Ban on killing puppies approved by Lucas County commissioners

11/24/2009

For the first time in years, "pit bull" puppies will not be deemed vicious and killed by Lucas County Dog Warden Tom Skeldon.

With a unanimous vote Tuesday morning, the Lucas County Commissioners approved a temporary ban on puppy killing at the county dog pound.

Commissioners Pete Gerken, Ben Konop, and Tina Skeldon Wozniak voted to ban killing of puppies through the end of the year.

The county's Dog Warden Advisory Committee on Nov. 12 had recommended a temporary moratorium on puppy killing.

"This board of Lucas County Commissioners has made it known it wants to see an increase in dogs adopted and reduction in dogs euthanized by the county dog warder," the resolution passed Tusday stated. The resolution also noted that "it was discovered that about 400 healthy puppies" were killed by Mr. Skeldon since 2007.

Mr. Skeldon last week announced his resignation as dog warden after weeks of criticism from dog advocates and Mr. Konop, who called for his dismissal for killing too many dogs.

The only exception to the new policy is if a licensed veterinarian determines a puppy to be ill.