Jason Futch
On Monday, Sept. 1, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) announced on social media the permanent closure of the Jasper Animal Control facility. According to the social media post, the Jasper location will no longer be used for any services, with animals formerly living at the shelter being transferred to the Jennings Animal Control facility.
“Despite this relocation, HCSO remains fully committed to serving all areas of Hamilton County,” the post stated. “Our mission continues to be the same: to provide a safe and compassionate environment for lost, abandoned, abused and homeless animals throughout Hamilton County.”
The Jasper Animal Control shelter was the subject of controversy before the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners turned over operations to the HCSO. A former animal control officer had allowed the shelter to become overcrowded in 2023, leading to overwhelming neglect and inadequate care of the facility and the animals housed there.
Following a site visit to the shelter in 2023, County Coordinator Gary Godwin, who had been in his position for three weeks, ordered the animals to be rehomed. Thelma and Louise Dog Rescue was able to assist Godwin with getting the facility cleaned and the dogs rehomed. “They were a godsend,” he said of Thelma and Louise Dog Rescue at the time of the incident. Over the years, the facility continued to have issues, including limited space and officer retention, which led to the facility’s temporary closure in January of this year.
Since the HCSO has taken over operations of the county’s animal control, Animal Control Coordinator Megan Smith and Officer Heather Smith were hired, assisting the agency with ensuring the future of animal control in Hamilton County would be a priority for residents. They have also assisted in animal welfare investigations with the agency.
The Jennings Animal Control facility is in the process of expanding, with a building being built to add 26 more dog kennels to the six existing ones. The facility also has additional space for nursing mothers. The location of the Jennings facility is 940 Oak St.
In the social media post, the agency stated it is continuing to remain dedicated to a high standard of excellence in animal care, humane education, and community outreach and awareness.