Judge Cannon Declares September "Edmonson County PAWS Month"

Judge Executive Wil Cannon presents the official proclamation of "Edmonson County PAWS Month" to PAWS President, Kitty Houchin.

Darren Doyle, story and photos
Edmonson County Judge Executive Wil Cannon declared September "Edmonson County PAWS Month," today during the PAWS Meet and Greet Fundraiser Event with new Animal Control Officer Eric Roscoe.

PAWS President Kitty Houchin said she was pleased with today's turnout in spite of rainy weather. 

"We've had such great support so far," she said. "It's the people like the ones that are here today that will help carry us all the way through to see our goals and our dreams."

She said new Animal Control Officer Roscoe has been "a dream" to work with. "We couldn't have chosen anybody any better." She was also quick to thank Judge Cannon.

"Wil Cannon is one of our staunchest supporters, he and the fiscal court. We invited him to one of our board meetings once we got rolling. He said he couldn't believe the amount of work we've accomplished. He said 'you guys are for real.' We said, 'yes we are.'"

Judge Cannon reads the proclamation to the crowd.

PAWS members present Cannon with an official PAWS t-shirt.

Cannon said he had been impressed with the way PAWS has handled their business from day one.

"It was their willingness to try to do what, in my opinion, was the right thing, he said. "Their communication was great and they proved right away that they wanted to help the situation. I think that a local government-humane society agreement will work here. It already works in Warren County."

Cannon said although things are on the right track, accomplishing the goals of the animal shelter situation is still a few years away.

"I think a realistic figure is five to ten years in having a fully-functioning, county-run animal shelter. I'm shooting for five, and I think we can do it, but it's going to take everyone working together. When you have people branching off, doing their own thing, it's hinders the main goal. We need one humane society, one animal shelter, and put them together. It'll work."

Officer Roscoe said any thanks given to him needed to be directed to members of PAWS who are working tirelessly to make a difference in Edmonson County.

"When PAWS gets a call of a found or missing dog, they contact me and let me know what's going on," he said. They do so much of the leg work. They can post things to their site and page and tag me in it. They have dispatch contact me and can get on it."

PAWS said they are planning more fundraisers and activities as well as official PAWS merchandise that will be available for purchase. For more info, visit edmonsoncountypaws.org or their Facebook page by clicking here.