Putnam County Animal Shelter staff voice serious concerns over leadership and animal welfare

The Putnam County Commission meeting held on May 27, 2025, was marked by intense discussions surrounding the management and conditions of the county's animal shelter, as well as concerns regarding the treatment of animals and staff within the facility.

The meeting began with a heated exchange regarding allegations of misconduct involving a sheriff's deputy, with claims that no county funds had been misappropriated in relation to the issue. The discussion quickly shifted to the animal shelter, where community members expressed frustration over the shelter's deteriorating conditions and the lack of accountability from the board overseeing it.

Debbie Duis, a vocal advocate for animal welfare, raised concerns about the shelter's failure to improve conditions despite previous commitments. She highlighted issues such as inadequate ventilation for animals during extreme heat and the disappearance of portable fans intended to help cool the shelter. Duis also criticized the overall cleanliness of the facility and the lack of transparency regarding funds raised for improvements.

Several former employees and volunteers, including Darren Erickson and Makayla Hilburn, shared their experiences working at the shelter, detailing a culture of resistance to change and a lack of effective leadership. They described instances of neglect, including animals being left unattended in dangerous conditions and the mishandling of euthanasia procedures. Hilburn specifically recounted a troubling incident involving a dog that was euthanized under questionable circumstances, raising alarms about the shelter's practices.

The commission was urged to take immediate action to address these issues, with calls for a more robust oversight structure and the establishment of a nonprofit board to manage fundraising efforts independently from county funds. The proposed changes aim to enhance accountability and ensure that donations are used effectively for the welfare of the animals.

As the meeting concluded, the commission acknowledged the need for further investigation into the shelter's operations and the importance of community involvement in advocating for animal welfare. The discussions underscored a growing demand for transparency and reform within the animal shelter, reflecting the community's commitment to improving conditions for the animals in Putnam County.