The proposal came from Commissioner Patrick Qualls who last month sided with Rives Manning and Marcelle Smith and voted against the tethering ban as well as accepting PETA’s grant of $122,280 over two years.

Qualls said he had no problem with the tethering ban but had issues with accepting a PETA grant which would fund a county employee.

Since the meeting Qualls said he has spoken with others about the matter. He has spoken with PETA and Rainbow Rescue about using the funds pledged by PETA going through Rainbow Rescue to help low-income residents purchase the fencing should the tethering ban become a regulation. “I didn’t have a problem with doing away with tethering. That money would be good for fencing.”

Qualls said his research has shown a majority of people tether because they don’t have the money while the other “is a thing that’s bad. We want to help the good people.”

Before his proposal reaches a point where it will be voted on there will be discussions on the route the county wants to take, including discussions with the county health department.

County health department Director Bruce Robistow said he was pleased the issue is back on the table for discussion. “This is just such an issue. I think our ordinance is a very good ordinance.”

Smith said “my no vote was about cost.”

PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch, who attended the meeting today, said afterward the organization remains committed to work with the county in the most effective ways  which have positive outcomes for the dogs. “We want to hold people to a higher standard of care through legislation.”