Photo Gallery: Residents Protest Animal Control Director

About 30 residents gathered today in front of the Douglas County Courthouse to protest the Douglas County Animal Shelter's new director, Rick Smith, and the policies he has put in place.

County spokesman, Wes Tallon, told WSBTV that Smith has been on the job for less than 90 days. “Mr. Smith has got to be given a chance," he said. "He has not been here long enough to establish his programs and what he plans on doing,” Tallon said.

In February, more than 1,300 people signed an online petition to remove the Douglas County Animal Shelter's new director, Rick Smith. 11Alive news reported that at least one more petition existed, also with more than 1,000 signatures.

"New Douglas County animal shelter director Rick Smith is making numerous changes at Douglas County Animal Control, all of which will result in more animals being killed," read the online petition, posted by Douglas Animal Advocates Network. "Rick’s proposed new animal ordinance updates will make him judge, jury and executioner and will give him even more power to kill animals."

Tracy Thompson was the kennel supervisor for three years, but joined the shelter's field supervisor and resigned shortly after Smith was hired.

Carl Pyrdum, an Animal Control Advisory Board member was removed by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.

A related Douglasville Patch article:

Controversy Rages Over New Animal Shelter Director

Douglasville Patch blogs written by Carl Pyrdum:

Will the BOC Listen To the People?

Related Topics: Animal Control, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, and Rick Smith