Although the Carroll County Council insisted the 2006 Animal Control Ordinance be amended this year to exclude the sheltering of cats unless they were vicious or a nuisance, the trend to shelter more cats than dogs continues.

Carroll County Animal Control Officer Ed England reported that 29 cats and 21 dogs were impounded in May. Four of those animals were returned to their owners.

England responded to 37 animal at-large calls, one animalbite, two cruelty investigations and five wildlife relocation calls. Six live-traps were loaned out in the same time period.

England responded to 51 calls in total. He logged 2,500 miles in the animal control van and used 121.4 gallons of fuel.

According to England's written report, 36 cats and 83 dogs were impounded in the first quarter of this year. But the number of cats jumped significantly in April. Thirty cats were impounded and 21 dogs during the month.

The county pays $55 per dog per stay and $40 per cat per stay for impoundment services, per contract with the county's shelter provider.