Animal officer fired

(from front)

Other complaints

Commissioner Brenda Hutchinson said she'd gotten phone calls about the animal control facility. People had asked her about feral cats, and there is a feral cat grant program available that needs volunteers, Hutchinson said.

The county dog pound has no accommodations for cats, which are sent to the Morgan County Humane Society, said Marquardt.

Just two cats can cause a population problem if not spayed and neutered, she said. Feline leukemia is also a serious problem.

John Webster, a citizen who usually attends commission meetings, said he had gotten half-a-dozen calls about the animal control situation.

"Everyone that calls me wonders why the commission isn't doing anything," Webster said.

Other complaints had also been received about the animal control warden not responding to calls.

Bowers fired

Sheriff Ronald McIntire said he had investigated the situation and had fired Bowers on Thursday, the day before the meeting.

"Jason didn't do his job," said McIntire.

The kennels needed to be cleaned twice a day, McIntire said.

McIntire has Deputy T.J. Johnson at the facility now and they are looking for a second person who will do a good job, he said.

McIntire noted that he is in charge of the animal control program and is an animal lover.

"Sometimes people don't do their jobs and you get complaints," he said.

Stotler said he had no personal knowledge of the situation and conditions at the dog pound, but assured Marquardt that it will be addressed.

The Morgan County Commission spends about $40,000 a year for the animal control program. The money includes an animal control officer salary of approximately $17,000, housing for the animal warden at the facility and shelter expenses.