Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County reports dog warden transition; humane-society partnership handling intakes and adoptions
Summary
The board received an update from the county dog warden and the humane society: the warden’s office is now partnered with the local humane society for intake and adoption, the warden’s office handles 24/7 calls and enforcement, and transfers to the humane society have reduced euthanasia rates.
The board heard an update on animal-control operations and a recent management transition. Kinsley Martin was sworn in as chief dog warden and has been shadowing the previous chief; the warden’s office continues to respond 24/7 to calls routed through the county’s central dispatch.
Commissioners described a multi-year transition to a partnership with the local humane society that places impounded animals with the humane society for vetting, spay/neuter, vaccination and adoption. County staff said the arrangement has lowered on‑site euthanasia, produced a higher adoption rate and allowed the humane society to manage sheltering and medical care while the county’s dog-warden deputies handle field enforcement.
The warden’s office is funded primarily through dog-tag revenue; commissioners said dog‑tag receipts and interagency contract payments cover staffing and contract payments to the humane society. The warden’s office reported near‑no‑kill operational metrics: as of 2024 the office reported an adoption/retention rate near 89 percent and that transfers to the humane society route animals into medical care and adoption programs rather than immediate euthanasia.
Ending: Commissioners expressed support for the partnership and asked the warden and humane-society partner to return with periodic operational updates.
