DeKalb County to renegotiate humane shelter contract, hires part-time animal control coverage and approves $2,500 for TNR program

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners opened its May 25 meeting by taking up concerns about the county's contract with the DeKalb humane center, concluding the shelter cannot legally perform several duties that the agreement currently requires.

Chair opened the discussion by saying a shelter representative — identified only in the meeting as Dave — told commissioners he "can't fulfill the contract legally" because insurance and operational limits prevent the shelter from carrying out certain tasks. "He says he can't and don't want to or whatever," the Chair said, adding the board would take him at his word and move to rework the contract.

Sheriff Thomas told the board the county lacks a dedicated animal control officer to investigate alleged cruelty, enter private property when necessary or follow up on ongoing neglect cases. "They can't go in and investigate animal cruelty. They can't go on people's property," he said, describing the gap between duties expected in the contract and what the humane center is willing or able to do.

To fill that gap, Sheriff Thomas said he intends to hire a part-time, experienced animal control officer on a trial basis. The officer the sheriff described is a former Fort Wayne animal-control worker and registered veterinary technician; the sheriff said the officer would begin part time and the county would evaluate the need and hours over the next year or two.

Commissioners discussed how that position would coordinate with local rescues, the humane center and city ordinances. One commissioner urged formal agreements so small local rescues are not overwhelmed; the sheriff said the new hire has experience working with nonprofits and could help coordinate species-specific placements (birds, reptiles, horses) and use existing rescue networks.

The board also considered continued support for Courtney Butler's trap-neuter-return (TNR) program. A staff update said Butler's TNR work sterilized and vaccinated 98 cats so far this year, with more planned, and that the program has helped avert an estimated 113,000 potential kittens in rural areas. Commissioner (speaker 2) moved to approve $2,500 for Butler's TNR program; Commissioner (speaker 7) seconded and the motion carried on a voice vote.

The board directed staff to notify the humane center about the possibility of contract revisions, to preserve continuity of services through the summer while the county hires the part-time animal-control officer and negotiates a revised contract. The Chair said commissioners would convene the sheriff, the shelter and legal staff to draft new contract language and consider reallocation of existing funds.

What's next: The board asked county staff to draft a revised contract that removes duties the humane center cannot perform, to outline how the sheriff's new officer will work with rescues and humane staff, and to present a recommended funding approach at a future meeting.