Madison County hires Humane Society CEO for planning and development of Animal Control Department

HUNTSVILLE — To help alleviate the problem of a growing animal population, Madison County is reaching out to a veteran in animal welfare.

Huntsville consultant Spencer Batcheller has been hired to guide the planning, design, and development of future animal control operations for the county.

Under the personal services contract, Batcheller will assist in evaluating animal control operations, identifying service and facility needs, and outlining a clear, phased roadmap for future development.

He will guide Madison County through all stages of the process, including needs assessment, program development and implementation strategies.

“As our county continues to grow, the need for a dedicated animal shelter becomes increasingly urgent,” said Madison County Commissioner Violet Edwards. “Population growth brings more families, more pets, and, unfortunately, more stray and abandoned animals. A shelter provides a safe, humane place for these animals while protecting public health, reducing the risk of roaming animals, and supporting responsible pet ownership.

“It’s time we took a close look at what that investment entails.”

The goal is to establish humane, efficient and sustainable animal control operations that align with industry best practices, support staff effectiveness and reflect community priorities related to public safety, animal welfare and responsible stewardship of resources.

“This work represents an important step toward ensuring Madison County has the infrastructure and operational framework needed to meet both current and future animal control needs,” said Madison County Commission Chair Mac McCutcheon. “The assessment and planning process will help ensure that any future investments are strategic, responsible, and centered on humane care.”

The CEO of the Greater Huntsville Humane Society, Batcheller brings more than a decade of professional animal welfare experience to the project providing strategic leadership for one of North Alabama’s largest animal welfare organizations.

Batcheller will deliver a final report and presentation to county leadership and stakeholders in 2026, providing a foundation for future planning discussions related to animal control operations and facilities.