THE PILOT LIGHT: County Moves On Animal Issue

In a move designed to expedite the animal control ordinance issue, Chairman David J. Cummings of the Moore County Board of Commissioners has asked fellow Commissioner Michael R. Holden to meet with Angela Zumwalt to work out a solution.

At a Tuesday meeting, Cummings asked Holden and Zumwalt to study the issue and make recommendations for board consideration at a February meeting.

Proposed amendments to the county’s animal control ordinance have been stalled since last summer when animal rights supporters began lobbying for adoption of an ordinance approved by the Board of Health. However, a number of people raised objections to some provisions of the change, and an estimated 300 persons signed up to serve on a blue ribbon committee to study the problem.

Cummings said that the issue needs immediate attention, something unlikely to happen if action is placed in the hands of a committee unwieldy in size. He said Tuesday that the primary concern of the group led by Zumwalt is the need to control the population of unwanted dogs and cats. A vigorous spay and neuter program will probably be recommended.

“Maybe we won’t even need a committee,” Cummings said.

ROBBINS — The commissioners tackled two community issues during their meeting Tuesday afternoon.

The board voted unanimously to submit a letter of support to the state’s Rural Economic Development program on behalf of the town of Robbins’ application for Small Towns Initiative Program funding.

At the end of their regular agenda, the commissioners reconvened as the East Moore Water District Board of Directors and immediately went into closed (to the public) session to discuss land acquisition.

No action was taken when they returned to open session.

CAPEL — The commissioners also voted to designate Jan. 18 as Felton Capel Day.

However, the honoree was not present when the board agreed to adopt the proclamation recognizing his 47 years of service and contributions to Moore County. The proclamation notes that Capel “has shown love, concern and a deep sense of service to Moore County and will always be revered and beloved by the people of Moore County.”

The proclamation describes his years of “unselfish and generous compassion” shown through volunteer service to the community.

Capel, a Southern Pines civic leader, is to receive the United Way Cornerstone Award on Jan. 18.

Cummings called him “a diligent citizen” and added, “we certainly do appreciate what Mr. Capel has done for our community.”

COBLE — Congressman Howard Coble is back in the 6th District this week.

He addressed the Greensboro Realtors Association Wednesday and the Salisbury Civitan Club and the Rowan County Young Republicans Thursday. The Greensboro Republican met with constituents in his office in Greensboro Wednesday and attended a viewing for the late Stanley Frank at Temple Emmanuel in the afternoon.

Coble spoke to the Men’s Breakfast Group in Greensboro this morning and was scheduled to introduce Congresswoman Virginia Foxx at the Freedomworks Dinner in Burlington tonight. Foxx represents the 5th District.

Florence Gilkeson can be reached at 947-4962 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.