. board, BJC Animal Control - along with GBHS and other local rescue groups and shelters - willingly stepped up to assist with the numerous animals that now needed a home. BJC welcomed in over 60 new additions to our family, and we are currently working hard to ensure each animal is adopted quickly.

To increase our adoption efforts, we’ve planned two joint Adopt-A-Thons with GBHS. They will take place on Saturday, January 30 and Saturday, February 6 from 1PM until 4PM at the GBHS location on Snow Drive. Have a Heart Animal Rescue and Adoption and other local rescue groups will be in attendance. These events are free, and we want everyone to attend so we can adopt as many animals as possible. To view the adoptable animals, please click here. I am extremely thankful for the partnership created with GBHS through this tough set of circumstances and look forward to working with them more closely in the future to ensure animals in the area are cared for properly and adopted in greater numbers.

Speaking of being thankful, I am pleased to announce our new veterinarian, Dr. Barbara Benhart, and would like to welcome her to our BJC family. She is a caring, certified and devoted professional that has immense knowledge of the job. Dr. Benhart earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University and brings more than 40 years of veterinarian experience to BJC's staff. Her responsibilities will include providing care, nutrition and parasite control for all animals at the facility, as well as performing heartworm evaluations and vaccinations for adoptable pets.

Lastly, along with our other duties at BJC our primary responsibility is to control the risk of rabies throughout the community and to protect its residents. Recently, a woman in East Lake was exposed to a rabid bat found in the basement of a home where four dogs were being kept. With assistance from the health department, BJC resolved the situation and appropriately dealt with the risk of rabies spreading any further. I encourage you to get your pet vaccinated to ensure his/her safety in this type of situation.

Your interest in BJC Animal Control is thoroughly appreciated, and if I can ever be of assistance to you, please contact me at 205.591.6522 or visit www.bjcanimalcontrol.com for more information.

Regards,

Steve Smith

Director, BJC Animal Control