Two part-time workers have been hired at Warren County Animal Control in hopes of ending what seems like a revolving door of employees at the facility. Brandi Bouldin and Deitra Kester were selected from a field of 18 applicants, three of whom were interviewed by members of Warren County Health and Welfare Committee.
Bouldin and Kester are the fifth and sixth Animal Control employees hired within two years.
The two-part time positions will replace the full-time position left vacant by Karla Fischbach, who resigned March 25. Fischbach cited a personality conflict between her and Animal Control director Kim Pettrey as the reason for her resignation.
Bouldin has been working as a volunteer at Animal Control every day for two-and-a-half months.
Pettrey said Bouldin has ridden along with her when she has taken animals to rescues.
“She knows how that works and I know how meticulous she cleans. She is a good worker,” said Pettrey.
Persons interviewed were asked a series of questions by members of the Health and Welfare Committee and were rated on each. The questions asked included experience working with animals, proper attitude when dealing with difficult situations, and the candidates opinion of euthanasia.
“I don’t like it,” said Kester when asked her opinion on euthanizing animals. “But, if an animal was suffering or was vicious, I understand it must be done. I would do what I could to get the animal adopted first. It would be hard, but I think I could help.”
Boudlin said, “I’m opposed to it. I disagree with it. If an animal can be saved, it should be. But, you can’t save them all. If an animal is very sick, let it go. Don’t let it suffer.”
Committee members explained Pettrey is the only person at the facility certified to perform euthanasia on an animal at this time but would need help keeping the animal calm if an injection needed to be given.
Commissioner Sally Brock said, “We try to only put down vicious animals or animals that are sick. We are lucky because many of our animals get rescued. But, if we run out of space and get too overcrowded, we may have to euthanize.”
The two must pass a drug screening and have clean motor vehicle reviews (MVRs) before being officially hired.
“They have started the process and we expect them to be completed and be on the docket at the next full court meeting. The MVR results usually come back pretty quickly while the drug screen results may take longer,” said County Executive administrative assistant Carol Cantrell.
Members of the county Health and Welfare Committee present for interviews were Commissioners Sally Brock, Billy Earl Jones and Blaine Wilcher. Commissioners Teddy Boyd and Diane Starkey were absent.
The full commission will meet Monday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Administrative Building courtroom on Locust Street.