NEWS 25 WEHT Evansville, Henderson, OwensboroReturning to Webster Co. Dog Pound, One Day after Animal Cruelty Charges

Returning to Webster Co. Dog Pound, One Day after Animal Cruelty Charges

story by Courtney Fischer

WEBSTER CO., KY - One day after NEWS 25 broke the story, we decided to head back to Webster County, to question the Judge Executive about the dog pound. Thursday, Kentucky State Police charged John Dunn, the county's dog warden, with animal cruelty. A day later, the Judge Executive told us it's all a mistake.

Judge Executive Jim Townsend stands by Dunn, calling him the best warden Webster County has ever seen. However, Kentucky State Police don't agree. Thursday, we looked into tips from Webster County residents who claimed the dog pound is in no condition to house animals.

After the warden refused to meet with us, a KSP trooper showed up, and demanded he return to the pound. The Trooper went inside to inspect the building. NEWS 25 was told to stay out, that it was private property, and that we needed Judge Executive Jim Townsend's permission to enter.

Townsend did not return our calls, and said he never received our messages, so we went back to Webster County Friday. This time, John Dunn, the dog warden, let us in. He insists the pound is a safe, clean place for animals.

As for the conditions, Dunn said, "When you come in (Thursday), you come in at a bad time, because we just got through washing down, the concrete was wet. I don't put bedding down until it's dry."

Water bowls, once too high for some of the smaller dogs, had been cut down, and a walking space for animals was put in Friday morning.

Since our first story aired Thursday, we've been getting comments on our website, emails and phone calls, all sharing experiences and concerns with the pound. The warden told us he promises changes will be made. NEWS 25 will stay on top of the story.