Time county got serious with dog control functionDog control has remained an orphan function of Yamhill County government for decades, starved for even a welcoming embrace from the powers that be, let alone extension of meaningful financial support. But the kennel fell into such disrepair it had to be shut down in 2015, and the county disbanded its dedicated dog control team two years later. The county covers the cost of myriad other functions out of an annual budget now topping $200 million, making dog control needs seem miniscule in comparison. Nationally, dog licensing compliance only runs about 23%, but jurisdictions making a serious effort have been able to double or triple that. That would enable us to ease the general fund bite and still begin mounting a credible program again, going forward.