Lucas County Commissioners hire Michigan woman as new dog warden

3/30/2010

Lucas County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday afternoon to hire Julie Lyle as the new county dog warden.

Ms. Lyle, 31, who owns a dog training facility in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and also works in child day care, said she hopes to start the job within three weeks. The three commissioners agreed to pay her a $58,010 annual salary.

She will fill the post vacated this year by former warden Tom Skeldon, who was criticized by dog welfare groups for euthanizing too many dogs and adopting out too few. Mr. Skeldon's salary was $69,097 in his final year.

"I think she will foster a lot more progressive and welcoming atmosphere at the dog warden [department]," said Commissioner Ben Konop, who motioned to approve her contract. "She will move us into the modern era."

Ms. Lyle was in the audience during the commissioners' vote. She said afterwards that she will gladly accept their contract.

"I think it's a great time for Lucas County pets," she said. "I think we're going to make some improvements. We're going to fine tune things a little bit and get things going on the right track."

Former Pound Manager Bonnie Mitchell currently serves as Acting Dog Warden. She did not apply for the permanent position.