County Hires New Dog Control Officer

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County has a new dog control officer, formerly known as Animal Control. Judge Executive Wil Cannon said that a decision was made last week to hire Kenny Heath of Brownsville as the new officer.

Cannon said the job was restructured to better suit the needs of Edmonson County and will be supervised by fiscal court.

"We feel like Kenny is the best choice for this position," Cannon said. "We've made the requirements of this position much more specific and we believe it will work much better."

Cannon said that the position will be used for the picking up of stray or abandoned dogs only, and that Mr. Heath will either transport dogs to the proper animal shelter or home of the dog owner. The officer will also respond to law enforcement's call for animal assistance but will not operate under the sheriff's office.

Mr. Heath, a 36 year-old native of Breckinridge County who also served in the U.S. Army as military police said as a dog lover, he wants to do his part to help in the care of abandoned and lost dogs.

He and his wife moved to Edmonson County this past December and operate a woodworking and small engine repair shop at their home near Brownsville. 

"My wife and I are dog lovers," he said. "We have two dogs and we call them 'our boys,' Bodie and Diesel."

Heath said shortly after moving here, one of his dogs got loose and it took them several hours to find him, but others helped them search, and the dog was found safe at a neighbor's house.

"I actually saw the ad for the dog officer position on the (Edmonson) VOICE," he said with a laugh. "When I saw it, I thought it was a good opportunity for me to help others with their dogs."

Although Heath's duties began last week, he had not yet been dispatched to a call. He said having a home-based business would allow him to be available in the new position when called upon.

​Judge Cannon also said the county has appointed Devin Lindsey of Brownsville as a backup dog officer. Cannon said it's a volunteer position and hopes it will fill in the gaps in case Mr. Heath is unable to respond.

Lindsey is expected to be available beginning around the first of July. Mr. Heath was in the process of responding to his first call as our interview concluded.

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