Holmes dog warden makes aiding staff, animals focus in 2021
One of the main focal points is creating a larger play area for the dogs at the county kennel to get more exercise.
Holmes County dog warden Jonathan Beam has plenty on his to-do list for the county’s pound, and among them is upgrading everything from helping the dogs at the pound to helping his staff out in the community while doing their jobs.
In meeting with the Holmes County commissioners on Thursday, Feb. 18, Beam laid out his ideas for the coming year.
One of the main topics of discussion concerned Beam promoting the purchase and use of body armor for his deputies who go out on calls, some of which can lead to altercations.
Beam asked the commissioners to have the county invest in body armor because he feels it would add great safety to all of his staff who are at times put in danger when taking a dog to the shelter.
“I believe this is a necessity in today’s day and age,” Beam told the commissioners. “As dog wardens dealing with beloved family pets, we find ourselves in many questionable situations every year.”
Beam said he has done research on a number of different styles of body armor, and the cost per employee would be at least $500 for level IIIA protection, which protects the user from most handguns.
“At the end of the day, employee safety and security are crucial,” Beam said.
Beam also brought up the possibility of creating a pet food pantry at the dog warden’s office that would help provide food for families struggling to do so for their dogs.
“Our office consistently has excess dog food,” Beam said. “In the past, to make room for new food coming in, we have sought out other shelters who need food. Most shelters are already stocked and dealing with the same problem. I would like to start a pet food pantry.”
Beam said some of the basic requirements for the pantry would include several key regulations. Those taking advantage of the pantry would have to be a Holmes County resident, they must have a current dog license, individuals would be limited to one bag of food per month and anybody donating to the shelter can donate to the pantry or to the shelter.
Misty Burns, Holmes County director of human resources, suggested that if the dog warden’s office is continually finding itself with excess food, they could donate a large bag to each owner who adopts a dog from the kennel. Beam said that was a terrific idea, and they would pursue doing that in the future.
Beam also touched on another issue he believes would help his office create safer and happier homes for all of its adoptive dogs. Currently, Holmes County does not officially have an adoption application process, but it is something he would like to implement.
The Holmes County Dog Warden’s current dog adoption plan is based on a first come, first serve basis.
“With the first come, first serve way, we have seen some really good families seeking to adopt unable to do so,” Beam said. “While we don’t want to discourage anyone from adopting a dog, we know the dogs better than anyone and know what kinds of families and situations would best benefit each dog. Some dogs require some very special care, and we feel like we could give each dog and family the best fit possible so that it would be best for the adopting family and the dog.”
Beam said the application process would allow the department to find the best match for dog and applicant, which in turn could lead to a decrease return rate for foreseeable reasons such as landlord issues, children issues or issues with other dogs or pets.
It also would allow the department to ask questions regarding felony convictions within the past three years. According to the Ohio Revised Code, there are specific rules that inhibit felons to own certain types or ages of dogs.
Beam went on to note that the majority of shelters now have an application process.
“Ours would be simple and cover the basic information that would allow us to best match dogs and a family,” Beam said.
In addition, Beam said they are currently in the process of creating a better area for the dogs they keep to get exercise and roam. He said the department is creating a play yard, and they would like to begin putting the fence up in April.
The department also is in the process of having a T-shirt sale fundraiser for medical expenses incurred by the dogs.
“These will be design T-shirts that the public can purchase to show their support of the shelter,” Beam said.
Anyone interested in adopting a dog can call the dog warden department at 330-674-6301.