Plans are in motion to better clarify the responsibilities of Livingston County Animal Control.

During Monday’s Public Safety and Infrastructure and Development Committee Meeting, County Administrator Ken Hinton spoke to the committee about the duties that the two animal control officers under the current animal control department face. Hinton claims both The Animal Control Department and The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office feels as though the duties faced by the two control officers would be better suited under the direction and order of the sheriff’s office. Hinton expressed that when animal control is called onto a scene, more often than not it is due to a law enforcement issue. Hinton feels as though placing the officers under the sheriff’s control will allow easier law enforcement.


Along with the officers being placed under the sheriff’s direction, The Animal Control Department is looking to be renamed The Livingston County Animal Shelter so that there is a better understanding of the shelter’s duties. The shelter’s duties include housing animals, operating spaying and neutering clinics, and running adoption programs.

Following Monday’s committee meeting, the next step is for a finance committee to discuss the proposal further. Should the proposal pass, Hinton is looking to have the changes in place by September 5th. (DF)