Building a relationship

TOLEDO, Ohio - More discussion about the Lucas County Dog Warden on Tuesday. Now that Tom Skeldon is stepping down, the commissioners are working to remedy the controversy that has surrounded the agency.

Tuesday, the commissioners flat out said they want more of a relationship with the humane society so they can make good use of that resource.

But the question is, what role will that agency take?

Instead of a deteriorating relationship with the Toledo Area Humane Society, Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop wants the dog warden's ties with that agency to be strong.

"They need to be in the dog warden's office, helping, if not making judgments of which dogs should be euthanized," said Konop. "They should have a role in the reform of the dog warden's department," he went on.

These talks are happening because of controversies surrounding Skeldon.

"When it comes to the 400 puppies that have been killed at the dog warden's office since 2007, it shouldn't have happened," Konop said. "If we listen to the type of expertise that the humane society has we're going to see a better dog warden," he explained.

"My commitment to help has been unwavering, and it stays strong to today," said John Dinon, Director of the Toledo Area Humane Society.

"The humane society and staff, feel it is in the best interest of both the humane society and the county if the humane society continues to act in the advisory capacity than take on management of a county department," he added.