December 28, 2007

Blatche will oversee the services provided by Catawba County Animal Services which, under the Catawba County Code and North Carolina law, are to define and prohibit the abuse of animals; protect citizens and other animals from rabies transmitted by unconfined, uncontrolled or unvaccinated dogs, cats or other animals; regulate animals that may be a nuisance; and regulate, restrict or prohibit the keeping of wild or exotic animals. He will supervise a staff of eight.

“In John Blatche, we have found someone who has the background, knowledge and experience we were seeking,” said Catawba County Emergency Services Director, David Weldon, who directly oversees Animal Services for Catawba County. “He has exhibited those characteristics both in his work with the Coast Guard and during his time in Guilford County. He brings a very strong work ethic to Catawba County. He shares our belief in the need for a well-trained and supported staff that always keeps the welfare of the animals in mind. He is a firm believer in the importance of education, both for the staff and the community, and in the concept of ‘the better the education, the better the care’. He also shares our philosophy that the best animal care and control program is a collaborative effort among all agencies in our county that are involved in the welfare of animals. We are looking forward to his joining our team in January.”

John Blatche is a native of Syracuse, New York. After graduating from high school in Syracuse, he entered service in the United States Coast Guard. During his service, he rose to the rank of chief and graduated from the Coast Guard Chief Academy, where he had a year’s worth of classes in management and supervisory skills. He became involved in animal services while in the Coast Guard, and retired after 26 ½ years of service in January 2004, having risen to become a Chief of Health Services and a Radiology Technician.
After his retirement from the Coast Guard, Blatche spent some time traveling and then began working with Guilford County Animal Control in early 2005. He began in Guilford County as an Officer, and was promoted to the level of Supervisor after six months and named Chief of Animal Control in early 2006. He is nationally certified in rabies vaccination, chemical immobilization, euthanasia, and animal rescue, and is also certified as an animal cruelty and dog fighting investigator. Blatche says he’d visited Catawba County in the past and was immediately interested in the job opportunity that was available.

“I have been to Catawba County numerous times fishing, which is one of my favorite pastimes,” Blatche said. “I was impressed by its beauty and the friendly people. When I received the job posting and completed my research, I felt this would be the perfect fit.”

Blatche was also asked about the aspects of animal care and control he thinks are most important, and about his early goals as he begins work in Catawba County.

“It is very important that we maintain a good working relationship with local animal organizations like the SPCA, Humane Society and rescue groups; that we have an effective adoption program; and that we ensure that all State laws and County ordinances are followed,” Blatche said. “Some of my early goals will be to review the County Ordinances, evaluate the shelter operations and start a dialogue with members of the community to find out what their concerns are with regard to animal services.”

Blatche and his wife, Mary, have a 9 year old daughter living at home. In his time away from work, he has been very active in helping underprivileged children remain in school and serving as a mentor to school students.

For more information about animal adoption or Catawba County’s Animal Care and Control Division, you may call 828-464-7686 or visit www.catawbacountync.gov/depts/es/animal.asp.