A proposed shift in how St. Clair County handles animal cruelty and livestock investigations is moving forward following a marathon public hearing that drew a packed crowd to the county administration building.
The Judiciary Public Safety Committee voted 5-1 on Thursday to advance a rewrite of the county’s animal control ordinance. The proposal aims to draw a hard line between civil duties and criminal investigations.
Under the new rules, criminal investigations, including animal neglect and cruelty, would be led by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office or local police force. Animal Control would maintain its focus on shelter operations, pet licensing, and civil infractions like dogs bites or strays. The department would however, also assist law enforcement with investigations when appropriate.
Following the meeting, Board Chairman Steve Simasko told WPHM the overhaul isn’t about targeting the department, but rather correcting legal errors. An opinion from County Corporation Counsel Gary Fletcher argued that the current ordinance violates state law by allowing non-police officers to lead criminal investigations. Simasko also raised safety concerns regarding how enforcement has been handled in the past. “Volunteers and citizens are going out on what you call raids or enforcement actions by animal control, and that’s a very dangerous situation,” Simasko said. He cited the December 2023 shooting of a local process server as a reminder of how quickly routine visits can turn violent. “We want people to be safe. We want animal control to function within the confines of law.”
The issue isn’t without pushback, as several residents and Animal Control Director Melissa Miller spoke during Thursday’s meeting, raising concerns over how the new system will work in practice. Those opposing the change argue that law enforcement officers may lack the specialized training needed to handle livestock or recognize subtle signs of animal distress. Critics worry that shifting these duties away from experienced animal control staff could lead to a lack of accountability and a decrease in the effectiveness of animal welfare checks throughout the county.
St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King spoke during the meeting to address rumors that his office is looking to absorb the department. “The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department is not taking over animal control,” King told the crowd. “We have no interest in taking over animal control.” King emphasized that deputies will work collaboratively with the shelter, but noted that state law requires certified officers to handle the criminal side of the job.
The full Board of Commissioners is expected to take a final vote on the ordinance during their meeting on Thursday, May 21st.
