County Executive Leopold Appoints Animal Welfare Council for Advice and Outreach

16-member panel will review laws and public education efforts

Annapolis (August 27, 2009)-County Executive John R. Leopold today appointed 16 citizens to serve on the Animal Welfare Council, an advisory group that will advocate for domestic, farm and wild animals in Anne Arundel County.

"This group is made up of people who care deeply for animals and have experience working in the private and public sector," County Executive Leopold said. "I hope they will keep us focused on doing the right thing when it comes to pets, farm animals and wildlife. We must keep talking about the proper care of animals and denouncing violence against animals."

Wendy Cozzone of Cheryl’s Rescue Ranch in Gambrills will be the chairperson of the committee.

The Animal Welfare Council will have several responsibilities, including keeping in touch with the community as it relates to animal issues, reviewing rules and regulations for pets and developing public education efforts on a host of items such as keeping your dog on a leash, cleaning up after your pet and reporting animal abuse or neglect to authorities.

"We all love our pets, but we can do more to promote the wellbeing of all animals," County Executive Leopold said. "I have urged the Council to bring issues to my attention requiring action, no matter how small or how difficult they may be."