Demand Removal of Former Pike County, Ohio, Dog Warden Convicted of Cruelty to Animals

PETA has learned that former Pike County, Ohio, Assistant Dog Warden Marty Acord—who was convicted of cruelty to animals—is still working at the county's dog shelter as a "temporary employee" who continues to have contact with animals at the shelter, according to a staff member at the county commissioners' office. Photographs of conditions on Acord's property showed animals living in filth and soaked in mud and their own waste. Many of the animals had no water, according to local news reports. Acord's neighbor had reported Acord to authorities repeatedly over the years because she had seen dead animals on his property.

Court documents reveal that Acord was convicted on March 13 of cruelty to animals. A judge sentenced Acord to six months of probation and a $100 fine and ordered him not to own animals for six months. Despite urgent pleas from PETA and local animal advocates, officials have not removed Acord from the county's payroll. County Commissioner Harry Rider told 10TV.com that he has "no concern" about keeping Acord on staff and wants Acord to stay on the job.
 
Please ask local officials to act immediately to protect animals in the county's care and relieve Acord of all present and future animal-related duties.