Overton Locals Exploring Solutions To Animal Control Problem

A group of Overton County residents are planning ways to address what they say is a very serious animal control issue in the county.

Peter LeGro said that there is an obvious problem with stray animals in Overton County. LeGro said he has reached out to county officials and state representatives about the county’s need for a facility to house these animals. LeGro has begun holding meetings with community members with the goal of creating a nonprofit shelter and spay/neuter clinic.

“We’re very much in the early stages,” LeGro said. “The biggest thing right now is, we need people in the community of Overton County to step up and help us to get this started and get it off the ground.”

LeGro said that the lack of an animal shelter outside of Putnam County has left much of the Upper Cumberland vulnerable to stray animals. LeGro said the first meeting had a turnout of 25 people. LeGro and his wife Sheree own Deep Valley Campground near Dale Hollow Lake. LeGro said that their campground is currently home to some 35 feral cats.

“We can actually not only have a place for the animals to be dropped off but also have a place where a spay and neutering clinic could be so that we could actually control the issue by doing it privately rather than expecting the local government to do it,” LeGro said.

LeGro said the first goals for the group are to find a building and land for a facility. LeGro also mentioned looking for a benefactor to help fund the group. LeGro said the group recognizes that there are other animal rescue services like AARF and Treasured Souls with whom they could collaborate if they can get off the ground.

Fundraising has been discussed in meetings as well as early steps in a business plan. LeGro said the group hopes to become a 501 (c)(3) to allow tax-deductible donations. The group plans to meet next on November 27 at the Millard Oakley Library.