Recent Evaluation Revealed “Disturbing and Sad” Information About Past Practices by Oconee County Animal Control

Information from a recently released animal shelter evaluation report is set to appear in the local newspaper this week. The report outlined process and procedure improvements for shelter operations, but also contained disturbing and sad information regarding past practices at Oconee County Animal Control, a division of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.

Please keep in mind that, while the Oconee Humane Society does occupy a portion of the county-owned shelter facility to voluntarily help homeless pets get a second chance, OHS officials said that the two groups are not affiliated. OHS leadership said that neither they nor any of their staff has ever witnessed animal mistreatment by Oconee County Animal Control personnel and, they said, it would be absurd for anyone to think they would turn a blind eye if they did.

The Oconee Humane Society Board of Directors is working directly with the Sheriff’s office regarding the findings in the report and pressing for significant change, including more transparency. A new Animal Control leadership team is already in place and several of the report recommendations have been implemented.