Jonesboro Animal Shelter Shut Down

The dogs are gone, the shelter is closed, and the animal control officer, Lakado Bryant,  is now working for the Jonesboro public works department.

Renee Stringer and other members of the Jonesboro board of alderman made the decision Monday night during a discussion of the animal control budget.  

The town has actually spent 67 thousand putting them in the red for almost 23 thousand dollars. 

Renee Stringer says, "My colleague asked for the key. The mayor denied us that.  He says we can't have access to the pound." 

The entire situation has town leaders divided. 

Here’s a clip of a taped conversation between Mayor Leslie Thompson and Alderman Randy Layfield during Monday night’s public meeting.

Layfield says, "I would like to suspend the operations of an animal control department completely. Therefore, you don’t have any access money we can move."

Mayor Thompson says, "You're going to get crucified out there in public."

Layfield says, "I have already talked to individuals who are willing to take the responsibility of cleaning and feeding the animals. Ms. Stringer and myself as well. We will buy the dog food to  take care of the animals."   

Meantime, the female stray, who some people say the pound has been trying to catch for a year, is often found hanging out in Neatherland’s yard. 

Nadia Thompson says, "Neighbors next door aren't being cooperative."