Ripley County likely moving forward with Animal Control position

(VERSAILLES, Ind.) – Ripley County Council passed a budget proposal to establish the position of Animal Control Officer this past week. 

This would replace the existing dog warden position that has been in place for decades. The current dog warden's responsibilities include picking up stray dogs and immediately housing them on private property.

The change would allow the Animal Control Officer to have additional authority and it would also establish a commercial dog kennel on county-owned property. 

Commissioner Mark Horstman presented the measure and said this is being done in an effort to modernize the position. 

The Animal Control Officer would begin as a part-time role as early as 2027 and would report directly to the Ripley County Commissioners. 

“I don’t want this to turn into sniffing around people’s backyards or any sort of invasion of privacy, that is not what this position will be and there will be strong oversight from the commissioners,” Horstman said. 

The Council voted to pass the measure with Stephanie Back being the sole councilmember who voted against it. Back said she isn’t against the concept but believes the process is being rushed. 

“My concern is not about whether animal control is a worthwhile service; that is a different matter. My concern is that, before the county commits taxpayer dollars to a new program, we should have a clear plan, realistic cost estimates, defined responsibilities, how it will affect dog owners and an understanding of the ongoing financial obligation,” Back said. 

County officials are encouraging residents who have questions to contact their Commissioner and County Council representative. 

On Monday, there is a regularly-scheduled Commissioners meeting at 8 a.m. as well as a County Council meeting at 6 p.m. at the Ripley County Annex. The measure is expected to be addressed.