Many Chattooga County residents are welcoming the appointment of Charlie Long as the new Animal Control Director, but several are also expressing concerns about recent decisions announced by Commissioner Andy Allen regarding shelter operations and public access to adoptable animals.

The county has closed the shelter temporarily for reconstruction, but some citizens say they are frustrated by the lack of information about how long the closure will last. They argue that the shutdown limits the public’s ability to view animals, especially during a time when the county is emphasizing a 90-day hold limit for pets in its care.

Another key point of concern involves the county’s decision to stop posting animals on Facebook. Commissioner Allen says all adoptable pets will now be listed on the Chattooga County website, but residents who checked the site say no animal photos are currently displayed. With the shelter closed to the public and no images online yet, many are questioning how the county plans to help animals find homes within 90 days.

Some residents also say that rescue groups and volunteers—who previously played a major role in getting animals adopted or returned to owners—are no longer allowed to assist. They argue that restricting those efforts, along with removing social media access, reduces visibility for the animals and makes successful adoptions more difficult.

Others have raised broader transparency concerns, noting that reporting fewer euthanasias without also sharing intake, adoption, and rescue numbers does not provide a full picture of shelter activity. They point to reports throughout the year of animal control refusing to accept dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens as evidence that intake data matters.

Community members say they want clearer communication from county leadership and more cooperation with rescue groups to ensure local animals have the best chance at finding permanent homes.