BEDFORD- The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office will construct its own animal holding facility after contract modifications were made to the annual agreement with White River Humane Society. The non-profit organization stipulated that they would no longer be willing to house animals seized during neglect cases.
Sheriff Greg Day expressed frustration during Tuesday’s commissioners’ meeting. “I am disappointed we could not find a solution and come to an agreement,” Day said. “These are animals in dire situations that need the utmost care. They are seized due to extreme neglect and should be a top priority.”
The department handled seven animal neglect cases this year, resulting in the seizure of 30 animals.
“Court cases take time; they will not happen overnight. These are animals in extreme danger and need immediate care,” Day emphasized. “The length of time is creating financial hardship for White River Humane Society, so I understand why they can no longer provide the service.”
The commissioners approved Day’s request to build holding kennels at the Community Corrections barn to house animals seized in neglect cases.
In other business, the commissioners passed two ordinances related to sheriff’s sales and establishing fees for fingerprinting and background checks. Day discovered over $166,000 in unused sheriff’s sale fees during the discussion.
“Those funds can be used for such things as body cameras and other needed equipment the county doesn’t have the money for,” Day explained.
The county council will review the proposed fee schedule at their meeting tonight.
