ASHLAND — All is well at the Ashland County Dog Shelter, according to the man tapped to run it earlier this year.
Ashland County Sheriff Deputy Curtis Hall addressed county commissioners Thursday with a progress report that shows numbers moving in a positive direction.
When Hall started tackling his additional duties as quasi dog warden in July, 943 dog licenses remained un-renewed. Since then, Hall’s efforts have led to 230 renewals from owners who let their licenses from 2023 lapse, according to data tracked by the Ashland County Auditor’s Office.
Another 243 licenses were cleared in the county’s reporting system because the licenses on file reflected dogs that have either died or moved out of the county.
He also said his efforts have led to 641 dog licenses sold across the county, which include new dogs and new puppies that require licensure.
Hall said he’s fielded 170 dog-related calls since July, one of those leading to one of the sheriff’s office’s largest cases.
He referred to the large case as the “Savannah dog bite.” Three people have since been charged stemming from the Aug. 17 incident that left a six-year-old boy in critical condition following a Pit bull bite.
Hall said most dog wardens wouldn’t have responded to a call like that. But because of the new responsibilities in Hall’s position, he interviewed the child. He said things didn’t “feel right,” and it led to criminal charges.
“If we never go (to Savannah to respond), we don’t find this case,” he said. “This would have been a terrible thing that went on in our community that we would have never found out.”
Adoptions are also up, Hall reported. He said 35 dogs have been adopted and 40 have been reunited with owners. He attributed that success to more professionalism at the dog shelter.
By The Way
The shelter will host an adoption event on Oct. 5. The first-of-its-kind event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the dog shelter, 1740 Baney Road.
Ashland County commissioner Denny Bittle said there are still a couple dogs at the shelter that are older and not as easy to adopt as younger, trainable dogs.
The dog shelter is housing 34 dogs, as of Oct. 3. Its capacity is 50, Bittle said.
In all, Hall’s efforts have resulted in collecting roughly $27,000 for the dog shelter fund, Hall said.
Sheriff E. Wayne Risner weighed in with accolades for his deputy. He said prior to Hall’s appointment, he and others researched programs around the state. Ashland County eventually adopted a program that mirrors Union County’s approach: appointing a sheriff deputy to enforce laws surrounding stray dogs.
“Doesn’t matter what program you have, you gotta have the right guy in the position. Somebody who’s got the enthusiasm and commitment and the dedication to do the job. And it’s a tough job,” he said.
Hall replaced Joe Eggerton, the county’s former dog warden. He resigned in May shortly after public records revealed commissioners bailed out the shelter with $130,251 in order to keep the doors open there through 2024.
Euthanasia
A policy commissioners enacted a policy in January that states “dogs that have been at the shelter for more than one year will be euthanized.”
The policy sparked outrage from local dog lovers and led to the formation of a Dog Shelter Advisory Committee, which aims to eliminate the rule and offer other suggestions that lead to better governing.
County commissioners have not eliminated or amended the policy.
But on Thursday, Bittle said changes are imminent.
“That will be changed,” he said of the policy. “The one-year euthanasia (policy) will be taken out.”
He said that could happen in the “next month or so.” He’s waited to hear from Hall on any suggestions he might have on making the policy better or different.