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Board approves reunification of animal control under Animal Services department
Summary
The board voted to transfer animal control responsibilities from the sheriff’s office back to a civilian Animal Services department, citing humane handling, specialized training, and improved community outreach.
The Person County Board of Commissioners voted May 5 to reunify animal control operations under the Animal Services department, reversing the July 1, 2023, transfer that placed animal control under the sheriff’s office.
Kelly Lewis, presenting to the board, outlined the rationale: Animal Services emphasizes a welfare‑first approach focused on humane handling, rehabilitation, disease prevention and community outreach, whereas law enforcement has different enforcement priorities. Lewis said bringing animal control back under Animal Services will allow specialized training, dedicated animal control officers, centralized budgets and clearer public communication.
The presentation said two vacant animal control officer positions will be hired, a new animal control supervisor position is requested for FY26, and the sheriff’s office deputies will continue to provide on‑call coverage during the staffing transition. The plan also includes changes to uniforms to appear less intimidating and to foster community engagement, and the department proposed continued coordination with the county shelter for transport and intake.
Board members voted in favor of the reunification by voice vote. The county manager and the presenters said a formal transfer will occur once Animal Services is fully staffed and operational, and the county will align policies, training, equipment transfer and public notification as part of the transition.
