Sheriff Working to Maintain Services at Dog Pound

With the resignation of the Marion County Dog Warden, Marion County Sheriff Tim Bailey has taken over control of the department’s operation. While they are attempting to maintain the current services, the Sheriff is asking for patience as they work out the operational details over the coming days and weeks.

Click here to read about the warden’s resignation.

Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Zempter was laid off with the budget cuts at the beginning of the year, but has been called back and assigned to the dog pound. His salary will be paid from the dog and kennel license fund.

Sheriff Bailey said that while there may be some changes to the operations of the dog pound, they are trying to maintain the current hours. The facility has worked with fluctuating hours for some time as limited personnel required the warden to be away from the pound while picking up dogs or taking care of other business.

Sheriff Bailey said he is currently working with the courts and jail to allow people to work off community service by cleaning the kennels and taking care of the dogs. He said those ideas are only in the discussion stage right now.

Several people have offered to help at the pound, but Sheriff Bailey says at this point he is unsure what to do with those volunteers. He hopes to work out the details on any program in the coming weeks.

Sheriff Bailey said that people with questions can contact the Dog Pound at 740-386-6150 or call the sheriff's office directly at 740-382-8244.