Bay County Animal Control is getting an independent contractor for the next nine months thanks to a nearly $20,000 Michigan Department of Agriculture grant.

County Executive Jim Barcia says this employee will serve as an outreach specialist speaking to community groups and through social media platforms  about the importance of spaying, neutering and vaccinating pets. He adds that employee will also encourage residents to adopt  dogs and cats from the County’s Animal Control shelter.

The County Board of Commissioners’ Ways and Means Committee approved the  proposal Tuesday.