Knox County Dog Warden Brian Biggerstaff informed the Board of Commissioners that as of September 17, the Knox County Dog Shelter housed 14 dogs, with 13 available for adoption.
According to a YouTube video of the commissioners' meeting on September 18, Biggerstaff reported that in August, 28 dogs entered the shelter. Among these, four were owner surrenders, 23 were strays, and one was seized in a custody case. During the same period, 34 dogs left the shelter: 20 through adoption, five via euthanasia, eight returned to their owners, and one transferred to a rescue organization. Biggerstaff explained that four of the euthanized dogs were at the owners' request due to aggression, bite history, or medical reasons. One dog had bitten a shelter volunteer and had a previous bite history.
Of the current dogs at the shelter, one is being held as evidence in an animal neglect case. Seven are owner surrenders, six are strays, and one was seized due to animal neglect. Biggerstaff noted that seven of these dogs have been at the shelter for over 60 days.
Biggerstaff also mentioned that deputies issued ten citations and court summonses in August. Deputy Tyler Moore issued three citations for failure to confine, two for failure to license, two court summonses for abandonment, and one citation for falsification. Deputy Brooke Brown issued a citation for failure to control.
The warden emphasized efforts to hold individuals accountable who provide false information about where they found a dog or its ownership.
Furthermore, Biggerstaff encouraged dog owners to register their pets and obtain a dog tag. Registration can be completed at the auditor's office or the dog shelter located at 285 Columbus Road from Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or online via the county's website. The registration fee is $20 per year.
