Who let the dogs out?
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Photo by Eugenia Jones Current Animal Control Officer Greg “Smitty” Smith takes his animal control responsibilities seriously
McCreary County’s Officer Smitty tracks down the answer
After enthusiastically stepping into the role when long-time Animal Control Officer Milford Creekmore went on medical leave, Officer Greg Smith (or Officer Smitty as he is better known) is happy to be McCreary County’s current Animal Control Officer.
With two dogs of his own, Misty Dawn and three-legged Lady Dog, Smith is an animal lover himself. For some, it might seem contradictory for an animal control officer to love animals, but Smith is adamant he wants to help animals by ensuring McCreary County pet and livestock owners take responsibility for their animals.
“I’m here to help,” Officer Smitty said. “That’s one reason I want to get information about animal control out to the public.”
Officer Smitty has already responded to a variety of calls, including complaints regarding dogs, cows, horses, and pigs.
On duty Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:30, the public can contact Officer Smitty directly during these hours by calling his work cell phone at 606-310-8667. After hours, in case of emergencies (dog attacks, etc.,), the public should call McCreary 911. 911 will notify Officer Smitty on his personal cell phone, and he will respond.
Smitty is diligent about responding to calls.
“During the week, I go to the courthouse every single morning and answer all calls that have been made to my work cell phone and the courthouse’s animal control number (376-2275 (BARK)).”
When responding to a complaint call, Officer Smitty attempts to make personal contact with the individual who filed the complaint.
“If no one is home, I leave a note at the house address, either on the door or in the mailbox,” Officer Smitty explained. “That’s why I like for people to have their street address numbers on their mailboxes.”
As an animal control officer, Officer Smitty is a direct extension of law enforcement and is empowered to write citations according to KRS 258 and County Ordinance 840.01. With his 30 year background in law enforcement, which includes military, federal, highway patrol, corrections, and Alabama Fish & Wildlife, Officer Smitty is well prepared to handle his duties.
In his capacity, Officer Smitty is authorized to put down a dangerous animal; however, he is pleased to have other options to use including pepper spray, rubber bullets, etc.
“I want to help animals and their owners,” Officer Smitty shared. “But owners must realize they are completely responsible for damage and/or injury caused by their animal when it is not under the owner’s control. The law allows restitution, and there can be consequences for the animal if there is physical harm.”
Although McCreary County Animal Control is not actually part of the local McCreary County Animal Protection League Shelter in Strunk, KY, the two work closely together.
“Animal Control’s responsibility is handling animal emergencies in the community,” Officer Smitty explained. “We are not actually part of the animal shelter other than being contracted to deliver our animals to them. However, we do work closely together. Ms. Hannah who works there is doing magnificent, excellent work.”
Officer Smitty noted ongoing improvements being made at the shelter, including new kennels, fencing, and on-site animal health protocols.
“As Animal Control, we must abide by shelter capacity limts,” Officer Smitty observed. “Right now, the shelter is at capacity. Of course, we must maintain a few kennels in case of dog bites or attacks. Those animals must be kept for ten days, and then their cases are turned over to the County Attorney.”
Officer Smitty explained the procedure required in instances of dog bites.
“First, anyone who files a complaint over being bitten by a dog must report to a medical facility first,” Officer Smitty explained. “The individual can call me, but going to a medical facility as the first official step is required. The doctor then notifies the Health Department, and then the Health Department notifies me at Animal Control.”
The worst thing Officer Smitty has dealt with so far was an incident involving three stray pit bulls attacking a German Shepherd. Despite receiving treatment, the German Shepherd did not survive.
“It is the worst when we lose an animal due to people in a neighborhood failing to take care of their animals and keeping them under control,” Officer Smitty said sadly.
One of the brighter moments in his animal control work came about when a little McCreary County dog was adopted in New York City. The dog had been very ill, was nursed back to health at the local shelter, and then went out through one of the shelter’s adoption programs. Officer Smitty proudly shows a picture of the pup living its best life in New York.
“The shelter has different kinds of adoptive programs including programs for companion dogs, senior dogs, and adoption dogs,” Officer Smitty observed.
Smitty noted the McCreary County Animal Protection League Shelter is basically a no-kill facility.
“We do everything we can to get dogs into rescue and adoption,” Officer Smitty shared. “The only exceptions are when an animal is physically too ill and has no quality of life or is too vicious to go back into the public.”
Officer Smitty offered words of wisdom to pet and livestock owners.
“First, do not feed strays,” Officer Smitty instructed. “I know we have soft hearts but if you feed a dog, it will stay. Next, keep your animals contained and under control at home. Also, remember to take responsibility for your pet by spaying and neutering.”
Officer Smitty also encouraged everyone to keep a small can of pepper spray.
“Of course, don’t get the spray on yourself,” Officer Smitty cautioned. “But if you spray pepper spray around the inside of garbage can lids and around the bottoms of cans, strays will leave the garbage alone.”
In addition to doing animal inspections, Officer Smitty conducts animal welfare checks when he receives reports of possible neglect or abuse to an animal. He also helps individuals locate missing or lost furbabies. He encouraged pet owners to contact him if a pet goes missing. Pictures of missing or lost pets can be emailed to him at: ac420mccrearycounty@gmail.com or through his Facebook page under Greg Smith (with a profile/cover photo of a grey wolf). Officer Smitty often posts pictures of lost pets and also has animal control information and videos on his Facebook page.
