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Residents, rescuers tell commissioners Chilton County Humane Society needs transparency and better operations
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged the commission to address alleged problems at the Chilton County Humane Society, saying donor records are missing, staff turnover harmed operations, and animals were killed for space; commissioners said they will expect the nonprofit to follow its bylaws and cooperate with the county.
Several residents and animal-rescue volunteers used the public-comment period to raise concerns about the operations and management of the Chilton County Humane Society.
Cindy Blackman, who identified herself as a lifelong Chilton County resident and advocate, said the humane society has seen a “steady decline in the care of the animals” and criticized the shelter’s leadership and financial recordkeeping. “The leadership has failed to me… not just to me, but I’m speaking for others,” Blackman said, and she requested a shelter director who “loves them, cherishes them” and will work with the community.
Rebecca Metcalf, who described herself as a rescuer and founder of a local 501(c)(3), said the county’s volunteer and foster capacity is being under‑used and accused a prior humane society director of favoring euthanasia when rescues and fosters were available. “Euthanizing is to put something down at mercy. And if you're killing for space, you're killing,” Metcalf said, and she said she has active fosters and transport partners willing to move animals out of the county.
Commissioner Hall acknowledged the public concern and said the county and any partner nonprofit must follow governance rules. “The humane society has to follow by the bylaws to be a partner with the Chilton County Commission,” Hall said, and noted the county’s new shelter director, Christina Bullock, began work on the 6th and the commission expects transparency and compliance with governance requirements.
No formal action or vote was recorded in response to public comment. Commissioners said they will continue outreach and oversight; several commissioners said they want the shelter’s board and staff to comply with bylaws and to improve communications with donors, volunteers and rescue partners.
What happens next: Commissioners indicated they will discuss the shelter and county partnership further at the regular meeting and expect the humane society to provide clarity on operations and finances. No formal resolution or personnel action was recorded during the work session.
