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Commission reaffirms humane officer appointment; members question statutory authority
Summary
The commission approved an order appointing a humane (animal control) officer for 2026 but discussed whether West Virginia Code requires a deputy sheriff to hold the role; staff said the sheriff may designate an officer by agreement and the order continues prior practice.
The Harrison County Commission voted to approve the county’s order appointing a humane officer (animal control officer) for 2026, reaffirming the arrangement that places the duty under the sheriff’s office when the sheriff enters an agreement designating an animal-control officer.
During the discussion a commissioner raised a statutory question, citing West Virginia code "7 10 1," asking whether the law requires a deputy sheriff to serve as humane officer. County staff and counsel responded that the sheriff can enter into an agreement to designate a person as humane officer and that the order under consideration follows the practice previously approved by the commission. Commissioners noted the county had not required this appointment in some years and that prior practice had been adjusted under a previous sheriff.
After confirming the order and that the sheriff supports the arrangement, the commission approved the motion to appoint the humane officer for Harrison County for 2026 by voice vote with no recorded roll call. The commission recorded no dissent during the vote.
The transcript records the statutory citation in discussion but does not include a formal legal opinion on whether a non-deputy may be designated; commissioners asked staff to ensure compliance with state code where appropriate.
