MARIETTA — An online petition asking for changes at Cobb County Animal Control has collected nearly 1,500 digital signatures.

The petition, posted on the Change.org website, urges the Cobb Board of Commissioners

to support licensing for pet owners, including fees, registration and micro-chipping of animals. The petition states that microchipping and registration will make it easier for lost and stray animals to be

returned to their owners, instead of taken to the animal shelter.

Organizers want fees from licensing to go toward spay and neuter programs in Cobb. The petition also asks that a trap/neuter/release program be instituted for stray cats, which would allow the county to work with rescue organizations to maintain the cats instead of euthanizing them.

Cobb County spokesman Robert Quigley said commissioners and animal control staff are aware of the petition.

“We are in the process of reviewing the suggestions, as well as the operational and cost impacts for each one,” he said. “We are committed to protecting the animals in our care and appreciate the continued support

by the community.”

As of Thursday afternoon, the petition had 1,475 supporters, with a goal of 18,525. To see the petition, visit chn.ge/SsURyb.