Committee advises dog warden changes

TOLEDO, Ohio - Changes could be on the way at the Lucas County Dog Warden's Office after T om Skeldon came under fire for putting too many animals down.

The Dog Warden Advisory Committee made three recommendations to change how things are done at area shelters.

The first commendation is for all dogs that are brought in to the Lucas County Dog Warden have to photographed. Canine pictures would then have to be posted on the shelter's Web site within 24 hours.

The second recommendation is that no puppies can be put to sleep before they are three months old. The final item is to test to see if dogs are pit bulls.

"We're also dealing with a more obstinate and resistant personality who has not accepted information that has been given to him and that makes the task more difficult," said Tamara Ernst, who is with the group Lucas County for Pets.

The advisory committee plans to meet with Skeldon. The recommendations will be considered by the county commissioners.