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The New Year means a new organization that’s responsible for animal control in the county. Northwoods Humane Society is taking over where Kevin Martineau and his Board & Biscuit business in Chisago City leaves off. (Martineau is closing up shop.)

Brenda Zlenka, Northwoods Humane Society Director, told the Press it is a “logical segue” to have the humane society step into providing animal control. “Lots of folks bring us the strays anyway,” the director added.

As a seven-day-a-week operation Northwoods is hoping to improve on reuniting animal and owner. The fact that the shelter is located in the county is another benefit for anyone seeking to reclaim pets.

Zlenka said Martineau estimated that he handled about 300 animals in last year’s county contract. The humane society director is guessing that the 2006 numbers might be down a little bit, because of the “fabulous job” that Martineau and his staff did in getting the word out on containing and tagging local animals.

She observed, “I think through (Martineau’s) efforts and presence more people are aware now of the importance to tag their animals and they are more aware of the laws.”

Zlenka stressed that with the fast-growing population, and increasing housing development and traffic, it just isn’t a rural setting anymore and animals can’t be left to run and be injured or cause havoc.

Northwoods has set aside dog kennel space to house the influx of the coming year’s “animal control” pets.

Two humane society staff will rotate service hours and will patrol driving some type of marked vehicle, a van or otherwise, she added.

For now, the Northwoods plan is mostly to hit the non-incorporated areas and Zlenka said she’s still ironing out patrol duties within cities that formerly contracted specific hours.

Animals collected and housed at Northwoods will still require a fee to reclaim them. It is approximately $12 per day for board and the “fine” is $40.

Animals that are not reunited will go into the Northwoods adoption system, she explained. Or, purebreds often go to non-profit agencies that specialize in those dog groups. Northwoods also works with surrounding rescue and shelter groups when particular animals need domesticating or training.

Chisago County previously budgeted about $23,000 to the animal control line item. Northwoods is earmarked for $15,500 in the budget for 2006.

Zlenka is hopeful the organization can supply the services needed for that amount, but this first year of providing animal control is going to be a learning experience for all concerned, she noted.

The county, in contracting with Northwoods, is being responsive to the area’s needs, Zlenka continued. Northwoods takes seriously its duty to keep animals safe and get them back to their rightful owners, she said.

FYI-- Northwoods Humane Society handled 700 cats and 280 dogs in 2005.

Phone is 651-982-0240. The building is on Hwy. 8, four-and-a-half miles west of Chisago City. Donations can be sent to 7153 Forest Blvd. P.O. Box 513, Forest Lake, MN 55025. The website is at www.northwoodshs.org.

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