Transformation is underway to restructure Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control into a mission-driven, quasi-government nonprofit that puts the welfare of animals at the top of the agenda.

Anne Arundel recently began taking steps to set a reorganization in motion for animal care and control procedures. According to a press release last week, the hiring of Claudia Roll as the County’s Animal Care & Control Administrator is a major part of that plan. Separating the animal shelter operations from the public safety component is one significant priority.

Potential legislation will keep dispatchers and animal control officers under the oversight of the police department. The shelter, which is responsible for caring for and adopting out animals, would acquire a separate board of directors to oversee operations.

Caring for and re-homing animals has long been the responsibility of local, county-run facilities. The local government programs often operate in conjunction with community-based organizations, but in some areas, the county facility is the primary agency. These programs work also in collaboration with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of both the animals and community members. As covered previously on Conduit Street, these facilities are often hard pressed to manage the volume of animals and their needs with limited resources.