Commissioners investigate Mobile County Animal Shelter protocol

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - According to county officials, two Mobile County Commissioners are initiating investigations of management and protocol at the county animal shelter after 49 dogs were euthanized due to a distemper outbreak.

Commissioners Connie Hudson and Jerry Carl said they will evaluate whether the best practice was used to contain the deadly virus and determine why commissioners were not notified about the crisis in a timely manner. 

The commissioners said they were not consulted or apprised of the outbreak or the decisions made in response to it.

They said based on the outcomes of their investigations, the commissioners will seek appropriate, corrective actions to deal with problems identified.

The commissions also said confusion has surrounded the issue of whether the county shelter has a policy that bans the adoption of certain breeds of dogs with a reputation for being aggressive.

According to county officials, County of Mobile does not have a policy banning these adoptions.  Officials said it has been the long-standing practice of the county shelter to adopt these breeds out to the rescue groups that specialize in the placements of them and who have expertise with them, rather than the general public.

Officials said they believe the confusion may stem from a proposal to ban these adoptions which was developed by the shelter staff to be presented to rescue partners for their input this week.  Officials said the proposal has not been presented to the Mobile County Commissioners nor been enacted.