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Daviess County moves animal-shelter operations to nonprofit; first reading of new animal-control ordinance discussed
Summary
The fiscal court voted to dissolve the county Animal Control Commission and discussed a first reading to replace the county’s animal control ordinance, reflecting a transition of shelter operations to It Takes a Village Canine Rescue and enforcement to the sheriff’s office effective April 1, 2025.
Daviess County Fiscal Court voted to dissolve the Daviess County Animal Control Commission and discussed a first reading of a replacement animal control and protection ordinance at its March 20 meeting. County staff said the operational shift takes effect April 1, 2025.
County Treasurer Mr. Johnson told the court that, under the approved contract, It Takes a Village Canine Rescue Inc. (ITV) will assume responsibility for shelter and clinic operations on April 1, 2025, while the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office will assume animal-control law-enforcement duties. Mr. Johnson recommended dissolving the advisory commission because the functions will be covered by the new contractor and by the sheriff’s office.
The court approved the dissolution by voice vote. Commissioner Marksberry, among others, praised Ashley Clark Thompson’s long-term work with the shelter; Mr. Johnson, commissioners and the judge discussed the handoff and the reasons for revising the ordinance.
During a separate first reading of KOC 1010.9042025 — described by staff as a repeal and replacement of KOC 1010.6 to align county code with the new contracts — Mr. Johnson said the proposed ordinance removes a dog-licensing section that county staff called “antiquated,” updates names and corrects minor items to allow the ordinance to operate under the ITV contract and sheriff’s law-enforcement role. The first reading drew no final vote; staff emphasized it was an initial reading and that further changes may be considered after review.
Commissioner Marksberry said he hoped to work with the court and sheriff’s department on additional revisions and review ordinances used by other counties. A commissioner asked for clarification about where members of the public should direct complaints after the transition; county staff answered that shelter or clinic concerns should go to the judge executive (the county official administering the contract) and enforcement or animal-control complaints should go to the sheriff’s office.
The court’s action transfers shelter operations to a contracted nonprofit and centralizes enforcement in the sheriff’s office; the ordinance replacement remains at first-reading stage and could be revised before final adoption.
