NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Recent reports of neglected and abandoned animals in Nashville have sparked concern among members of Metro Council, prompting them to take action against animal abuse in the city.
Lavonne Redferrin, Founder of Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, described the distressing daily occurrences that animal rescue organizations encounter, including cases of animals being shot, suffering from heartworm, Parvo, and burns.
In response to the surge in animal cruelty cases, a group of Metro Councilmembers, the Nashville District Attorney, the director of Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control (MACC), and animal rescue nonprofits held their first meeting to address the issue. District Attorney Glenn Funk stated that in the past six months, there has been an increase in cases, some of which were prosecutable, while others were not.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that the number of animals entering the care of Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control has significantly increased, putting a strain on their resources and facilities. MACC Director Ashley Harrington emphasized the need for physical upgrades and a spay/neuter clinic to address the growing demand for animal care.
Furthermore, it was revealed that existing laws create limitations for animal care organizations, hindering their ability to intervene in cases of animal neglect or abuse. Councilmember Joy Styles and Harrington agreed that updating the section of the Metro Nashville code related to animal abuse would be a priority this year.
The need for legislative reforms and physical upgrades to animal care facilities in Nashville was underscored during the meeting, shedding light on the challenges faced by authorities and organizations in combating animal cruelty.