A local non-profit organization wants to help the county's emergency department by purchasing a new relief trailer for pets.

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners was presented with an agreement for the Conyers Kennel Club (CKC), a local subsidiary of the American Kennel Club (AKC), to purchase the new trailer for the Conyers-Rockdale Emergency Management Agency during its Tuesday morning work session.

According to county documents, the $22,000 trailer, which will be purchased entirely by the CKC and AKC, would be used in hazardous situations to provide emergency assistant and temporary housing for animals displaced by disasters.

The only cost associated with the county would be in future maintenance costs, says Fire and Rescue Chief Dan Morgan.

The 16-feet two-axle trailer can house up to 100 displaced animals, depending on the size of the animals. The trailer comes equipped with cages, food bowls and other equipment and technology that can be used to help animals that have been a victim of a disaster.

C.J. Baker, county manager for Rockdale County Animal Care and Control, says that Rockdale isn't currently setup to handle a large number of displaced animals and that this trailer will help them be more prepared.

"Should we see a major disaster that will require us to take in more than 15, 20 animals were not set to house that many, so this trailer is going to give us a great opportunity," he told the board. "Hopefully we won't have to deal with a disaster, but if and when we do, we will be prepared."

While this vehicle will be owned by Rockdale County, it will also be available to respond to neighboring counties to provide relief.

Post 2 County Commissioner Doreen Williams said loved that loved the "humanitarian aspect" of this agreement.

"This is really exciting," she said.

The board will vote on this agreement and other county business at its next voting meeting on May 12 at 10 a.m. at the Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers.