Amanda Bennett, director of the Columbia-Marion County Animal Shelter since 2015 until resigning this week, spoke out during Tuesday’s aldermen meeting after hearing conditions at the shelter described as less than satisfactory.
“I would like to, for the record, point out that the infestation of the rodents and everything has been something I’ve struggled with since I was given the shelter three years ago,” she said. “It’s not something that has never been addressed. It’s not for lack of trying by any means. When I took the shelter, it was kind of just trial and error. Anything that was put into place was a lot from Dr. Brenda (Sumrall) in Hattiesburg and things at Hub City.”
The Board of Aldermen approved Bennett’s resignation to accept a full-time position in Lamar County during its meeting Tuesday.
Bennett said that often her requests for the shelter went unheard at the city level.
“I’ve asked time and time again for different resources and different help under some previous administrations,” she said. “Maybe it’s changing now. I’m glad to see it changing. I’m glad to see that there is more involvement. Because for a long time it was just me; I was kind of a one-man show out there. I’m glad to see there are other people involved and wanting to see changes for the positive. I’m happy to see that.”
Bennett said that one problem occurred when nearby fields were cleared.
“When they bushhogged the fields behind the Animal Shelter, between us and the airport, they (rodents) found us,” she said. “We’ve been struggling with that for a long time.”
Bennett shared a few thank yous as she left, including to Sumrall for her efforts to find homes for the animals.
Pictured Above: Amanda Bennett, left, who recently resigned as director of the Columbia-Marion County Animal Shelter, speaks about the facility. At right is enforcement officer Zachary Parsons. | Photo by Mark Rogers
