Back to the Animals, I hope ...
Okay, I understand now that the Sheriff's Office and the Highway Patrol are the ones to enforce the State Laws, of which large animan protection is one. And, I understand that our county taxes pay for the Sheriff's Department.
Certainly the Sheriff's office and the Highway Patrol cannot pick and choose which state laws they enforce.
So ... I think we are all already paying for the enforcement of large animal protection, are we not? We are probably also paying for all kinds of things that we may not personally use. How exactly would it be possible to not pay for things we do not personally use. For example, my neighbors have no children, yet they pay for schools through county and state taxes. It is not like they can decide to pay a reduced amount on their tax bill and enclose a note saying they have no kids, therefore they don't want to pay for schools and by the way the PTA had better sell more wrapping paper to take up the slack.
I do not think we will ever pass licensing of dogs and cats in Anderson County, never mind licensing large animals. Responsible large animal owners and others are already making financial donations and/or volunteering to help organizations such as PEARL and SCARE to name two equine rescues.
I also am not sure that enforcing large animal protection takes up that much of the Sheriff's Department's total budget. It may cost less than we actually think when we compare the time spent on chasing after criminals, drug users, etc.
And, considering that a proper holding area for large animals at the new Animal Shelter could have multiple uses, I think it is a win-win situation. The Sheriff's Office will be able to enforce the State Law more efficiently and there will be space to allow dogs to run when the holding area is not being used for large animals.
Just my two cents.
SCM1959