Lucas Co dog warden to keep job

TOLEDO, Ohio - Lucas County Dog Warden Tom Skeldon will remain on the job after a 2 to 1 vote Tuesday by Lucas County Commissioners.

Commissioner Ben Konop moved to remove Skeldon after many animal advocacy groups have been protesting the warden's policies. He even asked for an inquiry back in February after a 10-pound Pomeranian belonging to a Point Place owner was allegedly shot and killed by a deputy county dog warden.

Konop said there are far too many dogs being euthanized; more than almost anywhere in the United States. The county commissioner added that a 13-percent pet adoption rate in Lucas County compared to Wood County's 80-percent adoption rate is unacceptable.

"Not just an issue for pet owners, but an issue for all of Lucas County," Commissioner Konop said. "Do we want a county that's known nationally for one of the highest kill rates of dogs in its pound? I don't think that's a good rep to have for a number of reasons."

Commissioners Tina Skeldon-Wozniak and Pete Gerken voted to allow Dog Warden Skeldon to keep his position. Commissioner Gerken said the dog warden has served more than 20 years, and just needs a chance to hopefully work with the Toledo Area Humane Society on the adoption process.