(Seguin) – An expression of sincere thanks and appreciation is being extended this month to the employees of Guadalupe County’s Animal Control program. As part of National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week, the program’s four employees and set of volunteers are being honored for their often times difficult task of protecting the public along with the helpless animals and pets that are rescued from injury, disease, abuse and starvation.
Acknowledging their contributions in the safety of all citizens was Guadalupe County Sheriff Arnold Zwicke who recently honored this team before members of the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court.
Zwicke says not only do they work long hours of service, but they do so while delivering the most efficient level of customer service.
“I can’t say enough about these guys. These are guys are probably the most loved, the most hated people in Guadalupe County depending on which side of the fence you are on, and I think a lot of it is people thinking with their heart and not their head. These guys have to follow state laws. They have the unpleasant job of having to put down dogs sometimes. They do a tremendous job working with not only the dogs that we have in the ordinance but also the livestock, the wildlife – all the different calls that they may encounter each and every day, so I want to thank them and take time to recognize them today,” said Zwicke.
He says not only is the county growing but so is the number of times in which they put themselves in potentially dangerous situations to protect the health and welfare of animals and the public.
“We are here today to represent 35 years of experience in the animal control service. To give you an example of what goes on, last budget year – 5,458 calls for service, 508 animals were impounded, 118 redeemed by owner and 373 adopted and rescued which is a 97 percent adoption, redemption rate which is awesome. So far this year, 2,616 calls for service, 293 impounded animals, 67 owner redeemed and 210 adopted or rescued and so far this year, a 95 percent adoption and redemption rate,” said Zwicke.
Personally recognized for their service to the county were Supervisor Doug Pyatt; Officer Wayne Seidel; Officer Jakob Boone and Officer Alex Jones. A pair of volunteers who also assist in the animal services’ daily operations were also recognized for their contributions.