Resident asks county to investigate dog warden’s Facebook post that she says named and shamed her

Abigail Walbro addressed the Portage County Board of Commissioners during public comment and said the Portage County Dog Warden's Office posted her full name and photo on its official Facebook page on May 5 and accused her of refusing to return a dog and of possible theft while she had an ongoing sheriff’s investigation (case number 26-16720).

"They publicly posted my full name and my face on their Facebook page, which is an official page accusing ... that I refused to return a dog and was potentially committing theft," Walbro said. She told the board the post occurred while she was cooperating with the Portage County Sheriff's Office under direction from a deputy, and that neither the dog warden's office nor the sheriff's office contacted her before the post. Walbro said the post caused emotional, physical and reputational harm and asked the board to require a public acknowledgement and apology posted with the same visibility as the original item, plus a review of procedures to prevent repeat occurrences.

Board members thanked Walbro for coming forward. The board's county administrator (introduced by the chair as Michelle Crombie) said she would review the materials Walbro provided and follow up on the record. Walbro said she would submit documents and screenshots to the clerk and asked the board for help securing legal advice; board members suggested contacting neighboring county public defender lists and county resources. The meeting record shows the administrator agreed to look into the matter on behalf of the board; commissioners made no public determination or disciplinary action at the meeting.

Next step: Walbro will submit documentation to the clerk; the county administrator said she would review the case and report back to the board.