CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Montgomery County Animal Care and Control (MCAC) Director Jeannette Farrell has announced her resignation, effective Jan. 17, 2018.
Farrell has been director of the department for three years. She will take up a position as the Field Services Operations Manager for a shelter in Portland, Oregon.
“My time here has been absolutely amazing. There are so many animal lovers in the Clarksville area,” Farrell said. “We have an amazing staff here at MCAC, a supportive mayor, chief of staff, and county commissioners who have been helpful and successful as well in ensuring that MCAC has exceeded its goals.”
During her time as director, Farrell has worked to reduce the euthanasia rates at the shelter. The current rate for dogs has been reduced to approximately 12 percent, meaning it has earned the status of a no-kill shelter for dogs. The rate for cats has also decreased.
Adoption and rescue rates for all animals have grown.
Farrell was also a champion of animal rights during her time with MCAC.
“We’ve had numerous victories in cruelty cases throughout the county and have won a majority of them,” she said. “It’s just been so rewarding working here and seeing the shelter grow and grow.”
Thanks to Farrell, MCAC publicly posts monthly adoption and euthanasia rates to bring awareness to the public in an effort to save more animals’ lives.
MCAC also recently worked with the county commission to increase the fees for rabies vaccinations in order to increase funding and support for the shelter.
Farrell envisions a bright future for Animal Control and hopes her successor will continue advocating for animals.
“I have no doubt that Mayor Durrett will ensure a competent and compassionate director is put in my place, someone that focuses on animal care and control just like I did,” she said. “I know that with the support of the community, MCAC will continue to succeed.”
Though Farrell is moving on to another opportunity, she said she cherishes the time spent here.
“I’m a military brat and I’ve moved all over the world, but Clarksville has some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met,” she said.
The county has not yet commented on a potential replacement for the director’s position.
County Chief of Staff Jeff Truitt had high praise for Farrell.
“Jeanette has been a wonderful and passionate leader that has worked hard to elevate the status of the Animal Care and Control department during the last three years,” Truitt said. “She will be missed and we wish her the best as she continues her animal welfare career in Oregon. Montgomery County will continue to work diligently towards forming the best animal care and control department in the state of Tennessee.”