Enterprise: Animal control to move under police department's umbrella

Hey folks! Leave your comments regarding this story! It is of my opinion that all Animal Control department should be under the Police Department.

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By BLAIR DEDRICK ORTMANN
December, 10, 2008

The Beaumont Police Department is taking over the direction of Beaumont Animal Control Unit from Public Health as of Monday morning, according to a press release from the police department.

The move comes as Daniel Parker, the man responsible for the city's Animal Control Department, has been accused of allowing thousands of animals to be improperly euthanized and could face criminal charges.

A case has been submitted to the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office and charges could be filed by the end of this week.

The charges allege that Parker instructed employees to inject dogs and cats with sodium pentobarbital without first sedating them, an instruction that is contrary to a 2004 law that requires sedation when using the drug. Those instructions would violate a regulation included in the Texas Administrative Code regulating euthanasia, a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail or both.

Detective Tina Lewallen, the officer who investigated the case, said Tuesday there are no other charges pending against any other Animal Control employees. She also said that she had heard that Parker resigned, although had not received official confirmation.

The press release from Beaumont PD stated the decision to put Animal Control under the direction of the police was made by City Manager Kyle Hayes in conjunction with Public Health Director Ingrid Holmes and Police Chief Frank Coffin.

The transition comes as part of a complete review of all Animal Control operations, the release stated. According to police, it is common for police departments to overseen the daily operation of Animal Control Units.

Police "will be reviewing all aspects of the Animal Control Operations and will be implementing appropriate measures," in order to "increase proficiency and provide better services to the citizens of Beaumont," according to the release.

Hours of operation and contact phone numbers for Animal Control will remain the same until further notice. No changes are expected to daily service.

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