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New animal control officer: 'This is a 7-day-a-week job'
Hutto took over the position with the city in February following the departure of former ACO Kenny Smith. Since that time he has been working diligently to make people aware of the city's leash law and adoption opportunities for those looking for a four-legged friend. "A lot of people aren't aware of the city ordinance that requires dogs to be on leashes, chains or in fenced enclosures," he said. "The law was designed to protect people as well as the animals. You can't just let your dog run loose." Jackson and Thomasville are the only two municipalities in Clarke County that have leash laws. Violators in Jackson could face a fine and repeat offenders may be required to appear in municipal court. In addition to enforcing the leash law, Hutto is also responsible for picking up stray dogs roaming around the city and maintaining the city pound. "Some of these dogs would make excellent pets," he said. "Before you purchase a dog or get one from someone you know, it might be a good idea to check with us and see if we have any available for adoption." Dogs are kept for seven days before they are put up for adoption. Currently the pound has eight dogs, two of which are German Shepherd-Husky mixed siblings. There have been up to 23 dogs at the pound at one time since Hutto took over as ACO. Hutto works hard to maintain the pound and the dogs kept there. He feeds and waters the animals every day and cleans the stalls. When the weather is cold he turns on heat lamps to keep them warm and uses fans to cool them on hot days. "I have to make sure the dogs are fed and watered seven days a week," he said. "But, that's ok, because I love animals." That's one of the reasons Hutto took the job. He, himself, is a dog owner and loves his new job. Before coming to work with the city, he worked in construction as a gas fitter, which required considerable travel. "This job allows me to be home every night and I really like that," he said. One problem Hutto faces is the dumping of unwanted dogs. "People will actually dump dogs out at the pound," he said. "They shouldn't do that, because it may be up to 24 hours before they are found. If you live in the city limits and know of a stray or unwanted dog, call the city and they will make me aware of the situation." Being the city's animal control officer comes with other responsibilities besides taking care of dogs and enforcing the leash law. "There's a lot of public relations work involved too," said Hutto. "People are always asking me questions and I am glad to answer them. One question that comes up concerns cats. Currently, the city doesn't have an ordinance pertaining to cats." Hutto also removes dead animals from the city streets and unwanted pests, such as snakes, from the yards of homes. "I won't necessarily kill a snake, but I will come remove it from the property," he said Another task that has fallen on Hutto's shoulders is the spraying of neighborhoods in an attempt to combat the mosquito problem that comes with warm weather. "Last year, the city contracted that service out, but when I took over the job they decided to give it back to the animal control officer," he said. He began spraying for the blood-sucking pests earlier this week. "If you haven't seen me in your neighborhood yet, don't worry you will." Establishment of local SPCA Hutto said it his hope to establish a local SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals), which is a nonprofit organization that cares for unwanted pets and adopts them out to people. "I have been in communication with the Humane Society about this and hope to eventually get something going here then branch out into the county," he said, emphasizing that the effort is not part of his job as the city's ACO. "This is just something I feel strongly about. That's why I'm pursuing it. We will need donations from the public and those who are willing to volunteer to be successful." He is also researching grant opportunities for the project. In the meantime, Hutto will continue his efforts to find homes for the dogs at the pound. He recently adopted out several at the Clarke County Association for Retarded Citizen's (CCARC) annual Spring Jubilee and plans on doing the same at the annual Fall Festival if there are any dogs available for adoption at that time.
Those who have questions for Hutto or are interested in adopting a dog can contact him by calling Jackson City Hall at 246- 2461.
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