14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-Dog pound warden tells his side of the story

Dog pound warden tells his side of the story

By Cory Stark - bio | email | Twitter
Posted by Noah Stubbs - email

WEBSTER CO., KY (WFIE) - County officials said that the Webster County dog Pound facility is between 16 and 20 years old.  

The problem is, the county doesn't have any money to build a new facility.  

I am told that changes have already been made and will be made in the near future to improve the living conditions for the animals.

"I don't think he was very fair when he came down here," Webster County Dog Pound Warden John Dunn said. "You know, I am limited to what I have got and I am trying to do the best I can."

Kentucky State Police charged John Dunn with cruelty to animals in the second degree on Thursday.

Police said that dogs were not getting enough food and water bowls were too high for some dogs to reach.

"The bowls are outside and they are cut off enough so the dogs can reach them," Dunn said. "I promised the officer I would get that done, and I have done it."

On Friday, food bowls were full and there was new bedding for the dogs.

The small facility still has many problems.

"We need a new facility," Webster County Judge Executive Jim Townsend said. "We know that, but we just don't have the finances to do it."

The pound only has eight pens, and many are filled with several dogs.

Also, at the entrance to the facility, there are two large freezers holding dead animals.

"When you come into the door, the first thing you see is a freezer," Dunn said. "That is no good, I know that."

"That is a disturbing thing," Townsend said.

County officials said a dog named Phoenix stayed in the pound for six days before taking it was taken to a vet.

The dog was put down on Thursday.

"I assure you that will be changed," Townsend said. "If we have a dog that is wounded, it will go straight to the vet."

The budget for the pound is $45,000 a year.

County officials said the budget will be increased so improvements can be made.

County officials said that the freezers will be moved away from the facility within the next three weeks.

Judge Executive Townsend said that he has no plans to remove John Dunn as dog warden.

©2010 WFIE. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.